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As individuals we fight hard and fearlessly for our clients. As a proffession we are paralysed by self doubt and paranoia. To survive, this must stop. If TT is shelved, we must force the MOJ to engage in constructive dialogue. Criminal legal aid is not dead, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding career. The problem is big firms with a few equity partners who engage in policies that have little regard for access to justice, but more concern for their profits. The effect is poorly paid and poorly motivated young solicitors. In my local area, a large firm pays it's newly qualified solicitors less than 25k and blames cuts by the government, but refused an all out strike. The BFG greed is our problem. If TT brings an end to these firms, then criminal defence can flourish.