LAWYER SHORTAGE ONGOING ISSUE: PUBLIC SOLICITORS
Court mallet. Photo credit: www.pokernews.com
The Director of the Public Solicitor’s Office has said the shortage of lawyers is an ongoing issue that the Government needs to address.
Director Douglas Hou made the comments in response to a statement by Magistrate Jim Seuika, that Court cases at the Magistrate Court are delayed because the Public Solicitors are prioritising High Court cases.
Magistrate Seuika made this statement after a juvenile’s trial was vacated this week because his lawyer went on leave.
But in his response Mr Hou said there is always so much work to do at the Public Solicitor’s office and the demand is always higher than the human resources available.
He says the Government has always prioritised Health and Education in terms of funding human resources.
Around 16 lawyers are currently employed by the Public Solicitor’s Office.