Is the duty solicitor shortage reaching crisis point?

Is the duty solicitor shortage reaching crisis point?

The Law Society has raised a red flag over the steady decline of criminal duty solicitors in England and Wales, a trend that could have serious consequences for the justice system. Since 2017, the number of duty solicitors has dropped by 26%, and the outlook isn’t promising. Projections suggest a further 37% decline over the next ten years.

With the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers expected to bring in around 729,000 more cases by 2030, this dwindling workforce is a real concern. In some areas, duty solicitor schemes are running with fewer than seven members, making around-the-clock legal cover increasingly difficult. Compounding the issue is the ageing profile of the profession, fewer than 4% are under the age of 35.

The knock-on effects? Delays, pressure on police investigations, and the risk of miscarriages of justice. The Law Society is calling for urgent action to strengthen the system and ensure access to justice is protected.

At Bewley Recruitment, we understand just how vital duty solicitors are. With over 27 years of experience in legal recruitment, we’re here to help law firms tackle these staffing challenges and build a stronger, more sustainable future for the profession.

Read more: https://heyor.ca/uhlJLQ

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