Work-to-rule lawyers disrupt sheriff court

Glasgow Bar Association's actions stop custody cases getting solicitor of choice

News, 7 May 2008

Custody cases at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday were not dealt with appropriately, according to Glasgow Bar Association whose members worked to rule yesterday in protest at the Scottish Government's proposals for legal aid payments.

The association said that in some cases people had been remanded in custody without being represented by a solicitor. The 120 people in court yesterday were handled by four duty solicitors and were unable to pick a solicitor of choice because of the association's action.

The association said it was worried people's human rights had been breached, as the right to legal representation is one of those obligations.

The Scottish Government has said the reforms, which will come into effect in June, are "necessary and inevitable".

16.05.08 Faculty stands up for independent referral bar

Legal service changes should not include advocates in partnership, minister told

16.05.08 Flexible working chance for all parents

Government to extend right of request to all parents of children up to 16

16.05.08 Hunter fails to block Dobbies rights issue

Interim interdict refused as judge declines to interfere in "commercial tussle"

16.05.08 Food preparation charges for elderly to go

Government to end authorities' ability to charge under personal care scheme

15.05.08 "Right to buy" restricted in North Ayrshire

Pressured area status for social housing in 11 letting areas

15.05.08 Clancy chairs IBA discussion on religion influence

Scottish canon lawyer predicts some incorporation of Islamic law in UK over time

15.05.08 Party split on demand for return of care funding

Labour declines to support call for pursuit of attendance allowance money from Westminster

14.05.08 Study ordered of bill's impact on judiciary

Government follows up Justice Committee's concerns on Judiciary and Courts Bill

14.05.08 Society's paralegal scheme out for views

Feedback invited for proposals on how to become "Law Society of Scotland Registered Paralegal"

14.05.08 Growth continues at Pinsent Masons

Scottish offices share in 11% revenue rise

13.05.08 Views sought on Glasgow court unification

SCS proposing new Justice of the Peace court to cover Glasgow and Strathkelvin sheriffdom

13.05.08 Crofters Commission should be abolished: report

Committee of inquiry wants to see land and house occupation tied to crofting use

13.05.08 Call for evidence on constitution proposals

Joint committee of Parliament seeks views on government's Constitutional Renewal Bill

12.05.08 Community network begins child law service

Not-for-profit advice body opens in Edinburgh

12.05.08 US "divorce coach" to promote Scots parent classes

TV presenter to lead FMS seminar ahead of pilot scheme

12.05.08 Scots accent causes problems for transcribers

Court records said to be wrong because English-based company can't understand accent

12.05.08 "Webby" award for Pinsent Masons

Firm's out-law.com site recognised in international contest