News
All the latest news from Matrix Chambers and our members.
LAA to consult on the assessment of legal aid costs following Law Society Challenge
The Lord Chancellor has pledged to conduct a consultation on how legal aid bills are assessed following legal action taken by the Law Society. The Law Society lodged judicial review proceedings in September 2020, alleging that the Legal Aid Agency failed to consult properly around the decision to remove the assessment of legal aid claims […]
The Times coverage of public interest defence campaign
Alex Bailin QC calls in the Times today for the introduction of a public interest defence in the Official Secrets Acts, to ensure accountability in government and protect those who make disclosures of wrongdoing in the public interest. Together with Jessica Jones, Mishcon de Reya, and communications consultancy Powerscourt, Alex is co-ordinating a campaign (funded […]
Court of Appeal rules on jurisdiction in Bitcoin libel dispute
In a judgment handed down on 15 January 2021, the Court of Appeal has ruled on jurisdictional issues in libel proceedings relating to the true identity of “Satoshi Nakamoto”, the pseudonym used by the inventor of digital cryptocurrency Bitcoin. An earlier High Court ruling determined that the English court lacked jurisdiction to hear the proceedings, […]
RFU Disciplinary Panel gives England player two-week ban following outburst during match
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has given Kyle Sinckler, a Bristol Bears and England rugby player, a two week ban following an outburst towards the referee during a match. In a disciplinary hearing the panel held that the incident was a failure to respect the authority of the referee. The two week ban will mean […]
SFO Panel Counsel: re-appointments to Prosecution List
Congratulations to Richard Whittam QC and Alex Bailin QC who have been re-appointed to the SFO’s QC List and to Nichola Higgins who was appointed to the SFO’s A Panel. The full list of appointments can be found here.