Legal aid focus

Despite talking the talk on the rule of law, the government must also walk the walk if it is to confront threats both nationally & internationally, writes Simon Parsons

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) data breach is worse than previously thought, it emerged last week

Frontline legal services have the most to gain from artificial intelligence, but also face unique challenges in its provision, write Emily Carter & Sahil Kher

In this week's NLJ, Emily Carter and Sahil Kher of Kingsley Napley reflect on the Ayinde case and the broader implications of AI in frontline legal services. The authors argue that while AI offers transformative potential for under-resourced law centres, it also deepens the divide between well-funded firms and those on the frontline

Professors Sue Prince & Liz Smart explain why inclusion must be at the heart of reform to improve access to justice

MPs have launched an inquiry into access to justice, including the potential for an ‘access to justice fund levy’

Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin, editor of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses, examines the thorny issue of expert witness fees in legally aided cases. The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) enforces strict caps, only exceeded in ‘exceptional circumstances’. This often leaves local authorities footing the bill when experts charge more than the cap

James Maguire of Maguire Family Law explores the sharp rise in contested financial remedy orders—the highest in 15 years—in this week's issue of NLJ

If an expert charges more than the Legal Aid Agency’s fee cap, who covers the shortfall? Dr Chris Pamplin reports

Economic uncertainty, court delays, dwindling legal aid & rising costs are all aiding the recent rise in the number of financial disputes in divorce cases, writes James Maguire