Legal news

SLCC proposes £40 general levy increase
Rising demand and court costs blamed for 12.5% hike

OPG sets end-month deadline for professional guardian scheme applications
Less stringent accounts checks for those approved

"Citizen's income" idea to be explored by MSPs
Committee to report on feasibility of guaranteed minimum payment

Pinsent Masons again leads Stonewall legal employer rankings
Law firm and COPFS in Scots top five for inclusivity

Legal Spark shrugs off legal aid setback to relaunch
Society forced to revoke approval following error over criteria

SCTS in running for family-friendly employer award
Courts body shortlisted as best for carers and eldercare

Best home protection for debtors being overlooked, law centre claims
Practitioners should use special provisions for protected trust deeds

Jersey legislators endorse prisoners' right to vote
Decision made to ensure ECHR compliance

Child abuse time bar change has resource implications, Faculty warns
Bill submission predicts increase in number of complex actions

Project attendance not proper use of extended sentence: appeal court
Judges call for more flexible powers over indecent images accused

COPFS jobs to go, but frontline fiscals protected
Lord Advocate and Crown Agent in Justice Committee evidence session

Wheelchair user denied bus access fails in damages appeal
Supreme Court majority backs stronger policy but not compulsion

Engagement with devolved governments "crucial" during Brexit talks: Society
Statement calls for ongoing stability and collaboration in justice matters

Woman wins £100,000 damages in footballer rape civil case
Judge in Goodwillie/Robertson action finds pursuer was too drunk to consent

Biggest law firm insolvency as KWM LLP enters administration
End of the road for UK and Europe arm of global firm

Supreme Court rules on rendition and Afghan detention claims
Government appeals partly allowed but immunity plea not upheld

Director promotion at Macdonald Henderson
Private client head Maureen Matheson advanced

Criminal proceedings down last year, latest figures show
Number of accused down 5%; convictions down by 6%

Four appointed to Complaints Commission
Advocate, solicitor and two non-lawyers join board

Tribunal upholds judges' pension discrimination claim
Transitional measures unfairly favoured older scheme members

Draft insolvency reform instrument laid before Holyrood
Sixty day consultation on measure to reflect England & Wales changes

"Dogma" belief not unsoundness of mind for prescription, court rules
Alleged childhood abuse victim fails in appeal seeking to bring action

Evidence invited on Air Departure Tax Bill
Finance Committee begins stage 1 scrutiny

Two partners join Maclay Murray & Spens
Gordon Hobkirk returns to firm as Andrew Orr also joins