| Mark Wilson, head of business defence at Cartwright King, the leading Midlands business and criminal defence firm, was recently invited by the Legal Services Commission to address its Criminal Funding Review Committee AGM on the special issues surrounding the instruction of expert forensic accountants in fraud and proceeds of crime cases.
The LSC controls the spending on legal aid in criminal cases (on behalf of tax payers), including the use of expert witnesses. In fraud cases there are often very complicated financial issues which mean that even expert fraud lawyers need specific assistance from forensic accountants. Although vital to the case, this input can be costly and so it is important that the LSC appreciates the relevant issues.
Mark was able to demystify what is involved and how solicitors that are experienced in dealing with financial issues can help to assist the LSC to understand that this work is being done efficiently and cost effectively, and with a better outcome for the case.
Michael Thurston, managing partner commented “It is a reflection of Mark’s national reputation for fraud work that the LSC invited him to help them understand this important issue, and find some practical ways to ensure that value for money is being obtained”.
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