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Legal aid investigation – James Muir Solicitors The Scottish Legal Aid Board has confirmed that it has been working closely with the police and the Crown Office to investigate the possible abuse of legal aid by the solicitor firm James Muir. Mr Muir, of Bothwell, Lanarkshire, died on 20 April 2005. This was a tragic event, and the Board expresses its condolences to his family. The police investigation resulted from concerns the Board identified as part of its ongoing programme of monitoring and investigating legal aid expenditure involving both legal aid applicants and the legal profession. The Board has informed the Law Society of Scotland, the regulatory body for solicitors, about this investigation. The Board manages legal aid in Scotland, which is paid for by the taxpayer and delivered by solicitors and advocates. A key part of the Board’s work is investigating and pursuing abuse of legal aid. This work is important in protecting the Legal Aid Fund and the taxpayer. It is also a protection for the vast majority of legal practitioners who provide a quality legal service with honesty and integrity. Further details of this work is available on this website page.
Ends Journalists please contact : Colin Sim tel (direct) 0131 240 2033, mobile 07768 707454, or email
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