The case for compulsory mediation in family law cases in Scotland: will it help ease the creaking system, or is it a step too far?
By Molly Somerville The issue of compulsory mediation is exercising legal minds on both sides of the Border and, as the appetite for change in Scotland increases, the matter of its feasibility or desirability becomes ever more relevant. Mediation is an assisted negotiation, where parties voluntarily attend a neutral venue with a third-party who facilitates […]
Designer drugs: the latest worrying trend in substance misuse
Gail Evans, Technical Trainer at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest trends in illicit drug use as seen in the laboratory, from designer drugs, to ‘unexpected’ substances being detected in a donor’s sample. As a leading provider of drug testing services for family law professionals, social workers and FDACs, we are used to receiving questions regarding trends […]
New Complex Personal Injury Lead Partner For Irwin Mitchell As It Signals Exciting Growth Ambitions In Scotland
Irwin Mitchell has recruited an experienced Partner to spearhead its Complex Personal Injury team in Scotland as it plans significant growth north of the border. Kim Leslie has been a qualified solicitor specialising in personal injury law for 24 years, a Partner since 2009 and joins Irwin Mitchell from Digby Brown. She is accredited by […]
Comparisons of mediation between the UK and the US
Last week Chester-based Manleys solicitors virtually mediated a case in New York, USA. The case highlighted fundamental differences between the US and UK mediation systems – including higher fees in the states described by Manley’s MD as ‘eye-watering’. The negotiation phase of the mediation also presented something new, according to the firm. American lawyers are […]
Child rapists to automatically have parental responsibility stripped
Vile abusers who rape a child will have their own parental responsibilities automatically removed under new laws. An amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill tabled by the government will mean when child rapists are sentenced, their ability to make decisions about their own children’s lives will also be suspended. The change will apply in cases […]
