New Advice and Assistance out of hours helpline number
22 June 2022
We have changed the number to ring for the out of hours Advice and Assistance. Please note that from 31 July, the mobile phone number will be withdrawn.
All solicitor updates
Helping our customers with communication support needs
17 June 2022
As part of our public sector equality duty we have improved access to legal assistance for service users requiring additional communications support.
Children's
Ensuring valid application for participation individuals at Children’s Hearings – no availability of ABWOR at present
16 June 2022
The correct procedure for applying ABWOR for legal representation of siblings seeking to exercise their rights under section 25 of Children (Scotland) 2020 Act
Criminal
Platinum Jubilee closures and availability of new holiday court fees
31 May 2022
Our offices are closed Friday 3 June for Platinum Jubilee. Court holidays at the end of this week also mean custody courts due to be held Saturday 4 June 2022.
Legal Aid Online
LAOL downtime scheduled: Tuesday 31 May and Saturday 11 June
16 May 2022
Access to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) will be unavailable 7pm-9pm on Tuesday 31 May and 8am-6pm on Saturday 11 June to allow for essential maintenance.
Civil
Judicial expenses claims can now be made online
10 May 2022
Online claims can now be made when you are accepting judicial expenses. From 1 June 2022, paper synopsis will no longer be accepted. See our guidance.
Criminal
New additional fee available at Easter holiday courts
12 April 2022
Easter custody courts held on Saturday 16 April eligible for new holiday court fee for solicitors representing accused person appearing from custody
All solicitor updates
Easter, spring and Jubilee bank holidays: Opening hours and solicitor payment arrangements
11 April 2022
View information about payment dates over the Easter, May Day and Platinum Jubilee public holidays 2022 and office opening hours.
Criminal
Research shows Covid had little impact on either access to criminal legal aid or client satisfaction
6 April 2022
Findings from research with criminal legal aid clients carried out with the Public Defence Solicitors’ Office and private practice criminal legal aid clients
All solicitor updates
Resumption of Criminal and Children’s Quality Assurance scheme peer reviews
30 March 2022
We are resuming Criminal and Children’s Quality Assurance peer reviews, put on hold in March 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
