Often it is necessary to try to de-mystify the court process as much as possible. Often one of the things that worries a client most is where they stand, what they should say to the judge and what they should wear. So, particularly with young or vulnerable defendants, I often go through the whole trial process from arraignment to verdict and what happens if the verdict is guilty. This also helps them ask the question that they don't always want to hear answered: will I go to prison if I am convicted?
My bank has just bounced one of my client account cheques. Just a few words but the consequences are horrific. Why did they do this? In 31 years of practice no client account cheque of mine has ever been dishonoured. At the time that the cheque was not met I had in the region of one million pounds in the client account. So why was the bank behaving in this very curious fashion? We live in strange times but surely some things remain sacred?
The ideas behind the SRA's consultation on mandatory re-accreditation for solicitors advocates are under-developed, discriminatory and based on worthless evidence, says Tim Lawson-Cruttenden
Paul Stanley considers whether the compulsory retirement age ruling is compatible with UK regulations, the binding force of unpublished rules and the right to indemnity under the Commercial Agents Directive
Jane Coker reviews the latest cases on family reunion, right to family life, the UN's refugee convention, students, and the recognition of Muslim divorces
Lesley Davey reviews the European Commission's policy on abuse of dominant position, block exemptions, the application of State aid rules in the context of the economic crisis, and the OFT's new leniency guidance
