Last week 1GC Family Law's Senior Fees Clerk, Chris Ferrison and St Mary's Chambers Chief Executive Scott Baldwin, attended the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) offices in South Tyneside to meet with the High Cost Family team for two days. The purpose of the visit was to look at ways to improve communications and processes around High Cost Family cases for the benefit of all concerned. 

The two days were informative, instructive, and enjoyable with the various sessions producing constructive outcomes. Plans are already in place to arrange another visit next year to continue this ongoing collaborative approach to improvement. Scott and Chris are working on a best practice guidance on High Cost Family cases which will be made available to barristers through the FLBA and The Bar Council of England and Wales Council, and to clerks through the The Institute of Barristers'​ Clerks.

Chris and Scott would like to thank the LAA for the invitation last week and for their hospitality.