BARRISTERS TARGETED

The Bar Council has pledged to take appropriate action against barristers who have made such excessive claims for criminal legal aid as to be unjustifiable...The Bar Council has pledged to take appropriate action against barristers who have made such excessive claims for criminal legal aid as to be unjustifiable and amount to misconduct, a circular to chambers has revealed.

The move follows an investigation triggered by information from the Lord Chancellors Department.

The Bar Council also expressed concern at evidence uncovered during the investigation that barristers are signing blank claim forms and leaving them for their clerks to fill in.

It warned that failing to oversee a clerks work would aggravate consideration of a complaint.