Criminal advocates will not need to be told of the serious problems affecting LSC bill payments. There is a considerable backlog, caused by a series of problems including the move from the Courts Service to the LSC, incorrect or incorrectly completed forms, and a significant problem with the allocation and processing of case numbers within the Courts Service. As we reported two weeks ago, the LSC is implementing IT changes that, it hopes, will enable it to deal with the problem, and has belatedly put some information on its website. There is also a helpful statement on the Bar Council website, which is equally applicable to solicitor advocates. Meanwhile, the Bar Council has also released guidance to barristers on contractual terms with solicitors in civil legal aid cases. See the Handbook Updates page.