The University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) recently completed a large-scale qualitative study, commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, of the impacts of the cuts to legal aid following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). The study examined the impact on people who can no longer receive legal aid to help solve their family, employment and welfare rights legal problems. The study report considers what routes to justice remain, whether and how people are able to engage with recognised and unrecognised legal advice and assistance to try to solve their problems, and the impact on their lives.

This event will formally launch the report and give a unique opportunity for policy makers, academics and other stakeholders to hear the voices of those impacted by the LASPO cuts as the Government review of LASPO nears its conclusion. We will hear from service providers about what LASPO has meant for their clients. The co-authors of the report, Dr James Organ and Dr Jennifer Sigafoos from the SLSJ, will discuss the key findings and policy recommendations. This will be followed by an extended opportunity to discuss the report and the issues it highlights.

The afternoon will conclude with refreshments and a networking reception.