News Archive

As our Chair mentioned in our last e-alert before Christmas, we are opening up some of the meetings of the committee to members so you can ask questions regarding what is happening at the moment and have an input on our strategy as we move forward. The next meeting is...

Joint Media Release- HMCTS safety concerns- 20.01.21 Joint Statement to Kevin Sadler v2

January 2021 Maintaining Justice – adjusted Court Operations during Covid19 -  Enhanced safety measures introduced. This paper is issued by HMCTS in consultation with the judiciary

CLSA has been monitoring the issues raised by the pandemic and practices at courts across HMCtS’ estate, especially given the new strain and the massive spike in infections being experienced in parts of the country. We would encourage members to notify us of any...

The CLSA is concerned that Police Stations and Courts are not safe during this current phase of the pandemic. The virus spread appears to be out of control. Many areas of the UK are seeing emergency services stretched beyond capacity. Previous ‘Covid secure’ steps...

On Tuesday 1 December 2020, the Sentencing Code comes into effect in England and Wales, consolidating existing sentencing procedure law into a single Sentencing Act. To enable sentencers and practitioners to follow the Code with immediate effect, the Sentencing...

The LAA has today published operational guidance on the new Sending Hearing Fixed Fee in advance of their implementation on Monday. A news story giving further details on the fee, with links to the relevant guidance, can be found on the Gov.uk website:...

The APPG Inquiry into Sustainability of Legal Aid is now gathering steam, with the first of 6 oral evidence sessions taking place on Thursday 29 October 2020, 10:00-12:30. This will be a live event, with expert witnesses from the world of Criminal Legal Aid giving...

Crown Court fee claims guidance has been updated with new and revised forms for submissions with representation orders on or after 17 September 2020. View the new guidance & forms here:...

While Crown Square is temporarily closed, where possible cases will be relocated, progressed and heard within Greater Manchester. The aim is to reduce loss of work to a minimum. Monday’s trial is moving to Minshull Street and special arrangements have already...

The Sentencing Council has today published, in accordance with section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, a new definitive guideline, ‘Overarching principles: Sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders and neurological impairments’. ...

A Guide to Peer Review - Crime Webinar - CLSA & LCCSA Thursday 9 July 2020 – 4:30pm – 5:30pm     A Guide to Peer Review - Crime This free 60-minutes webinar will assist firms in understanding the Legal Aid Agency's approach to...

Click here for a copy As lockdown restrictions ease, we see that HMCTS are increasing the number of cases coming before the Courts.  The CLSA has voiced concern about Court Risk Assessments not being provided upon request, particularly when they are key to...

21062020_  clarification MC guidance _FINAL 21062020_Interest of Justice test in the Coronavirus Act This is intended to clarify the Judicial Office message on Friday in order to address concerns which have been expressed.   As explained, the Coronavirus...

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CLSA Chair, Bill Waddington in attendance. To listen please click here

Wednesday 6th May at 1:00 pm via Zoom The session is for CLSA members. However, temporary free CLSA membership is currently available. Click here for details Also we appreciate this is something affecting all firms and so we have agreed to allow our friends...

A copy of the note can be found here. Several firms have contacted us in relation to requests for detailed financial information they have received from Legal Aid Agency Contract Managers. This appears to be a survey and comes in the form of an email asking 19...

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