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Plans to offer "automatic online convictions" to people charged with minor offences will lead to "trigger-happy justice", campaigners have said. The UK government's controversial Judicial Review and Courts Bill, which returns to the Commons floor today, will allow for people charged with minor offen

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has withdrawn its appeal of a significant High Court judgment which found that the service must provide reasonable accommodation to disabled prison officers. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission provided legal representation to Robert Cunningham in taking the

Future applicants for judicial office in Northern Ireland have been invited to help pilot a new online testing and assessment system. The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC) is exploring the utility of using online platforms for testing and assessment and also as a mitigation m

The Court of Appeal has increased a damages award for a man who had his constitutional right to earn a livelihood infringed by a trade union. The man had received €15,000 from the High Court in the quantum hearing. However, the Court of Appeal held that the trial judge had erred in a number of

The UK's 20th annual Pro Bono Week will take place from 1 to 5 November 2021, offering an opportunity to recognise and support the voluntary contribution made by the legal profession across the UK in giving free legal help to those in need.  This milestone anniversary will be a pivotal moment t

Global law firm Fieldfisher, with offices in Dublin and Belfast, has announced the appointment of Robert Shooter as its next managing partner. Mr Shooter, currently head of Fieldfisher's technology, outsourcing and privacy practice, will take over from Michael Chissick with effect from 1 May 2022.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has issued a warning to the public over scam artists posing as solicitors to steal money from home-buyers. In a statement, the Law Society said it is "aware of reports" about clients losing significant amounts of money after receiving a last-minute and fake email,

A group of schoolkids are suing their local schools over an allegedly discriminatory dress code requiring boys to have short hair. Seven pupils in Magnolia, Texas have launched a lawsuit against their school district with support from the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas.

Amnesty International has said it will close its Hong Kong offices by the end of the year because of China's controversial national security legislation. The human rights organisation said its work had been made "effectively impossible" by the Hong Kong national security law introduced by Beijing la

Pubs and restaurants will only be allowed to serve alcohol outdoors until 11pm under changes to the emergency laws introduced to support the hospitality sector during Covid-19 public health restrictions. Justice minister Heather Humphreys said the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, which

A government review of Ireland's freedom of information legislation will be completed next summer, according to a new roadmap. Public expenditure and reform minister Michael McGrath has set out his plans for the review of the Freedom of Information Act, which was first announced in June.

Belfast-based Carson McDowell has announced the appointment of Richard Dickson as a partner in the firm's real estate team. Mr Dickson has over 21 years' experience of dealing with all aspects of property law transactions. He joined Carson McDowell in September, having previously been a partner of a

One of the oldest beauty pageants in the world is being sued over allegations that it is breaking employment laws by judging applicants on their looks. Feminist organisation Osez le Féminisme has launched the lawsuit against the producers of the 101-year-old Miss France pageant, Insider repor

A new bill will aim to "enhance transparency" around the practice of insurers deducting government payments from Covid-related claims settlements. The Department of Finance has begun drafting the Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which will address insurance-related issues that have arisen

A&L Goodbody LLP has named David Widger as its next managing partner, taking the reins of the firm from May 2022. He will succeed Julian Yarr following the completion of his third and final term as managing partner, having served in the leading role for 12 years.