Become a member

Reasons for Joining Legal Aid Practitioners Group

LAPG ensures your voice is heard.
In the light of the Carter proposals, it has never been more critical for the profession to come together to ensure that its voice is heard clearly by Government. LAPG will present well taken objections to the reform package, based on the impact of the reforms on the interests of clients, sound economic argument and the public interest. To ensure that our arguments have maximum impact, it is vital that we represent as large a proportion of the legal aid profession as possible.

LAPG gets results
“As a result of my discussions with the Legal Aid Practitioners Group, we now have, alongside the regulatory impact test, a legal aid impact test. Any Department that puts forward a new law that includes an offence where there is a possible need for legal aid for an individual will now have to have that assessment made before the legislation is introduced.” Bridget Prentice MP, Hansard, Wednesday 26 October 2005

LAPG keeps practitioners informed.
LAPG members receive a digest of Focus by e-mail, as well as regular updates on what is happening on the legal aid system. Thanks to our constructive working relationship with the LSC and DCA we can often provide information more quickly and in more depth than anybody else. Our quarterly magazine, Legal Aid Review provides analysis and commentary on important developments.

LAPG provides practical support
LAPG has two e-mail helplines for members. General contract queries are dealt with through lapghelpline@anyadesigns.co.uk. Queries about costing issues under the criminal contract may be sent to crimcosts@lapg.co.uk. Other questions can be dealt with in the office by telephone or letter.

LAPG meets your CPD requirements
Our course programme includes unique courses tailored to the needs of legal aid practitioners, including the only bespoke Law Society Management Stage 1 course for this sector. We have a full day course to provide firms with the financial management skills needed to run a legal aid contract successfully. Our Annual Conference gives practitioners an opportunity to challenge politicians and senior officials from the CDA and LSC and qualifies for 6 hours CPD.

LAPG celebrates the work of legal aid lawyers.
We have developed the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards to celebrate the dedication of practitioners working in this field.

Through ongoing training, practical support and up-to-the-minute information, we support the delivery of high quality legal services by legal aid lawyers, whose hard work, skill and dedication are completely under valued.

 Press here to download the application form.
 Press here to download the application renewal form.