Government Defeated in Lords

Recent defeats of the Governments proposed Legal Aid changes have raised the possibility that there may be some hope of a proper review of the plans to remove legal aid from vulnerable persons It may be a small step, but one to be welcomed – the Government’s proposals to remove Legal Aid in family and … Continued

New joiner Emma Lipscombe welcomed

We are pleased to welcome Emma Lipscombe to the firm. Emma joined us on at the beginning of July, and is a highly experienced lawyer, who we are happy to have on board the team here. She has a considerable reputation, and a charming manner, and are confident she will develop her career with us.

Drug Mules given new sentencing guidelines

Alured Darlington of Hanwell Chambers has urged the Court of Appeal to ensure that the new sentencing guidelines don’t leave drug mules sentenced before the changes serving longer sentences than they should. Alured Darlington of Hanwell Chambers has written to The Solicitors Journal urging the Court of Appeal to ensure that they will not be any disadvantage … Continued

BSB recognised in Chambers 2012

For the 4th year running BSB are proud to have been acknowledged in Chambers As a result of peer reviews and recommendations bsb solicitors are once again ranked in the leading Guide to the legal profession, Chambers. Paul Butcher is recognised as a leading lawyer in Fraud, and the firm is pleased to growing from strength to strength … Continued

James Skelsey successfully prevents ASBO being made

After a lengthy process, where our client faced the prospect of an ASBO being imposed, we were able to avoid what would have been a harsh outcome.  James Skelsey successfully resisted an ASBO application being brought by a Local Authority to exclude the Respondent from the area where they had lived all their lives. He … Continued

Client avoids prosecution

Our client was facing the propect of a court hearing after he was found to have not declared capital in his bank account. Avril Stone secured an Administrative Penalty for our client, thereby avoiding a conviction, after he admitted he had failed to declare monies to the Council whilst claiming Benefit. As a result of … Continued

QASA Scheme criticised

We wrote an article for this months’ Advocate In the article, the QASA Scheme, which is designed to improve the quality of Higher Court Advocacy, is being criticised as being potentially unlawful and deeply flawed.

Client avoids custody

Our client was facing the prospect of a lengthy custodial term, but the Court agreed to follow an exceptional course. Solicitor Advocate James Skelsey represented a woman in her forties who was seen street dealing by the police and subsequently found to be in possession of 52 bags of cocaine, 48 bags of cannabis, over … Continued

Quality Assured?

The proposal to ensure only those with sufficient experience appear in the Higher Courts was challenged At a recent meeting organized by Jon Black and others at SAHCA, LCCSA and CLSA, Sam Stein QC attended to attempt to answer concerns held by Solicitor Advocates The consensus from those present was that the QASA scheme due to be … Continued

FA Coach cleared

Following his suspension by the Football Association for serious allegations, an FA Coach was cleared of all allegations of wrongdoing. Jon Black  handled the FA inquiry and appeal with great care, sensitivity and tact, and due to his tenacity, our client has been told the suspension imposed by the FA will be lifted. Jon was able … Continued

Acquittal for client represented by Manjit Dogra

Following a week-long trial, our client was cleared of serious allegations of sexual assault. Manjit, and Michael Magarian QC of Tooks Chambers represented our client at trial at Reading Crown Court. He faced allegations of serious historic sexual assault, and Manjit and Michael worked hard to secure his acquittal. Jim Skelsey had prepared the case, and the relief … Continued

Clause 12 lives on

Despite earlier guarantees from the Minister that free legal advice would remain in place the Bill proceeds on it’s merry way. Please show your opposition to this proposal and contact your MP. Giving such important constitutional matters such little parliamentary time could be seen as deliberate. The Minister tried to reassure all fevered brows in … Continued