Annex
HISTORY OF
FORCES LAW
Approximately five years ago a number of like-minded
Solicitors got together to explore the possibility of setting
up a Network of independent Solicitors who could offer a specialist
service to members of all three Armed Forces. The idea gained
momentum and a number of firms nationwide became interested in
the concept.
There has been a long gestation period for the
Network which has involved much thought and which has grown substantially
over recent years.
(a) A skilled Legal Service for Members of
the Armed Forces
One of our aims is to create a Network of firms
whose members can be expected to offer a degree of expertise in
dealing with the problems of Service personnel that might not
so easily be found elsewhere.
A member firm of the Network should have staff
with a proven track record in dealing with the problems of Service
Personnel, typically these would include assisting with investigations
by Forces or Civil Police; Courts Martial and Standing Civilian
Courts; Wills; Redresses of complaint, the problems encountered
by Service Personnel (especially abroad) in conveyancing and property
matters and claims for personal injury against the Ministry of
Defence.
(b) Accessibility
It is hoped that what the Network offers to
the Service person should be regarded as an additional choice
to those that he or she already has. We aim to make that choice
as accessible as possible. To achieve this ease of access we have
commissioned a Lo Call number which is being advertised and can
be seen on our brochures. On telephoning the number (which is
possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week) the problem will immediately
be referred to a member of the Network who will than contact the
Service person requiring help and take the matter from there.
The first 30 minutes of legal help will be without any charge
and we do not anticipate that any member firm will proceed to
charge the Service person until a clear understanding of what
the charge will amount to has been established. In cases of assistance
to deal with an interview by Services or Civilian Police there
will be no charge for the professional work carried out throughout
the interview.
(c) A Forum
The Network will provide a forum for the discussion
of topics of current interest and where possible, the resolution
of problems. It is hoped that appropriate representatives of the
Armed Forces and other agencies (eg. SSAFA) might become involved
as well as some members of Parliament and there has already been
a most encouraging response in this respect and it should be possible
for all concerned to focus on problems which might arise. Answers
to some might actually be found through mutual discussion. Other
problem areas might be identified as being a suitable subject
for further legislation or administrative attention.
(d) Consultation
We can foresee that the Network might become
a body which would be consulted by the Government and other rule
making authorities in the hope that any proposed legislation or
changes in the administrative rules would address problems properly
so that the changes will make things better rather than worse!
(e) Pressure Group
Should the Network's collective experience demonstrate
that there is a particular need for some general problem to be
addressed, it will hope to open a channel of communication with
the legislature with a view to bringing about any changes that
might appear necessary.
(f) Professional Services Standards
The group will seek to maintain and enhance
the standards of professional service that it can offer members
of the Armed Forces which it will seek to do by—
(1) careful vetting of any new applicants
for membership of the group; and
(2) the expulsion of any member of the group
whose service, in the opinion of the Network, falls substantially
below standard. (These functions will be discharged on behalf
of the Network by its Committee.)
(g) Marketing
The members will seek to market their professional
services throughout their membership of the Network and their
contributions to it.
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