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.
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.
Covid-19
See our guidance on making interim claims for payment during the Covid-19 pandemic for various accounts, including some A&A, ABWOR & summary criminal
All solicitor updates
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.