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18 February 2026
Issue: 8150 / Categories: Legal News , Charities , Legal services , Legal aid focus
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Apply now for free advice grants

A groundbreaking £3.9m grants programme using unclaimed money from a UK class action opened for applications this week

The Access to Justice Foundation’s ‘Improving lives through advice 2026’ programme mainly uses unclaimed damages from Justin Gutmann’s opt-out collective action on boundary fares against Stagecoach South West Trains, which settled last year for £25m, of which Stagecoach had to pay £10m after only £216,000 was claimed. £3.8m was earmarked for charity, with the foundation the nominated recipient.

Free legal advice organisations in London and the Southeast, Scotland and Wales have until 16 March to apply. The grants start in June. See here for more information and to apply.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers recruits new associates

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

Firm bolsters senior team with head of corporate and head of employment

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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