For the first time two Criminal solicitors associations urge lawyers to join Unite the union

Today (Friday 3rd November) the two leading associations for criminal solicitors have urged all solicitors to join Unite the union to ensure they have a large independent trade union fighting for them at work.

At the opening of the CLSA annual conference The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association (CLSA) and the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA) have announced that they will be working with Unite to urge all criminal solicitors to join Unite.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “This is a groundbreaking agreement which marks a turning point for solicitors. Whether its increasing workloads, stagnating pay or recruitment, and retention issues there has never been a better time for solicitors to be a part of Unite.

“Unite is looking forward to working with The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association (CLSA) and the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA) to improve the jobs, pay and conditions of all solicitors. Unite stands ready to support solicitors and all staff in the industry in campaigning for vital changes in our legal sector.”

Fadi Daoud, President of the LCCSA and Daniel Bonich, Chair of the CLSA have jointly said: “The criminal justice system in this country is in a dire state. Solicitors specialising in criminal defence are beleaguered and exiting the profession at record rates. We cannot go on like this. For this reason, the committees of the LCCSA and CLSA have agreed to encourage members to join Unite and so put solicitors on the front foot by improving our bargaining position with the government as we fight to save our broken justice system.”

ENDS