This makes the M&S data breach look like very small beer. If legal aid applicants experience severe problems- eg extreme distress or financial detriment will they be liable for compensation? Like Post Office SPMs, or Andrew Malkinson/Peter Sullivan. And just like those victims of miscarriage of justice will that compensation be nowhere near what they’re entitled to… and probably not be received till after their death?
Cyber-attacks like this one and those affecting retailers recently seem to me to to an indication of complacency or of cost-cutting and so-called ‘efficiency’ on the part of the data controllers. Insufficient attention is being paid to security
Is it any wonder? All institutions relying on digitised data will be subject to cyber-attack, and individuals' personal information compromised, for the sake of so-called efficiency and cutting expenses/jobs. Attacks on this scale would be virtually impossible if paper records were still kept.
I extend my deepest sympathy to all embroiled in this - for me- frightening hazard of AI. I, naturally, feel for my former colleagues who now have YET ANOTHER hurdle to traverse BEFORE even STARTING on any legal application. But what of, especially, the clients who now have yet another quality of life diminishing anxiety on their hands. There must in particular be those engaged in this new struggle-both lay and professionals- who have like me been innumerate all my life. It is strange, is it not, that MUCH understanding tends to be extended to those who are illiterate or who battle against semi-literacy, whilst a shrug of the shoulders appears a sufficient acknowledge for the very many hobbled by “number blindness”? I had as it happens a legal executive who was able for many years to plaster over that particular crack and I remain grateful to him to this day. All the same, towards the end of my 47 (sic) of my (actually) successful practice as Solicitor/Advocate by the time I had been able to totter to my feet and DO THE JOB I was often close to exhaustion from the process of legal aid process beforehand and justifying every penny claimed afterwards.I doubt anyone would have ever called me semi-literate or lost for words, but there you have it. Peter Sommer has a good point and I have to say that I almost always found Judges -if of the Bar- ignorant of and airily indifferent to legal aid complexities when adjournments had needed to be sought- usually for the financial eligibility limb should the client be on anything more or other than rock bottom benefit. Happy days? Well, yes- but ever more exhausting for the WRONG reasons.
This makes the M&S data breach look like very small beer. If legal aid applicants experience severe problems- eg extreme distress or financial detriment will they be liable for compensation? Like Post Office SPMs, or Andrew Malkinson/Peter Sullivan. And just like those victims of miscarriage of justice will that compensation be nowhere near what they’re entitled to… and probably not be received till after their death?
All good questions. The courts minister gave some answers this afternoon: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-05-19/debates/C6B0C827-D166-4DF8-90AD-ECBDA4951D37/LegalAidAgencyCyber-SecurityIncident
Cyber-attacks like this one and those affecting retailers recently seem to me to to an indication of complacency or of cost-cutting and so-called ‘efficiency’ on the part of the data controllers. Insufficient attention is being paid to security
Likely another 'pretender' attack. And not the last by any means.
Is it any wonder? All institutions relying on digitised data will be subject to cyber-attack, and individuals' personal information compromised, for the sake of so-called efficiency and cutting expenses/jobs. Attacks on this scale would be virtually impossible if paper records were still kept.
I extend my deepest sympathy to all embroiled in this - for me- frightening hazard of AI. I, naturally, feel for my former colleagues who now have YET ANOTHER hurdle to traverse BEFORE even STARTING on any legal application. But what of, especially, the clients who now have yet another quality of life diminishing anxiety on their hands. There must in particular be those engaged in this new struggle-both lay and professionals- who have like me been innumerate all my life. It is strange, is it not, that MUCH understanding tends to be extended to those who are illiterate or who battle against semi-literacy, whilst a shrug of the shoulders appears a sufficient acknowledge for the very many hobbled by “number blindness”? I had as it happens a legal executive who was able for many years to plaster over that particular crack and I remain grateful to him to this day. All the same, towards the end of my 47 (sic) of my (actually) successful practice as Solicitor/Advocate by the time I had been able to totter to my feet and DO THE JOB I was often close to exhaustion from the process of legal aid process beforehand and justifying every penny claimed afterwards.I doubt anyone would have ever called me semi-literate or lost for words, but there you have it. Peter Sommer has a good point and I have to say that I almost always found Judges -if of the Bar- ignorant of and airily indifferent to legal aid complexities when adjournments had needed to be sought- usually for the financial eligibility limb should the client be on anything more or other than rock bottom benefit. Happy days? Well, yes- but ever more exhausting for the WRONG reasons.
What is the position of expert witnesses on whose behalf solicitors seek Legal Aid prior authority for payment?