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The problem is that small and medium sized firms have helped create this mess by failing to band together and fight "legal aid reform" and the MoJ's propaganda.
The Law Society and others talk about "consolidation" as being necessary because there is oversupply. What this actually means is that some firms feel that the existence of other firms stops them getting their full entitlement of defendants. They raise issues as to quality of work by smaller firms or sole practitioners to justify their greed.
The truth is for any firm that if you are not attracting enough work for your crime team then you need to reduce your crime team. The fees are so low that the perception is that increased turnover will produce increased profit. It won't.
We need to derail TT so we can negotiate proper fees, proper resourcing of the criminal justice system and make access to justice a reality.
If we succumb to this bribe we will prove to MoJ that all we care about are the fees.
Those who lead CLSA and LCCSA need to reassure Solicitors that BFG is not pulling the strings and that it is only the concerns of CLSA and LCCSA members that matters. Let BFG fight their own battles.
I'm not now-though I was-a member of CLSA.
I didn't bid for a TT contract.
I have urged withdrawal of TT bids by those who have bid so we can fight for a better, well resourced CJS. My views have drawn offensive and unprofessional criticism from people who really should know better.
Being aware of some of the members of BFG my thoughts are that the group needs to review its selection, vetting and due diligence processes and its members need to cut their cloth accordingly. The demand for a greater share hides the fact that they aren't as good as they think they are and that bribing clients and touting isn't an effective business plan.
SME crime firms need to realise the power we have and to ignore BFG and poisoned berries coated in honey offered up to us by our "leaders" and the MoJ.
If you survive TT this time-you probably won't the next time.
You have a choice.