Covid-19 (Coronavirus): Steps being taken to assist the profession

The developing Covid-19 situation is likely to present difficulties for anyone running their own business, as well as for public services.

Our priorities at this time are to continue delivering an appropriate service to those who depend on legal aid – both those in need of advice and representation and those providing it – while also protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

We have procedures in place to help ensure our staff can continue as far as possible to operate and provide a full service to you. This includes continuing the timely processing of applications and accounts to minimise impacts on you.

We understand there might be new challenges as to how you go about your business and serve your clients as a result of the situation.

We are looking at any steps that could be taken to help the profession in the event major changes are required to the operation of the legal aid or wider justice system as a result of Covid-19.

These include assessing potential challenges to solicitors providing face to face advice, including in the event of travel restrictions or significant increases in the risk of direct contact, and what solutions can be put in place to support you.

We will provide further updates as both government advice evolves and we identify any resulting pinch points in the legal aid process.

If you have any suggestions for us to consider at this time, please email these to covid19@slab.org.uk. We cannot promise individual responses to queries or suggestions as our focus will be on identifying solutions to issues both in advance and as they arise, and communicating these to the whole profession.

You may also wish to consult the SCTS website for up to date advice regarding attendance at court: https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/coming-to-court/attending-a-court/coronavirus