For many years clients, policy makers, advice agencies and lawyers have both expressed vigorous support for state financial support to provide for access to justice as well as increasing frustration about weaknesses of the system in Scotland.

In response there have been several political initiatives considering the system as well as an independent strategic review of legal aid by Martyn Evans. However, not much has changed: although some increases in the fee levels have occurred many solicitors and professional regulatory bodies have vigorously asserted that fees remain much too low. Law centre funding is increasingly provided on a declining and ad hoc basis. Eligibility for legal aid generally has sharply declined.

This culminated in a series of recent Glasgow Herald articles in late 2024 and 2025 asserting that the system is beyond breaking point. The Scottish Government has responded by publishing a discussion paper on three strands of work to be undertaken in 2025 and 2026 to improve legal aid.

At this critical juncture for the future of legal aid and access to justice, The Scottish Legal Action Group (SCOLAG) and GO Justice (The School of Law, the University of Glasgow) have organised this free conference in order to strengthen links between people concerned by the situation relating to legal aid and to promote constructive dialogue as to what the reform agenda should be.

This conference is aimed at everyone who is concerned about securing access to justice for all: particularly the most vulnerable. If you are worried that justice is becoming unaffordable, that legal aid as a career choice is in decline or simply that the strengths of the current system are maintained this conference is for you. Solicitors, advocates, law students, advice agencies, law centre management, policy makers or campaigners will find the conference of value. Whilst attendance is free booking is essential due to expected high demand.

The Scottish Legal Action Group (SCOLAG) is a charitable organisation that exists to promote understanding of the law and work to improve the legal system for the benefit of those people in Scotland who are economically, socially or otherwise disadvantaged.

Glasgow Open Justice (Go Justice) is a centre based at the University of Glasgow, School of Law, whose mission is to empower individuals and communities to use the law to access justice and achieve social and economic inclusion. The centre achieves this through research and legal education.

Conference Programme

10:00 – 10:15: Welcome to the Conference: Chloe Minto (SCOLAG & CLAN Child Law) & Eamon Keane (Go Justice). Morning sessions chaired by Chloe Minto.

10:15 – 10:45: Siobhan Brown MSP Minister for Victims and Community Safety: Address to the Conference on the Scottish Government’s Priorities and Agenda for Legal Aid Reform.

10:45 – 11:05 Professor Tom Mullen University of Glasgow School of Law

Who has an enforceable right to access justice? What have the courts said and what is the Human Rights background?

11:05 – 11:15 Questions and Discussion

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee

11:30 – 13:15 Legal Aid: The Picture at the Coalface & Plans for the Future? Chaired by Denis Brady (SCOLAG).

A Panel discussion of criminal and civil legal aid schemes and the extent to which these schemes ensure access to justice for all.

Reform of Civil Legal Aid to Protect Victim/Survivors of Abuse – Lynsey Fleming, Senior Associate, Just Right Scotland.

Reform of Children’s Legal Aid – Lucy Frazer, Head of Strategic Litigation with Clan Child Law.

Reform of Civil Legal Aid Housing– Sally Mair, Shelter Scotland Housing Law Services.

Reform of Criminal Legal Aid – Ian Moir, Convenor the Law Society of Scotland Legal Aid Committee & Matthew McGovern (McGovern Reid Court Lawyers).

13:15 – 14:00 Lunch (Provided)

14:00 – 14:20 Researching Legal Aid – Professor Jacqueline Kinghan, University of Glasgow School of Law

14:20 – 14:30 Discussion

14:30 – 15:00 Lessons to be Learned from England? – Sue James, CEO of the Legal Action Group.

14:50 – 15:00 Discussion

15:00 – 16:00 Access to Justice and University Law Clinics: A Series of Workshops Involving Staff and Students at Glasgow Open Justice (General Introduction to the work of Glasgow Open Justice: 15:00 – 15:15 with Workshops 15:15 – 16:00

·         Housing Law: Fiona McPhail, Lecturer in Welfare Rights / Social Justice.

·         Asylum & Immigration Law: Professor Jen Ang, Professor of Practice.

·         Criminal Law: Professor Jacqui Kinghan & Eamon Keane, Co-Directors of the Emma Ritch Law Clinic

16:00 – 17:00 Panel Discussion: What Now for Access to Justice and Legal Aid in Scotland?

Paul Brown (Chair, with Presentation)

Martyn Evans, Chair of Independent Strategic Review of Legal Aid in Scotland (2018)

Dr Ben Christman, Legal Director Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Professor Jacqui Kinghan

Sue James

Colin Lancaster, Chief Executive of SLAB

17:00 – 18:30: Drinks Reception