‘Legal Aid and Access to Justice in Scotland: A Plan for the Future?’

Glasgow

Friday 6 June 2025, 10:00 – 18:30.

For many years clients, policy makers, advice agencies and lawyers have both expressed vigorous support for state financial support to provide for access to justice as well as increasing frustration about weaknesses of the system in Scotland.

In response there have been several political initiatives considering the system as well as an independent strategic review of legal aid by Martyn Evans. However, not much has changed: although some increases in the fee levels have occurred many solicitors and professional regulatory bodies have vigorously asserted that fees remain much too low. Law centre funding is increasingly provided on a declining and ad hoc basis. Eligibility for legal aid generally has sharply declined.

This culminated in a series of recent Glasgow Herald articles in late 2024 and 2025 asserting that the system is beyond breaking point. The Scottish Government has responded by publishing a discussion paper on three strands of work to be undertaken in 2025 and 2026 to improve legal aid.

At this critical juncture for the future of legal aid and access to justice in Scotland, The Scottish Legal Action Group (SCOLAG) and GO Justice (The School of Law, the University of Glasgow) have organised this free conference in order to strengthen links between people concerned by the situation relating to legal aid and to promote constructive dialogue as to what the reform agenda should be.

The conference, hosted at the University of Glasgow’s Senate Room in the Gilbert Scott Building will feature an array of expert speakers and policy makers, including politicians, practitioners and academics including:

• Siobhan Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Scottish government;
• Sue James, CEO of the (English and Welsh) Legal Action Group;
• Matthew McGovern (McGovern Reid Court Lawyers);
• Sally Mair, Managing Principal Solicitor of Shelter Scotland; &
• Martyn Evans (Chair of Independent Strategic Review of Legal Aid in Scotland (2018)

Attendance at the conference is free and lunch/coffee will be provided but booking is absolutely essential. To book tickets, and to see the full programme of speakers please register here. A drinks reception will follow the conference. For any questions or queries please email scottishlegalactiongroup@gmail.com.