Solicitors speak on free legal advice cuts

A number of solicitors in the north-east of England have joined forces to speak out on proposed cuts to free legal help.

They want the government to implement the plans at a slower pace and think about other options, the Northern Echo reported.

"We depend hugely on the public sector in this region, and the cuts that were made during the comprehensive spending review could lead to people requiring legal aid, but it being unavailable to them," Rob Hart, of the North East Law Society, said.

Furthermore, legal executive Pauline McIntyre, who works in a deprived area of the Potteries, told the Guardian about the importance of free legal advice.

Ms McIntyre, a specialist in family law, said that most of her clients would not be able to pay for legal representation if the government's proposed cuts to legal aid are carried out.

She also said that poverty often led to legal issues and that the recession has resulted in more debts and arguments in clients' lives.

Published by Hannah Carr