Criminal Defence Solicitor Jailed for 13 Years Following Client Cell Assaults
A former criminal defence solicitor has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting clients while they were held in police and court cells. Alan Harris, 72, of Plymouth, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court by Her Honour Judge Morris following conviction on five counts of sexual assault and five counts […]
Lammy to Fund Unlimited Crown Court Sitting Days — Jury Reform to Proceed
Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced that the government will fund unlimited Crown Court sitting days for the 2026/27 financial year in a bid to reduce the criminal case backlog, while confirming plans to curb jury trials. From 1 April, the cap on sitting days will be removed, allowing judges to hear as many cases […]
Mazur Appeal Opens in Court of Appeal With Profession Watching Closely
The Court of Appeal will today begin hearing arguments in the long-anticipated appeal arising from the Mazur litigation ruling, a case that could reshape how litigation services are delivered across England and Wales. The appeal is being led by CILEX, which is asking the court to overturn last year’s decision that found the conduct of […]
Signs Your Professional Discipline Case Needs a Birmingham Solicitor
Spotting Trouble Early in Professional Discipline Cases Professional discipline cases move quickly from a small concern to a direct threat to your career. Your registration, practising rights and reputation can all be at risk long before a formal hearing date appears on the horizon. In Birmingham and across the West Midlands, many professionals work in […]
Common Landlord & Tenant Disputes in Manchester Investors Overlook
Hidden Property Pitfalls Manchester Landlords Miss Manchester’s rental market is busy, competitive, and increasingly regulated. Tenants expect quick replies, safe homes and clear communication. At the same time, rules around repairs, deposits, licensing and eviction are tighter. A hands-off approach that might have worked for a single flat years ago can quickly create problems across […]
Criminal Law Bodies Unite Against Proposed Jury Trial Reforms
Senior representatives from leading criminal law organisations have declared firm opposition to government proposals that would restrict the right to jury trial in England and Wales. At a meeting held in London this week, the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA), Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association (CLSA), and Criminal Bar Association (CBA) confirmed a united front […]
Why Regulatory Offences Put Manchester Businesses at Risk
Regulatory offences are not just a problem for big corporates in London. They affect everyday businesses across Manchester, from small family firms to fast-growing tech companies and busy high-street brands. When rules tighten and enforcement picks up, even a simple mistake can spiral into a serious threat to your business. In this article, we look […]
Prison Legal Advice in Nottingham: Eligibility, Legal Aid, and First Visit
Getting Prison Legal Advice Right When It Matters Most When someone you care about is in prison, clear legal advice can make a huge difference. Questions about how long they will serve, what happens at parole, or why they have been moved or punished can feel confusing and frightening. At the same time, prisons and […]
SFO Drops Decade-Long Prosecution and Flags Further Disclosure Issue
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has discontinued a decade-long prosecution and identified a further issue affecting its historic disclosure system. The agency confirmed that approximately 20 long-running cases may have been impacted by how certain “digital container files” were expanded within its former Autonomy Introspect e-discovery platform. The system has since been replaced. One affected […]
High Court Dismisses Judicial Review Over EHRC Interim Trans Guidance
The High Court has dismissed applications for judicial review challenging interim guidance issued by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (EHRC) on the provision of single-sex services in relation to transgender rights. In Good Law Project Limited and others v Commission for Equality and Human Rights, Mr Justice Swift ruled that the lead claimant, […]