HSBC in free advice drive

HSBC’s legal department has become the first corporate in-house team to pledge pro bono support for Advocates for International Development, providing free legal advice to the developing world, along with 25 law firms.

Croydon’s double shift
Croydon Crown Court is to pilot a double shift system for six months from June. The first shift will run from 9am to 1.30pm and the second from 2pm to 6pm.

Judicial misconduct
The Office for Judicial Complaints has revealed that 25 judicial office holders were removed from office for disciplinary matters in 2008/09, and an additional 20 resigned during investigation.

Women’s Day summit
The Law Society participated in International Women’s Day through a summit for female lawyers to identify barriers to women in the profession.

FSA fines increase
The Financial Services Authority expects a ‘threefold increase in the level of fines’ for market abuse following its new penalty policy introduced last week.