Sky to launch Legal TV

"The law firm in your living room" to start on 20 February

News, 16 February 2006

The UK’s first TV channel dedicated to law will be launched on Sky this coming week, with a daily schedule of live topical debate slots and pre-recorded programmes on consumer-oriented legal subjects.

Initially the producers of Legal TV - which starts on 20 February - are pitching the programmes predominantly at members of the public currently targeted by companies offering to bring claims on a no win, no fee basis. Advice will be on areas such as personal injury.

Karen Brown, senior channel director and head of production at Legal TV, said: "We can give out generic advice that might be sourced from the CAB." She added that the channel aims to tackle people's lack of knowledge of the law and how it afffects their everyday lives.

Caroline O’Shea – a contestant from Channel 4’s first "Big Brother" show – will host its daily live topical segments.

Among those scheduled to appear on the channel are Court of Appeal judge Lord Justice Sedley, speaking on human rights, and Clifford Chance’s graduate recruitment partner Julia Clarke.

"Our intention is to allow the viewer to access the law in an easy, informative and understandable way," a spokesperson for Legal TV said. "We intend to be 'the law firm in your living room' by introducing a wide range of legal professionals, regular contributors, occasional guests and experts in specific areas."

The channel aims to build up to an 18-hour transmission day, but will most likely start with a day that runs from 10am to 6pm.