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
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Ellisons—Francesca Brown
Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team
Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke
Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires
NEWS
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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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