Dear Members,
Two weeks have flown by since the AGM.
I believe we have a great committee with an outstanding combination of experience (so many ex-Presidents continuing to contribute), a core of experienced committee members continuing and a group of new members.
It promises to be a tough and engaging year, trying to shape the framework of the CJS and resist more cuts.
If you can recruit a friend please do.
For £1.50 a week (less than a cup of coffee), there is training, ID card, and above all active engagement in an Association that fights for our common interests.
Greg Powell
LCCSA President
gregpowell@psplaw.co.uk
New LCCSA Committee
Around 100 members attended our AGM and Dinner on November 7th.
Details of the new committee structure (and contact details) will follow in a separate post.
The first committee meeting with the new team is on Monday December 12th, and thereafter unless otherwise notified the second Monday of each month (bar August) , starting at 6.30.
Members are always welcome to attend, but if intending to do so we respectfully ask that you notify Sara Boxer (saraboxer@aol.com) in advance so we can ensure we have sufficient room-size allocated.
Our meetings continue to be held at the offices of Kingsley Napley, and the Association is grateful for their ongoing support.
Outgoing President's speech from AGM here.
DJ Ian "Jazzy" Baker invites you to a Christmas concert
Members who appeared at Highbury Court will probably remember District Judge Ian Baker, now retired. He has used his post retirement time constructively, forming a jazz Octet who will be performing in Highbury this month. He has asked the LCCSA to circulate the details below, and extend an invitation to defence lawyers to attend his gig. Admission is free to LCCSA members.
The concert is this Monday November 28th at 8 p.m.at St James Church, Prebend Street, London N1 8PF, the nearest stations are Angel and Highbury and Islington.
There are plenty of bars and eateries nearby, and  in particular the Hanbury Arms on nearby Prebend St. is a convenient meeting pub for pre-concert food and gig
CPS Engagement
Please note the CPS/Defence Engagement session of December 7th is CANCELLED (New date tbc)
Bach Commission
The LCCSA provided evidence to the Bach Commission into Legal Aid. The interim report has now been published- to read the report (or a summary of key findings) see here:-
http://www.fabians.org.uk/publications/the-crisis-in-the-justice-system-in-england-wales/
Legal Aid Contract Verification
The LAA has now issued guidance on the verification process for 2017 contracts:-
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/539556/guidance-on-crime-supervisor-requirements-2016.pdf
Training Events
Date for diary- next CPD accredited training at HJA on 25/01/17 (details will be on website soon!)
Membership Renewal
LCCSA membership runs from the 1st November- if you haven't already renewed, please do so now!
London Advocate
The first digital edition was launched last month (See earlier post)
Please send articles for next edition to editor Mel Stooks, or administrator, saraboxer@aol.com