https://www.slab.org.uk/covid-19-summary-of-updates-and-arrangements-during-the-current-crisis/
https://www.slab.org.uk/covid-19-summary-of-updates-and-arrangements-during-the-current-crisis/
The following are recent updates and news items on changes to arrangements as a result of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
All solicitor updates
Guidance to help solicitors & clients when providing applicant financial information during Covid-19 for criminal, civil and children's legal aid
Civil
Guidance on information to send us with paper accounts in Civil cases involving property recovered or preserved to minimise any disruption to payments.
Civil
Highlights a number of issues that will help ensure your applications for legal aid are processed without delay.
All solicitor updates
Civil, Children’s and Solemn Criminal legal aid accounts added to those able to take advantage of our extended interim payment processes from 30 April.
Covid-19
See guidance on interim payment claims during the Covid-19 pandemic for various accounts, including criminal, civil & children's legal aid, A&A and ABWOR.
All solicitor updates
Update explains changes to provisions as to when counsel & solicitor advocates can submit payment to account under Civil, Criminal & Children's legal aid.
Criminal
Changes for Covid-19 to allow solicitors to grant ABWOR where not attending physical calling of case. Notice of further work on delegated solicitor and half fee
Civil
We have provided a fillable fields version of the civil financial Form 2 that can be emailed to clients to help during the Covid-19 crisis.
All solicitor updates
Steps we've put in place to help clients with payments, including contributions, expenses awards, property recovered or preserved, & terminations of legal aid.
Criminal
Update confirming that Covid-19 a "good reason" for delegation of a custody appearance by an appointed solicitor.
Criminal
Update on three-way video conference calls (solicitor, Advocate & prisoner) on Agent to Prisons video link. Suggested interim solution until SPS investigates.
All solicitor updates
As a result of measures introduced to deal with the current pandemic, Quality Assurance Schemes and compliance audit visits are suspended for the time being.
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New guidance for submitting interim accounts for work done to date, where the Covid-19 situation means there is little prospect of conclusion in the near future
Criminal
See the Sheriff and JP court arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic, also includes information on duty swaps and police station duty attendance
All solicitor updates
See information for submitting paper accounts by secure email and for sending vouching or supporting information.
All solicitor updates
See our arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic for alternatives to notifying applicants and opponents by letter for civil, criminal & children's cases.
All solicitor updates
See details for solicitors on electronically transfering principal sums or expenses settlements instead of sending cheques during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Criminal
Find out how to sign up to use the video link to prisons run by the Scottish Prison Service.
All solicitor updates
See email addresses we've added to the solicitor section of the Contact us page so you can reach the relevant teams directly.
All solicitor updates
We have developed plans to help solicitors in the face of uncertainty and shifts in the operation of the justice system.
All solicitor updates
An update from Colin Lancaster on planning for revised arrangements during the current Covid-19 crisis.