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Latest news
The second reading of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill in the House of Lords this week has seen peers spending a significant amount of time discussing Part 1 - reforms of legal aid. This has been the most contentious element, reflected by both the number of amendments and the length of time discussing each one. Given the slow progress of the LASPO Bill through the committee stage, four further committee stage days have been confirmed after 24 January: 30 January, 1 February, 7 February and 9 February.
On 10 January the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill went through a second day of committee stage in the House of Lords. The lengthy session covered amendments 5-20, which all relate to Part 1 of the Bill – the section that deals with reform to legal aid. During the session Justice minister Lord McNally dismissed criticism of the impact of legal aid cuts by saying that the LASPO Bill is starting to suffer from "report fatigue".
We are pleased to announce that as part of the growth of our information technology practice in Hong Kong, Senior Lawyer Nicholas Blackmore has joined the information technology team.
In January 2010, Kennedys' Sydney office became involved with supporting the Wayside Chapel. The Wayside Chapel has been in operation in Kings Cross, New South Wales since 1964, providing assistance in gaining equitable access to essential health, welfare and related services, including legal services.
On 13 December 2011, following his "victory" Partner Trevor Davies was dressed in a Santa suit and trapped in a human hamster ball for the amusement of passers by, who enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine whilst being royally entertained.
On 20 December 2011 the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill moved to the committee stage in the House of Lords. The Bill will remain in committee stage for seven more sitting days in the New Year. Our latest weekly update provides a short summary of feedback and key amendments provided by the Lords in relation to the Bill.
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