It is “wrong in principle for the courts to make a profit for the government,” the Law Society has said in a firm rebuttal of government proposals to hike court fees for a second time. Law Society president John Smithers said there had been no assessment of the impact of increases of more than 600% just six months ago, which solicitors believe will stop people from bringing legitimate cases. He also reiterated Law Society concerns for higher fees for divorce claims. The government proposes to charge £550 but the Ministry of Justice estimates the actual cost to the courts to be £270.
25 September 2015
Law Society president criticises court fees
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Eversheds Sutherland—Claire Petheram
Eversheds Sutherland strengthens top-ranked pensions practice with appointment of former global head of pensions
mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan
Law firm strengthens private client team to support continued growth
Devonshires—Andrew Cromb
Devonshires expands offering with appointment of tax partner Andrew Cromb
NEWS
Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations?
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