Legal News

Faced with an unwieldy and ever-rising backlog of cases at the Crown Court, the Ministry of Justice is considering introducing an ‘intermediate tier’ and has put Sir Brian Leveson in charge of a review. In this week’s NLJ, Charles Kuhn, partner at Clyde & Co, examines the possibilities, the potential savings and the impact on justice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology may be developing fast but—contrary to popular opinion—the ’panicked rush to legislation’ to regulate it is not necessary, writes Ian McDougall, president of the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation & adjunct professor, IE University Law School, in this week’s NLJ.

The responsibilities of paralegals have expanded considerably, as have their career options, Amanda Hamilton, Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, writes in this week’s NLJ. Some use the experience as a stepping stone into a career as solicitor or barrister, while others develop a specialism in a particular area.

Former district judge Stephen Gold covers a recent landlord and tenant case that was leapfrogged to the Court of Appeal due to its importance, in this week’s NLJ. The case, Switaj v McClenaghan, concerns a check-out fee.

Three judges in historic care and private family law proceedings involving Sara Sharif could be named next week, after the Court of Appeal unanimously held the High Court did not have jurisdiction to prohibit the publication of their identities.

Legislation allowing costs lawyers to become judges will be laid this year, the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) has predicted.

Two thirds of people are aware that family mediation is an option to help avoid court in the event of divorce or separation, but only 30% would make a family mediator their first port of call.

History was made this week as journalists and legal bloggers were given effective access to all family courts in England and Wales.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has opened its consultation on a £20m boost for housing and immigration legal aid practitioners.

Celebrations were taking place across the Bar last week as 105 new silks received the good news.