The launch of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) has been delayed and the consultation on its design extended, the Joint Advocacy Group (JAG) announced today. The JAG, set up with representatives of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Bar Standards Board and ILEX Professional Services to design the scheme, said QASA is being ?reconsidered in the light of issues being raises in the consultation period?. A consultation on the scheme to assess publicly funded criminal defence advocates was due to close today (7 October), but has been extended to 7 November. read more