The Lord Chancellor v Blavo & Co Solictors Ltd & Anor
The evidence established systemic fraud by Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited in claiming legal aid payments for non-existent cases. The Lord Chancellor lawfully terminated the contracts and assessed claims at nil. John Blavo is liable under the deed of guarantee and indemnity for the sums due.
- Parties
- Claimant: The Lord Chancellor; First Defendant: Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited (in liquidation); Second Defendant: John Blavo
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 21 December 2018
- Procedural Posture
- Civil / Final Judgment
- Outcome
- judgment for the claimant
- Legal Topics
- Termination of Contract, Fraud, Guarantee and Indemnity, Assessment of Claims, Public Funds Protection
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
The Lord Chancellor
Claimant
Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited (in liquidation)
First Defendant
John Blavo
Second Defendant
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited made fraudulent claims for legal aid payments
- 2 Whether the Lord Chancellor lawfully terminated the legal aid contracts
- 3 Whether the Lord Chancellor lawfully assessed the claims at nil
Ratio Decidendi
The evidence established systemic fraud by Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited in claiming legal aid payments for non-existent cases. The Lord Chancellor lawfully terminated the contracts and assessed claims at nil. John Blavo is liable under the deed of guarantee and indemnity for the sums due.
Court Disposition
judgment for the claimant
Orders
- Blavo & Co. Solicitors Limited and John Blavo are jointly and severally liable to repay £22,136,001.71 to the Lord Chancellor.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
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