Operation Early Dawn
LBC, Liverpool Echo and the Gazette continue coverage of the UK government’s Operation Early Dawn, which was triggered last week to deal with prison capacity challenges.
The Gazette also reports that the situation is a regulatory and compliance nightmare.
We warned that it could cause chaos as victims, witnesses, defendants and lawyers would turn up to court only to find their cases delayed and cautioned that the prison spaces crisis is a consequence of the UK government’s approach to justice including over a decade of underfunding of our criminal justice system.
Divorce chaos
The Mirror reports that 94 estranged couples have been plunged into divorce chaos after HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) issued 94 divorce applications which should have been rejected because they were made one day early. 79 final divorce orders may now be legally unsound.
Karen Dovaston, chair of our Family Law Committee, said: “Something has gone seriously wrong here and this error will have a significant impact on some of the couples affected. Divorces can be extremely distressing at the best of times and this will add a great deal of confusion and worry to the situation.
“The effect will depend on how far through the divorce process the couple is, what orders have been made by the court and whether those orders have been implemented.”
Cybersecurity
City A.M. and the Gazette covers the Law Society and Bar Council’s updated cybersecurity questionnaire.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We know that no one tool can offer complete protection against cyber threats, but this updated questionnaire will help reassure clients that data is kept as secure as possible.
“Firms will need to continue to take other precautions, but the development of the questionnaire is an important step in the right direction.”
CILEX regulation
Our response to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) consultation response on the regulation of non-authorised members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, the Gazette reports.
Law Society chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “There is an impression in the consultation that the Law Society’s approval of the necessary changes to the corporate objects of the SRA to be able to take on the regulation of CILEX members is no more than an administrative issue to be resolved. Such approval cannot be assumed, and would in any event require a decision of the Society’s council.”
Evictions and possessions
Solicitors Journal and Residential Landlord continue coverage of our response to the latest eviction and repossession statistics.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We are alarmed by the growing number of individuals facing the threat of homelessness. With the cost-of-living crisis and soaring interest rates, many struggle to meet rent and mortgage obligations, placing their homes at risk. Legal aid often represents their sole recourse, yet remains beyond reach.”
Digital accessibility guidance
To coincide with Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we published guidance to support disabled people in the workplace by highlighting how organisations should prioritise digital accessibility.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson tells Today’s Wills & Probate, Law360 (£) and the Gazette: “At a time when the legal sector is increasingly being encouraged to explore the use of legal technologies to enhance legal practice, it is important that law firms and organisations are not inadvertently creating barriers by failing to consider accessibility at a baseline level. Instead, firms and organisations should use the opportunities that technologies bring to create a more accessible and inclusive profession for everyone.”
Demi Rixon, vice-chair of our Disabled Solicitors Network Committee, added: “It is exhausting and sometimes soul-destroying tackling the vast number of barriers trying to enter the legal profession as a disabled person. Then once you are in, there are even more barriers making it difficult to stay in, and accessible technology is one of these. Technology can be a powerful tool to create better inclusion for everyone.”
Read our press release & our new guidance
21st Century Justice
UKNIP covers our story about the 21st Century Justice interim report.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Everyone deserves a fair, timely solution to their legal problems, and we know small businesses and people on low incomes can struggle to get the support they need.
“Access to justice is a fundamental right that should not be contingent on a person's background or financial means. Our 21st Century Justice Project is leading the charge, identifying actionable simple ways to future-proof our justice system.”
Memorial service for legal stalwart
Global Legal Post reports that a memorial service will be held next month for Stephen Denyer, who was our director of strategic relationships and who died earlier this year aged 68.
Law Society chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “Stephen was a brilliant lawyer and hugely well-connected ambassador, combining those qualities to lead discussion among members on the issues of greatest significance to the profession. His wisdom and wise counsel were sought by colleagues and by others in the profession across the world.
The memorial service will be held on 21 June at Temple Church, followed by a reception at the Law Society on Chancery Lane.
Legal Cheek Awards
Legal Cheek covers the winners from its 2024 Awards ceremony.
I. Stephanie Boyce, a former Law Society president, was on the independent judging panel for the Best Legal Cheek Journal contribution 2024, which was won by Lauren Slade.
TA6 form
Today’s Conveyancer continues coverage of our updated TA6 Property Information Form.
Also worth a read:
- Iranian president confirmed dead in helicopter crash – Times (£)
- Post Office/Horizon inquiry: Former GC will not appear before inquiry – Gazette
- Allow courts to fine lawyers who bring SLAPPs, says anti-corruption campaigner – Legal Futures
- MoJ mulling mandatory mediation in high-value County Court claims – Gazette
- “Inept” MPs at centre of delays of Rwanda plan – iNews
- Criminal Justice Bill: MPs are attacking abortion rights – Guardian
- Up to 23,000 criminals will escape jail under Government plans to scrap short sentences – Telegraph (£)
- Barristers ‘gaming system’ with virtual hearings, says Bar Council – Times (£)
- NFL star in hot water over “homemaker” graduation speech – BBC News, Vox & Sky News
- Infected blood inquiry: Findings expected to be published today – BBC News