Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association
CLSA
Director: Rodney Warren Administrator: Sue Johnson
Suite 2 Level 6, New England House, New England Street
BrightonBN1 4GH. DX: 2740 Brighton
Tel: 01273 676725 Email: sue@clsa.co.uk
Chairman Joy Merriam
Mr D Hudson Suite 2 Level 6
New England House
Chief Executive New England Street, Brighton
The Law Society BN1 4GH
DX 56 DX: 2740 Brighton
London/Chancery Lane T: 01273 676725
E: joymerriam@clsa.co.uk
Date: 04/07/2008
Dear Des
As you are aware the series Criminal Justice has been broadcasting this week and the portrayal
of the duty solicitor therein has been inaccurate and less than flattering.
Our members have noticed the extensive coverage, both in the national press and on national
radio, which has been achieved by Tim Dutton QC in defence of the Bar, and are puzzled by the
silence from the Law Society. I note the Law Society position in your news summary sent today
but it seems Andrew Holroyd’s comment has not been picked up by the media at all.
This is doubly unfortunate as our members are also concerned, as I am, that the Law Society
did not include criminal law in the recent national publicity campaign despite assurances to the
contrary and I would be grateful if you could clarify these issues for me so I may inform our
members.
There is now a call from our members for an advertisement in the national press to raise the
profile of the work of the duty solicitor and correct the false impression created by this television
series.
We will be looking to the Law Society to fund this as we were not included in the national
advertising campaign and I would therefore be obliged for a speedy reply to this letter as the
advertisement would need to be placed very quickly to take advantage of the current debate
engendered by this programme.
I look forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely
Joy Merriam
CLSA Chairman
Chairman: Joy Merriam – Duncan Lewis & Co
Vice-Chairman: Andrew Keogh – Tuckers Honorary Secretary: Mike Jones – Grayson Willis Bennett Treasurer: Steve Wedd-BWS