Score Draw 

Won 2 files out of 4 in an ICA appeal notified to us yesterday. These involved the proper interpretation of CDS Contract 10.68 and CRIMLA 40, charges laid at same time, in the first instance and 10.69, stand alone breach proceedings, in the second. The LSC had applied a novel construction of these rules; a […]

Decision, Decisions 

Another helpful Cost Judge decision which in essence says to the LSC – don’t try and cut corners, don’t just rely on IT data, actually look at the files and apply common sense. HAT TIP Those good people at Crimeline

Pre-existing Knowledge 

This also contains things we already know about Legal Aid. Worth repeating however.

All By Myself 

I have a half written post about the inequalities in the current scheme of things. It is born out of the personal experience a friend wrestling with the legal aspects of separation. She is Legally Aided, he not so. She has a junior family lawyer with whom it is difficult to get a timely appointment. […]

Laugh or Cry? 

First read of the Consultation Response done. Not good. There is not space here to cover all my negative takes on the proposals. I did manager 2 smiles; Abolition of the LSC (yes I know we will get them back in a slightly changed guise but nonetheless….) Less form filling via the introduction of, wait […]

De Minimis 

We won 2 of 6 points on a line-by-line assessment yesterday, yes that means we lost 4 so overall it was not a result. As we have said previously the cost of such an appeal to an ICA is, we are reliably informed, £18. The final reduction to the firms bill was £16.40 i.e. an […]

Even More on CLA 54 

The (heretical) reinterpretation of the “second meeting” PoP continues. Today we have the confluence of two of our favourite LSC activities; “Makeitupaswegoalongery” coupled with “applied Muppetry” all in one e-mail. Is someone after a JRS award?

Porridge 

Some good news on Prison Law contract appeals – don’t want to jinx it so give me a ring for more information.

The Bill 

You can download the Consultation response and Justice Bill here. Nearly 300 pages of (grim) reading in an already busy couple of days. Will b e doing a summary and some commentary in the webinar on Friday. More later.

Out and Back 

Out this morning to see clients. I return further outraged by the behavior of certain RMs, or a certain RM. Today’s client might have the wherewithal as well as the motivation to take this one all the way however. Watching the websites for the Justice Bill stuff right now before going to a meeting with […]