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18 March 2026
Issue: 8154 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Legal aid focus
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Interest levy opposed by Bar Council

The Bar Council has joined the Law Society and CILEX in opposing Ministry of Justice (MoJ) proposals for a levy on interest earned on lawyers’ client accounts

Kirsty Brimelow KC, Bar chair, said: ‘There is no consultation on whether to introduce this scheme, only on how to do so.’

The Bar warned the Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account Scheme (ILCA) would adversely impact low-margin cases and urged the MoJ to exclude legal aid firms as well as funds managed for clients who lack capacity or clients’ damages, particularly since the latter could undermine the basis on which damages are calculated. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Withers—Sophie Barrett-Brown

Withers—Sophie Barrett-Brown

Withers drives further growth in its UK immigration team with new partner Sophie Barrett-Brown

Venus Legal—Esther Amoako

Venus Legal—Esther Amoako

Venus Legal invests in next generation of legal talent as specialist litigation practice grows

Fisher Phillips—Catrina Smith

Fisher Phillips—Catrina Smith

Fisher Phillips continues momentum in London with arrival of Catrina Smith

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
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