Legal news

CMA keeps up pressure for independent regulator
Report on legal services in Scotland backs Roberton conclusions

Diploma applicants advised to use email, not paper
"Wet" signatures not required as universities change procedure

UK Supreme Court moves to videoconference hearings
Court to go on sitting with new working practices

Essential court business only, following UK lockdown
No public should attend; measures for safety of lawyers

Salmond cleared of all charges in sex assault trial
Twelve majority verdicts of not guilty; one charge not proven

SLAB announces action plan to support legal aid sector
More regular claims allowed; new powers sought

Bankruptcy related house sales halted by COVID-19
Accountant in Bankruptcy sets out measures to help debtors and advisers

Crime still being tackled, police and Lord Advocate vow
Joint statement stresses continued focus on keeping public safe

Germany upholds challenge to Unified Patent Court law
Constitutional Court holds law requires two thirds majority

Employment tribunals convert hearings to remote means
Case management hearing will discuss how best to proceed

Shepherd & Wedderburn sets up COVID-19 advisory group
Specialists combine to offer practical advice

Ministers back Holyrood consent to COVID-19 bill
UK and devolved Governments collaborate on extensive anti-virus powers

Insurers should play fair during COVID-19, FCA advises
City watchdog sets out expectations in dealing with claimants

ICCA Edinburgh Congress postponed due to coronavirus
Biennial global event to be rescheduled for 2020 or 2021

Society seeks COVID-19 support for legal aid practices
Appeal to SLAB and Government for cash flow measures

Scottish courts announce further restrictions to business
Summary criminal trials to focus on custody cases due to COVID-19

Scullion LAW charity will campaign runs for sixth year
Free wills for over-55s in return for donation to Marie Curie Scotland

Tribunals rule on trafficking status: Supreme Court
Commission's appeal upheld in forced labour case

IR35 change put off until 2021
Government delays private employer extension as COVID-19 measure

Solicitor calls for mutual support in virus emergency
Law firm leaders should show initiative and reach out to teams

"At least 4-5 years" for Scotland to join EU: report
Study considers legal and political processes post-independence

No new jury trials in Scotland until further notice
Started trials will complete, but Lord Carloway orders no further juries

SLAB relaxes rules to help virus-affected cases
Time limits, and levels of information, not to be strictly enforced

Law Commissions call for election law streamlining
Single, modernised set of rules should replace fragmented statute base