Archive

Budget and legal aid cuts are forcing law centres to rethink their operation

Under financial pressure from funding cuts and the forthcoming legal aid bill, not-for-profit organisations must consider options they once spurned, says Michael Ashe

Wisdom of the crowd

The government has largely disregarded public opinion in its haste to reform the legal aid system, but the downgrading of access to civil justice will rebound on them, says Steve Hynes

How valuable is expert evidence when assessing a patient in a vegetative state?

Richard Scorer and Gemma Hall discuss experts' roles in cases involving the possible withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and in compensation claims

Dickens today would write about the plight of women in prison

Prisons are no place for the majority of women offenders but still this is where they are sent, says Jeannie Mackie

Beware the brand

We have recently emerged from a rebranding exercise in the office. Overnight, a transformation occurred: from the replacement of letterhead paper and the launch of a new website to receiving a collectible umbrella in a choice of two colours (red or blue) branded mugs, pens, pencils, post-it notes and mouse mats. Each item is emblazoned with the BDB logo, predominantly in navy blue.

Council not under duty of care to girl injured in contractor's swimming lesson

Essex County Council did not owe a 'non-delegable' duty of care to a girl who almost drowned during a school swimming lesson run by a private contractor.

Lawyers' last push to get charity ad ban lifted

Animal Defenders International, the animal protection charity, edged closer to getting an advertising ban lifted after a hearing in the European Court of Human Rights yesterday, according to its lawyer.

Paying the price

Jim Diamond considers the spiralling legal costs in the private client world