Qualitative research with Children’s legal assistance solicitors
18 May 2023
Qualitative research with solicitors who provide Children’s legal assistance will take place June 2023 to further explore experiences Hearings system.
Civil
Duty to report whether or not submitting a claim on the Fund
9 May 2023
It is a reporting requirement that you let us know whether you intend to submit an account, or submit a nil claim for a client.
All solicitor updates
Interpreters’ invoices – information required when submitting claims for payment
4 May 2023
Guidance for solicitors and interpreters on how to prepare and vouch invoices for services provided when submitting for payment
All solicitor updates
Guidance for using the online accounts system following the introduction of summary and solemn fee reforms
26 April 2023
Information and screenshots to assist with the various system changes on 29 April 2023 to Legal Aid Online as a result of the reforms.
General
Two new Board members appointed by Minister
26 April 2023
Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, has announced the appointment of Gavin Stevenson and Judith Robertson as new Board members
All solicitor updates
LAOL downtime scheduled: Friday 28 April, 5:30pm
24 April 2023
Access to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) will be unavailable from 5:30pm on Friday 28 April until 7am on Saturday 29 April to allow for deployment and upgrades.
Civil
Notifying us when lodging expenses for a client
21 April 2023
This update is to make you aware of our guidance on lodging expenses in favour of an assisted person.
All solicitor updates
Regulations to increase solicitor’s legal assistance fees and introduce revised payment arrangements for summary and solemn criminal legal aid come into force on 29 April 2023
19 April 2023
This update gives details on the fee increases and changes in payment arrangements as a result of the new regulations
Criminal
Drafting solemn accounts prior to 29 April fee reform changes
12 April 2023
This update explains the transitional arrangements included in the 29 April changes affecting solemn accounts - and advises on halting drafting online accounts
All solicitor updates
Keycards for 2023-24 published including new Criminal summary
11 April 2023
The 2023-24 Keycards effective from Monday 10 April 2023 are online for quick reference information across all aid types.
