LC welcomes new QCs

Lord chancellor David Gauke welcomed 119 new QCs, stressing the contribution of solicitors. ‘We should recognise and promote talent from whichever branch of the profession it comes,’ he told the formal appointment event.

Revised Crown court fee guidance

The Legal Aid Agency has published revised Crown court fee guidance for solicitors after reducing the cap for pages of prosecution evidence (PPE) under the litigators’ graduated fee scheme. The Law Society has issued judicial review proceedings against the PPE cut. 

Local debate on Grenfell

The potential impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy on health and safety law enforcement, and problem areas in elections, are among several topics that will be discussed at the Lawyers in Local Government School in Bristol on Friday and Saturday.

Guidance on jurisdiction

Sir James Munby, president of the Family Division, has issued jurisdiction guidance as a result of ‘considerable confusion’ over the powers of family court judges to transfer a case, or part of a case, to the High Court.

Human rights lawyer dies

International concern is mounting over the death of 49-year-old Chinese human rights lawyer Li Baiguang shortly after being admitted to No 81 People’s Liberation Army Hospital in Jiangsu province.

Redkite takes flight as ABS

Wales and south-west firm Redkite Solicitors has become an alternative business structure, announcing plans to expand following the acquisition of four businesses in 2017.

Legal aid thumbs-up

The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed a ‘no nonsense, common sense’ independent review of Scotland’s legal aid system. The report outlines a 10-year vision and makes 67 recommendations.