Founded by youth defence solicitors Caroline Liggins, Leah Connolly, Mel Stooks and Claire Dissington, the YPA will launch this evening at the office of Hodge Jones Allen, sponsored by GT Stewart and Edward Fail Bradshaw and Waterson Solicitors. Although all firms are well known for their commitment to youth justice, this organisation aims to provide a voice for pan profession youth practitioners who currently lack a united voice with which to raise their concerns and respond to consultations
The YPA aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of advocacy and practice from the police station to the High Court and to support, assist and educate those who represent young people in the criminal justice system. Already supported by police station representatives, solicitors, barristers, members of the judiciary and Youth Offending Teams, the launch this evening will hear from His Honour Judge Rook and Mark Cotter QC about the importance of specialist youth representation and why this organisation will fill the current void in this niche area of criminal work.
