The family of 14-year-old Molly Russell has been granted legal aid for her inquest. The teenager, who was found dead in her bedroom, had been viewing online and social media material linked to anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide which her family believe contributed to her state of mind and her death. Following an appeal, the Legal Aid Agency confirmed this week that it will pay the family’s legal costs. The Russell family’s solicitor, Merry Varney, solicitor at Leigh Day, said: ‘It is disappointing that our clients had to go through the appeal process to get to a positive outcome.’
13 March 2019
Inquest legal aid granted on appeal
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn
Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries
Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble
Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments
Withers—Sophie Barrett-Brown
Withers drives further growth in its UK immigration team with new partner Sophie Barrett-Brown
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
