Two-tier justice system, claims MacAskill
7 Sep 06
Parliamentary answer reveals gulf between legal aid and Executive legal work rates
Figures released yesterday have revealed a large gap between legal aid payments for solicitors and the hourly rate the Scottish Executive pays its own lawyers.
The disclosures came in answer to a parliamentary question posed by the SNP's justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill. The highest hourly rate for legal aid for the best qualified solicitor is £76 - the same amount as the lowest paid to a paralegal or trainee working for ministers.
The top rate for ministerial legal work is £180 per hour. The lowest rate for legal aid work is £21.
Mr MacAskill said the figures demonstrated the two-tier justice system - one system for ministers and one for poorer people.