How far contract requirements apply to Crown Court work has long been a matter of debate. The latest development, thanks to clarification obtained by Andrew Keogh of Crimeline, will be universally welcomed by practitioners – you don’t have to time record LGFS cases!
He asked John Sirodcar, LSC National Relationship Manager, whether it was intentional that the requirement for time recording in the 2010 Standard Crime Contract should apply to all Crown Court work. John Sirodcar’s reply was as follows:
‘The position has not changed with the introduction of the 2010 Standard Crime Contract. Time recording is good practice but is not required for LGFS work except where required under the Criminal Defence Service (Funding) Order 2007 (as amended) such as special preparation.’
Legal Aid Handbook 