Northern Ireland

Solicitors have been invited to apply for membership of the Law Society of Northern Ireland's new human rights and equality group. Belfast solicitor Maria McCloskey was named last month as the chair of the new group, set up in response to international protests against racism and police violence.

The first tranche of legacy inquests due to be heard as part of a five-year plan may begin to be heard in October in unprecedented "hybrid" hearings following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The presiding coroner for Northern Ireland, Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan, who will soon be succeeded in

Proposals to double the amount of money that may be released to the beneficiary of a deceased person without probate from £10,000 to £20,000 have gone out to consultation. The Department of Finance said it believes that raising the sum would result in a quicker and more efficient process

UK law firm TLT, which employs around 100 people in Belfast, has agreed an alliance with Dutch firm Holla. TLT and Holla have a long history working together to support clients on a range of matters including complex disputes, employment, IP and corporate finance/M&A.

Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin QC has stepped down with effect from today after 10 years in the post. Solicitor Brenda King will now serve as the chief legal adviser to the Northern Ireland Executive in an interim capacity.

A watchdog has raised concerns about how the criminal justice system responds to child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Northern Ireland. In a report published today, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) highlighted a lack of clear leadership and strategic direction around tackling CSE.

Brian Turley has been granted leave by Mr Justice McAlinden to challenge the current impasse over the ‘Troubles Pension’ scheme. Mr Turley was one of the 14 men who were chosen for 'special treatment' and were taken to a secret interrogation centre. The men were forced to wear hoods and

McKees has announced the opening of a new pop-up signing station on the Boucher Road in Belfast. The signing station, located in the Boucher Centre, can facilitate the swearing of affidavits and statutory declarations; the witnessing of deeds and wills; and certifying identity documents and cop

Working hours at Belfast and Newry firm JMK Solicitors have been reduced by a fifth, with no loss in pay, as part of an ongoing project to improve "work-life balance". The personal injury and road traffic accident specialist firm said its 60 staff members now have the option of working for four days

Northern Ireland's Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) is set to hold its first virtual pilot hearing next week. The landmark hearing will take place on Tuesday 30 June, closely following the first virtual planning hearing in Scotland earlier this week.

Prominent Belfast solicitor Patrick Cross, who was joint senior partner of Cleaver Fulton Rankin before his retirement in 2005, has passed away. Mr Cross, who was in his late 70s, passed away yesterday, the Law Society of Northern Ireland said in a statement.

The number of out-of-court disposals handed down in Northern Ireland, typically to low-level or first-time offenders, has fallen for a sixth consecutive year. Out-of-court disposals include cautionary disposals, informed warnings, completion of PPS-ordered youth conferencing plans and resolution thr

A legal row has developed between Belfast residents and the Chinese embassy over the construction of a new wall at the Chinese consulate in Belfast. Residents living near the Chinese consulate in Belfast have secured an injunction in the High Court against the construction of a new wall on the site.

The PSNI is facing renewed calls to suspend its use of spit hoods following new evidence that they provide no protection from COVID-19 and could in fact increase the risk of infection. The controversial restraint devices were made more widely available to officers at the end of March by Chief C

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has written to solicitors to urge them to apply for two vacant positions on the High Court. Rowan White, president of the Law Society, said the appointment of Mr Justice Ian Huddleston in January 2019 "clearly demonstrates" that court advocacy "is not an essential