Barristers' body turns to TLG for media and lobbying support

The Criminal Bar Association has called in public affairs support as the profession battles savage government cuts.

The CBA has turned to TLG for the brief, which also covers media relations. The Ministry of Justice has announced plans for major cuts to criminal legal aid and will consult on further cost-saving measures in the autumn.

Meanwhile, popular television series such as Rumpole of the Bailey and, more recently, Silks have represented criminal barristers as either drunks or bed-hopping cocaine users.

TLG media relations director Jonathan Oliver will lead the account. He said: 'The reality is that criminal barristers are incredibly hard- working public servants.'