New job. Different problems

Well, a lot has happened since I last talked to myself on here.

I finally left my job! I spent 6 months poking at another firm saying Gis a Job, Gis a Job, and finally they gave in. It's a firm that only does criminal law - magistrates, crown and prison law. Where my soul is.

I couldn't take the Other Place any more - it was badly run, not many clients were actually helped by our intervention, and everyone hated working there.

The New Place is run by eccentrics and staffed by the same, and it's bloody marvellous. Everyone there is there because they love what they do, are passionate, and believe in true social justice. Many of us have had a rough time,  for various reasons, and most of us are a little quirky. But everyone is warm, friendly, and amazing at their jobs and I love it!

As far as Legal Aid is concerned, I've really only swapped one set of issues for another. Civil is currently sounding its deathrattle, and quite frankly I don't expect that anything will radically change from the bill to it being enacted. Defeatist, but sadly probably true. The combination of cuts, job losses and the loss of the vast majority of Civil Legal Aid is truly abhorrent. And the effect will be the marginalisation of many of society, impotent to challenge wrong decisions, see their kids, divorce, etc etc.

Criminal law and its problems sees even less media coverage/public sympathy. Mainly because it deals with those in society that we would rather pretend didn't exist. The druggies, alcoholics, ASBO kids, gangs, kiddy fiddlers......  Criminal defence lawyers are ranked scum too - to be honest, that doesn't bother me one iota - it's other people's prejudices that lead to that conclusion, not mine.  Who's the first person (apart from your mum) that you'd call if you were arrested......? A solicitor. Necessary evil we are. Like flypaper.

One of the major proposals for cuts within crime ( apart from general cutting of fees) is that it is proposed that advice in the police station is means tested. At the moment, EVERYONE is entitled to speak to a solicitor free of charge when arrested and taken to a police station, and the chances are, to have a legal representative present when you are interviewed.
Imagine you are arrested in the middle of the night and dragged to the police station. Probably in your boxer shorts. If you're lucky, the police let you get dressed. Would you have the time or presence of mind to grab 3 wage slips? No? Well tough, you'll be on your own in the police station.
Will you know if they have the right to search your house? Take your computer and phone? Take intimate samples? Keep you for 24 hours? Should you answer questions or keep silent? No? This government says tough, you should know a solicitor, and be able to pay them before you have any of these questions answered. Seem fair?

The reality is not many people will care. Unless it happens to them. And that's where all the Legal Aid cuts collide. They aren't vote winners. They don't affect Middle England.

....but I love my job..... as long as it lasts. The death knell is starting to toll quietly for Criminal Legal Aid, and it won't be long before it becomes deafening.