Law Society statement on SSBA boycott

The Law Society of Scotland has responded to an announcement from the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association that its members will be resuming a boycott of summary domestic abuse cases.

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray said: "We understand and fully appreciate the deep frustration that has driven SSBA members to take these steps. Criminal defence is a fundamental part of Scotland's justice system and the Law Society has long argued for a properly funded justice sector for the Scottish public. That means proper funding for legal aid and the criminal bar in Scotland. 

"Without appropriate funding, it is ultimately the public who will suffer, particularly those who rely on legal aid to access legal representation for criminal and civil matters. This is a longstanding issue that must be capable of being resolved and for which solutions need to be found urgently."

The SSBA had suspended the action first launched in 2022 when negotiations began to develop an annual fee review system for legal aid fees.

The association has withdrawn from negotiations. The Law Society of Scotland also withdrew from the talks last month, citing the lack of progress.