Sussex lawyers to protest outside Lewes Crown Court over legal aid cuts

Lewes Crown Court, which hosts many of the area’s criminal cases, is one of several courts across the country expected to see protests and walkouts organised by the Criminal Bar Association this morning.

It follows proposed Government cuts of around £220m including cuts to fees paid to lawyers in complex, high-cost cases, and in other crown court cases.

On a statement on its website Nigel Lithman, chairman of the CBA, said: “The protest on Monday is the first in the history of the criminal bar. That it is necessary in order to try and prevent the slide of the criminal justice system into chaos and the Criminal Bar into oblivion make it a sad day.

“Those taking the action wish to send a message to the Lord Chancellor that this, along with cuts to their pay, is unacceptable.”

Are you affected by the proposed cuts? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 01403 751230.