More advocates outside London could work on Government legal cases
More advocates outside London could work on Government cases, following a Government Legal Department consultation.
Train leaving station
More advocates outside London could work on Government cases, following a Government Legal Department (GLD) consultation on how advocates are appointed.
The changes would bring arrangements in the regions in line with those in place in London and could create more opportunities for advocates outside London, developing regional talent.
Changes proposed in this exercise could encourage more use of junior advocates available for government work on a C panel in the regions. The proposals also aim to achieve better value for money for the taxpayer.
The Attorney General is considering whether any changes should be made in time for the next Regional Panel Competition to be held later this year.
The Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC MP said:
We are looking to bring arrangements in the regions in line with those in place in London, creating more opportunities for advocates in the regions, developing talent across the country. Currently, it can be cheaper to send an advocate from London into the regions rather than hiring someone locally. The aim of the proposals is to support the Government’s commitment to spread wealth and ambition to all areas of the country.
The consultation Proposed Changes to the Attorney General’s Civil Panels runs until 10 May. Currently, applicants need to demonstrate a professional connection to the area before applying. The consultation also looks at whether that requirement should be retained.
The GLD administers the panels on behalf of the Attorney General.