Thanks for posting this Jman: I've emailed them and asked for an invite, just hope I get one, it would be good to get the chance to participate in one of these events.

Nice one Nick. The key issue is the complexity one-the line he keeps taking is that we only deal with generalist matters and therefore we shouldn't be funded-insulting and patronising to us all whether intentionally or not. We really need to keep emphasising that these are complex legal issues involving voluminous legislation, European law and procedural law and many Tribunals where we are appearing pro bono against Counsel. Many lawyers who have no experience in social welfare law haven't the foggiest about what actually happens, but rely on myth. You would think they would at least have the courtesy to talk to people actually doing the work, the solicitors, barristers and experienced caseworkers in law centres, CAB and other organisations. But keep it cool nevertheless!

One question that has occured to me recently is the mismatch between welfare benefits policy and legal aid policy - the former is being reformed on the basis that the system is hideously complex and no-one can understand it, yet the latter is being reformed on the basis that welfare benefits queries are too basic and shouldn't require legal assistance to resolve.

Exactly the same thing is happening with employment. On the one hand BIS is saying Employment Tribunals are horrendously complex and employers are having to run up large legal bills defending them and it must be made harder for employees to bring claims. On the other hand MOJ is saying employment tribunals are straightforward and legal advice is not needed because of the user friendly nature of Tribunals.