Despite huge pressures on the UK’s Legal Aid system, Liverpool-Based MSB continues to offer an “unwavering commitment to legal aid and access to justice”. Since the LASPO act, Legal Aid work in its family department has increased by around 300%.
Now it has won Legal Aid franchises in the categories of Public Law and Actions Against Public Authorities. They specifically cover two broad areas.
1 Judicial Review - challenging the decision of public bodies and that will include:
- Local Authorities, eg social services refusing assessment of needs of children and adults, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Complaints
- NHS Trusts, eg access to treatment, removal of care needs including life support
- Government departments
- Chief Constables/Police, eg complaints procedures under the Local Resolution Process
- Maintained schools/governing bodies
2 Action against public authorities - pursuing damages claims against public bodies including:
- Breach of Human Rights
- Failure/Delay to take in to care
- Abuse in Care
- Child Abuse/Neglect
- Adult Social Services issues
- Delay in adaptations to home
- Wrongful Arrest
- False Imprisonment
- Assault by Police
MSB managing partner, Emma Carey, said: “MSB is now one of the fastest-growing law firms in the region with a strong commercial focus. But we never forget our responsibility to the wider community and our commitment to Legal Aid work is a key part of that.
“More than ever so many people in society feel they don’t have a voice and feel powerless when they come up against officialdom and authority. Through Legal Aid work we stand with, and speak for, the most vulnerable members of our community.”