Join the CLSA – The Voice of Criminal Defence Solicitors
If you practise criminal law, CLSA membership is not just beneficial – it’s essential. The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association exists to represent, support and champion criminal defence practitioners across England and Wales. At a time when the profession faces unprecedented challenges, it has never been more important to have a strong, united voice fighting for criminal defence lawyers and the clients they serve. As an individual member, you’ll become part of a respected national network of criminal law professionals who are committed to protecting access to justice, influencing policy, and securing a sustainable future for criminal defence practice.
Why join?
As a CLSA member, you will benefit from:
- A powerful representative body standing up for criminal law solicitors and supporting the profession when it matters most
- Influence over policy and reform through our active participation in consultations affecting criminal law and legal aid.
- Representation at key consultative forums where decisions are made and the interests of criminal practitioners are protected.
- Direct engagement with decision-makers, ensuring the views of frontline criminal lawyers are heard at the highest levels.
- Access to the CLSA eGroup, a highly valued members-only network providing advice, guidance, support and practical solutions from colleagues across the profession.
- Regular eAlerts and updates, keeping you informed of significant developments, legal aid issues, policy changes and matters affecting criminal practice.
- Discounted attendance at the CLSA Annual Conference, bringing together leading speakers, experts and practitioners from across the criminal justice sector.
- Inclusion in the CLSA Member Directory, helping members of the public and fellow professionals find and contact you.
- Free Court ID Card, your handy fast-track court entry is included in your membership
- Discount on Law Books from Sweet & Maxwell
Strength through Membership
These are just some of the benefits available for a modest annual subscription. More importantly, your membership helps strengthen the collective voice of criminal law solicitors at a time when the profession faces unprecedented challenges. If you care about the future of criminal defence and prosecution work, access to justice, and the strength of our profession, join the CLSA today and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
CLSA Membership Types
Full Membership
Full Membership is open to any enrolled and practising solicitor of the Supreme Court who is involved in, or interested in, the practice of criminal law – whether prosecution or defence.
Full Membership is held on an individual basis and is ideal for solicitors who want to be represented, informed and connected as part of the wider criminal law community.
If you practise criminal law, you should be a member of the CLSA.
Firm Membership
The CLSA represents individual members, but firms can benefit from attractive discounts where multiple solicitors from the same firm join together. The more solicitor members, the larger the discount.
Firm Membership is available where the Firm Membership form is completed, a lead solicitor is nominated, and a Direct Debit Mandate is provided.
This is an excellent option for firms committed to supporting their criminal law teams, strengthening professional representation and ensuring their solicitors are connected to the CLSA’s work.
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is open to any person in the permanent employment of a firm of solicitors who is engaged in, or interested in, the practice of criminal law.
Applicants must be proposed and seconded by at least two Full Members of the Association.
Associate Members are entitled to attend all general meetings of the Association, although they are not entitled to vote. Associate Membership is held on an individual basis.