Legal news ... what the papers are saying

 

Friday 8 February 2008

 

Legal aid – unified contract

Legal Action, p4

 

Further coverage of the Legal Services Commission’s unwillingness to accept the Court of Appeal’s ruling that it was not entitled to amend the unified contract.

 

The Law Society is seeking to clarify the LSC’s obligations. Richard Miller, the Society’s legal aid manager, is quoted. He says: “We are seeking a declaration that the LSC has a duty to nullify the effects of its breach of procurement law.”

 

The article reports that discussions between the Law Society and LSC are on going.

 

Phone tap evidence

BBC Radio West Midlands Drive Time

 

Further coverage of the Law Society’s backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s decision to allow the limited use of intercept evidence in court.  

 

Law Society council member, Malcolm Fowler, was interviewed by BBC Radio West Midlands on the topic.

 

Home Information Packs

Blackpool Gazette

 

A report on the Law Society’s call for consumers to use a solicitor when obtaining a Home Information Pack (HIP).

 

Paul Marsh, Vice President of the Law Society is quoted. He says: “The best professional to produce your HIP is a qualified solicitor.”

 

VHCC

Legal Week, p18 &19

 

Further coverage of the changes to rates in very high cost cases (VHCC).

 

The article refers to the Law Society’s threat last year of a judicial review of the Legal Services Commission’s proposals to tender for places on the VHCC panels.

 

Co-habitation v marriage

Birmingham Post, p22

 

Family law expert Lorna Tipple weighs up the legal implications of living together against marriage.

 

Dealing with the bereaved

Birmingham Post, p9

 

An article looking at a new workshop which has been set up for professionals, such as solicitors, who deal with the bereaved on a regular basis.