Law Society paper reveals concerning state of the legal sector in Wales
A newly published report has highlighted serious concerns around ‘legal deserts’, solicitor recruitment and crumbling court infrastructure in Wales – calling for the UK and Welsh Government to take urgent action.
The Law Society Wales’ paper, Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030, finds that the number of people eligible for free civil legal aid support in Wales has reduced by 50% since 2009, with free legal advice being ‘concentrated around the urbanised M4 corridor of in the South of Wales’.
These advice deserts, finds the Law Society, are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon with law firms struggling to recruit new talent – with 85% of SME firms listing recruitment as their top concern for the future.
Communities “left without”
In light of these findings, Chair of the Law Society’s National Board for Wales, Mark Davies said: “As Chair of the Law Society National Board for Wales, I am deeply concerned about the growing legal advice deserts across our country.
“Access to justice is a fundamental right, yet many communities in Wales are being left without the vital legal services they need and deserve.”
If a case does manage to proceed, the paper notes that the court system in Wales is physically and technologically outdated with 30% of solicitors describing that they simply didn’t feel safe in the courts citing ‘broken heating, antiquated sewage systems, mould, asbestos, and leaking roofs’.
Devolution of justice
The paper also addresses conversations around devolution of justice to Wales, stating that if it is to happen there must be full funding from UK Treasury based on robust, co-produced coatings
Devolution of justice would also require no barriers or restrictions for solicitors in Wales and England to practise across border, as well as preservation of the current single regulatory framework for solicitors across Wales and England
Commenting on potential devolution of justice, Head of Wales Jonathan Davies said: ‘The Law Society believe that the Welsh Government must put the political, policy and delivery frameworks in place prior to the start of any devolution of justice functions.
“For example, we will continue to echo the importance of a Minister for Justice which would create a much-needed budget line for the sector.
“This idea of evolution, not revolution, will ensure that both the sector and Welsh Government are fully prepared and are in a strong position to ensure that any devolved justice function delivers for the people of Wales.”
To access Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030 in full, along with a summary document, click here
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Just like every aspect of the UK, crumbling and in decay, after 14 years of austerity and hundreds of years of the neglect of Cymru, nothing will change, as the UK status quo suits the establishment and keeps us in our place, as the provider to the UK of its raw materials and power needs. One independent report after another urged change, scrap Barnett, devolve policing and justice, devolve control over railways, yet nothing is done, as we sink even lower into more poverty. What will, it take for our people to grasp the opportunity of self rule and independence… Read more »
UK on a whole is in a mess. This isn’t Wales solely at issue, its the whole system (see prison releases cos Cameron/May/Johnson/Lettuce/Sunak bottled it). Buildings are falling apart or area’s closed down, legal workers are underpaid (see strikes). Is there anything the Tory party have not broken?
Grayling got a nice ermine coat for wrecking part of the system.
I would be interested in the response of the Secretary of State for Wales, if she still opposes the devolution of our own justice system.
Nation.Cymru, could you please ask her?
Just because a thing gets devolved does not mean it will be better run – ask Scotland with its issues like education, health and gender issues. It’s a mess. Devolution does not axiomatically mean better.