The Legal Aid Agency has terminated its contract with Public Interest Lawyers

The Legal Aid Agency has found Public Interest Lawyers (PIL) in breach of contract and have terminated its contract with them on the basis that “the firm has breached its contractual requirements”.

The LAA said it has taken this action after a thorough review of information provided by PIL following the investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into the firm.

The SRA has also asked the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) to consider allegations against the firm.

The LAA stated categorically that it has no role in judging the issues of professional conduct involved in the allegations.

However, the LAA is clear that contractual breaches with the Agency’s contract are proven and warrant investigation by the relevant authorities.

The LAA will now carefully consider any application to transfer representation to a new firm in accordance with the relevant criteria.