![David Lester (senior partner at Blythe Liggins), Darryl Barnes, Jagdeep Sandher (head of dispute resolution at Blythe Liggins)[4]](https://d1d8vslyhr7rdg.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/4/2/8/116428_davidlesterseniorpartneratblytheligginsdarrylbarnesjagdeepsandherheadofdisputeresolutionatblytheliggins4_981603_crop.jpg)
Catherine Baksi
NewsSolicitors furious over ‘heavy-handed’ pat-downs
London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association complains to HM Courts & Tribunals Service about ’invasive’ searches.
NewsFree advocacy for alleged victims of rape among Labour's justice plans
Shadow lord chancellor sets out ideas - but cannot promise more money for legal aid.
FeatureCrowded house
The bedrock of our criminal justice system, the magistrates’ courts, is in crisis. So is it time to consider a radical overhaul? Catherine Baksi reports.
FeatureUnfinished business?
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act transformed the criminal justice process. As it turns 40, Catherine Baksi canvasses opinion on whether the legislation is showing its age.
FeatureOccupational hazards
Employment lawyers are braced for the reintroduction of fees at a time when tribunals continue to struggle with the volume of claims. Fresh legislative upheaval will also have a profound effect on how they work, writes Catherine Baksi.
OpinionTrial by television got juries all wrong
Channel 4's 'The Jury: Murder Trial' was more like Big Brother than a serious docudrama.
FeatureLife in limbo
Indeterminate sentences of ‘imprisonment for public protection’ are thoroughly discredited. So is the end of this manifestation of ‘state-sponsored psychological harm’ in sight at last? Catherine Baksi reports.
FeatureDeal or no deal
The number of corporate scalps amassed by US regulators, driven by controversial ‘plea deals’, is envied by other jurisdictions. As Catherine Baksi reports, the UK has had deferred prosecution agreements since 2014 – so why have there been so few?
FeatureApproaching difference
Are neurodivergent children and young people getting a fair hearing in the criminal justice system? Catherine Baksi reports.
FeatureVoice of reason
The House of Commons justice committee turns an unflinching eye on the perceived shortcomings of the justice system and government policy. Under the chairmanship of Sir Bob Neill, its influence has grown rapidly.
FeatureJudgment days
The SRA’s latest power grab could turn the regulator into prosecutor, judge and jury, experts warn. Meanwhile the SDT, whose workload is already shrinking, would shrivel still further, reports Catherine Baksi.
NewsFury at law centre's support for Gaza protest
Centre accused of 'taking the side of a group of murderous, misogynistic, and corrupt terrorists’.
OpinionWhat will the bar look like in 2043?
Bar chair Nick Vineall KC says anomaly of conferring title ‘barrister’ before qualification process is complete is ‘single biggest systemic risk to profession’.
OpinionOn a mission to a dubious regime
Bar Council will be visiting Rwanda in October for a round of ‘high-level meetings’ with local senior legal figures.
FeatureDecade of decay
From the Court of Appeal down, staff are sending for buckets to catch rainwater pouring through aged roofs. The new lord chancellor acknowledges the sorry state of the estate, but fine words plug no leaks. Catherine Baksi reports
NewsRetired judge takes helm of legal aid board
Announcement comes 10 months after the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board first met.
FeaturePoverty payback
Solicitors want to help vulnerable people get the advice they need to challenge injustice, reports Catherine Baksi. But worsening poverty is bringing the malign legacy of the ten-year-old LASPO legislation into ever sharper relief.
ProfileOn a mission
Sorting out crime and justice is one of Keir Starmer’s five ‘missions’ as Labour leader, but shadow lord chancellor Steve Reed won’t commit to pumping in new money. Catherine Baksi spoke to him.