L.S.C. LEGAL AID PAYMENTS

07/01/10

We wish to inform our Solicitors of an urgent email received today , 7 January 2010,  from Desmond Hudson, Chief Executive of the Law Society:

From the Chief Executive



To Presidents of Local Law Societies

6 January 2009

Dear President

Yesterday we were notified by the Legal Services Commission that because of IT problems, the LSC will be unable to make payments to firms today in accordance with their obligations. At mid day today they have informed us that they are confident that the payments will be made tomorrow.

We have immediately used the channels established with the banks to notify them of the problem, so as to ensure that they are aware this is an LSC issue beyond the control of firms. We will continue to monitor the issue and will update you accordingly.

If any of your constituents contact you about this, please assure them that the Society is aware of the issue and responding accordingly. If any firm suffers a loss as a result of this problem, for example by incurring additional bank charges, we would recommend that they seek recovery of those costs from the LSC.

Yours sincerely

Desmond Hudson
Chief Executive
Direct Line: 020 7320 5601
Direct Fax: 020 7320 5759
desmond.hudson@lawsociety.org.uk