Speaking up for criminal defence.
CLSA Conference
9 October 2026, Birmingham – Booking now live!
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Following last year’s sell-out success, we’re planning an even bigger and better event for 2026. Expect leading voices, timely discussion, practical insights, and the unrivalled opportunity to connect with criminal law practitioners from across the country – all in a stunning city-centre venue.
NEWS
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Ministry of Justice Public Appointment Vacancies on the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee – Request for assistance
The Ministry of Justice are recruiting new members to the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee, and they are seeking to appoint one solicitor member and one barrister member to the Committee for a four-year term. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the...
National Listing Framework – e-learning webinar 9 September
The Law Society has organised about the soon to be in force National Criminal Listing Framework, to be held on-line on 9 September: The new National Listings Framework: Criminal Practice Direction on Listing and updated LCJ’s Guidance on Remote Hearings (Wednesday 9...
Burnham indicates he may scrap Jury trial reforms
Andy Burnham hints at dumping jury trial curbs | Law Gazette The CLSA welcomes the indication from Andy Burnham that “his instincts are not to reduce jury trials.” We hope that his review of the proposals will include removing the suggested restrictions on right to...
Fast Track Court ID Cards
We hereby give you advance notice of information we have received from HMCTS, who run the Professional Users Access Scheme HMCTS will soon deactivate ‘Fast Track Court ID Cards’ that have been inactive for six months. They will contact card holders shortly with...
Crown Court Case Readiness Research
The Ministry of Justice are currently conducting research into case readiness in the Crown Court, with the aim of understanding where friction occurs in the process and how the experience can be improved for practitioners. As part of this work, the MOJ have developed...
Early Guilty Pleas Research
CLSA members are invited to assist with research being carried out by HMCTS into how current processes support or hinder timely and informed plea decisions. Full details can be found here We encourage members to engage with this work. We will all have frustrations...
BLOG
Early Release and Public Confidence: Why Clear Advice Matters More Than Ever
This piece was written as the Government's early release scheme faced fresh scrutiny. On 23 July, the Prime Minister confirmed the scheme - due to start in September - would be paused for further review. The issues below remain highly relevant for defence solicitors...
Specialising within criminal defence: Is the generalist model running out of road?
For most of a career in criminal defence, the generalist has been the default. You take the duty rota call, whatever it brings - a shoplifting matter on Monday, an ABH on Tuesday, a multi-handed conspiracy by Friday. That breadth has always been part of the job's...
Why Criminal Lawyers Won’t Be Replaced by AI – And Why That’s Good News for the Next Generation
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries around the world, many young professionals are understandably asking an important question: Will AI take my job? The legal sector is often highlighted as one of the professions facing significant change....
How Criminal Lawyers Build Trust in the First 15 Minutes
In criminal law, technical knowledge matters - but trust is what truly defines an effective solicitor-client relationship. Clients rarely come to a criminal solicitor during a calm or stable period in their lives. They may be under arrest, facing allegations that...
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026: Why Criminal Defence Lawyers Must Protect Their Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Week is an important reminder that mental wellbeing is not a luxury — it is essential. For criminal defence lawyers, the conversation is especially important. Few professions carry the same emotional weight, relentless pressure, and...
The 5 Cases That Shaped My Career: Robert Gregory
Speaking to Robert Gregory, CLSA Committee Member and Consultant Solicitor at Bishop & Light in East Sussex, we learn which 5 cases have shaped his career in a number of ways. From the most challenging, through to the most memorable... What is the earliest case...
The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association represents criminal law solicitors throughout England and Wales.
Your representative body when times are tough.
The CLSA is the only organisation dedicated to representing criminal defence solicitors in England and Wales. For over 30 years we have championed our members’ interests – engaging directly with the Ministry of Justice, responding to legislative proposals and representing the profession on key consultative bodies.
Our ambition is simple: to have every criminal law solicitor in England and Wales as a member, strengthening the collective voice of the profession when it matters most.
Membership also connects you to a strong professional community, with an active email group, online network, member discounts, webinars and our popular annual conference.