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.
All solicitor updates
UPDATED: Regulations to increase solicitor and advocate legal assistance fees by 5% come into force on 1 April 2022
24 March 2022
Regulations to increase solicitor and advocate fees for legal aid and advice and assistance by 5% come into force on 1 April 2022
All solicitor updates
Disability Assistance Regulations coming into force
21 March 2022
Disability Assistance for Working Age People Regulations 21 March 2022; Adult Disability Payments (ADP) disregarded in disposable income assessment.
Legal Aid Online
LAOL downtime scheduled for evening of Friday 25 March
15 March 2022
Access to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) will be unavailable so we can install the latest system updates between 5.30pm and 11pm on Friday 25 March 2022.
All solicitor updates
Photocopying service reinstated
8 March 2022
Photocopying service for detailed accounts over 10,000 sheets now back in operation with immediate effect.
Legal Aid Online
LAOL downtime scheduled for Saturday 12 March
4 March 2022
Access to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) will be down for essential maintenance and unavailable between 8am and midday on Saturday 12 March 2022.
