Legal Aid Agency terminates contract with high-profile claimant law firm

The Legal Aid Agency has terminated its contract with Public Interest Lawyers, claiming that the high-profile claimant law firm had breached its contractual requirements.

In a statement on its website, the LAA said: “We have taken this action after a thorough review of information provided by PIL, following the investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into the firm.

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

“The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has no role in judging the issues of professional conduct involved in the allegations.

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

The agency said it would carefully consider any application to transfer representation to a new firm in accordance with the relevant criteria.

PIL has been asked for comment.