Legal aid fees court case

Members providing legal aid services will interested in the progress of a case at Edinburgh Sheriff court where a firm is seeking payment of interest on fees from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB).

At a hearing in December publicised last week, Sheriff William Holligan agreed with pursuers, Glenrothes-based Ormiston’s Law Practice, that the payment of legal aid fees to solicitors is subject to the provisions of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. The case has not yet formally concluded, so it is not the time for detailed commentary, but SLAB issued a statement at the end of last week confirming that they are considering the terms of the decision, including their options for appeal.

In the meantime members of our Legal Aid Committee have been made aware of the case, and will be watching with interest to consider the implications for members.