News

Professional life

Barristers have been paying tribute to Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, Justice of the Supreme Court and former Lord Advocate, who has died at the age of 66.

Profession

Barristers, clerks and practice managers considered the impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill at the Bar Council Contracting Conference, in London, earlier this month.

Profession

The Bar Council and the Personal Support Unit (PSU) have launched a sponsorship scheme to raise £30,000 of regular funding for the PSU.

Profession

A major insurer has added its voice to the chorus of lawyers calling for referral fees to be banned across the legal profession.

Criminal

The Victims’ Commissioner, Louise Casey, has called for statutory rights for families bereaved by homicide.

Memorial

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Gilbert Gray QC will be held on Saturday 10 September 2011 at 11.00 am at York Minster. Gray was a former Leader of the North Eastern Circuit and Head of York Chambers.

Law commission

Rights of way, mineral rights and other ancient land rights could be simplified, under reforms proposed by the Law Commission.

Family Awards

Family law barristers are invited to post their nominations for the Family Law Awards 2011. These must be received by 1 September 2011, and must include up to 1,000 words on why the person deserves an award. Clive Coleman, barrister and broadcaster, will present the awards at a ceremony in London in October. Judges include Stephen Cobb QC, chair of the Family Law Bar Association, and David Allison, chair of Resolution.

Supreme court

A political row north of the border has erupted following the Supreme Court decision in Fraser v HM Advocate.

Children and young people have been asked to contribute to the government’s review of the family justice system.