Justice system cuts
Law Society president Nick Emmerson speaks to BBC Radio 4’s World at One (from 24:57) about the consequences that spending cuts may have on the justice system:
“It’s essential to society that we have a functioning justice system. What does it say about us, what are we as a people if we can’t bring justice to people who are victims and make sure those who have committed crimes are put away. It doesn’t compute why we wouldn’t invest in our justice system because it goes to very core of who we are.”
Litigants in person
Solicitors Journal, New Law Journal and ICLG cover the impact that representing oneself in court has on litigants in person (LiPs), as the number of LiPs has increased in the family courts while access to legal aid remains limited.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Our members tell us that they see litigants in person who represent themselves feeling overwhelmed with court process, court orders and procedure rules, which leads them to have difficulties.”
Liz Fisher-Frank, a member of the Law Society’s family law committee, said: “Where in the past a solicitor’s letter may have resolved issues or encouraged mediation, now clients seeking to resolve issues, where necessary, must navigate the process of making an application to the court on their own - which can be incredibly daunting and for some simply too much to deal with.”
Mortgage possession claims
Cambrian News continues coverage of recent figures that highlight the rising number of eviction and repossession claims made earlier this year.
President Nick Emmerson said: "We are concerned about the number of people who are at risk of becoming homeless.
"With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes."
Probate delays
Gazette and Legal Futures report that the Justice Select Committee chair, Sir Bob Neill, has called on HMCTS to release figures on probate delays, as the committee is disbanded for the upcoming election.
The piece mentions the Law Society’s concern that firms are at increased risk of claims, which can increase the cost of their professional insurance. The piece also mentions the close work we have done with HMCTS on probate delays.
Conveyancing fraud
Inside Conveyancing writes about conveyancing fraud and mentions the Law Society’s guidance on preventing this fraud.
Will writing
Gazette reports that private client lawyers attending the Law Society’s annual private client conference were told that solicitors should film clients writing their will to help resolve disputes that may arise later.
Also worth a read:
- Sadiq Khan warns domestic abuse victims they are not safe from their abusers due to the new early release scheme - Times (£)
- ‘No-fault’ evictions increased by 52% in London in a year - Standard
- Axiom Ince report will not be published until after the general election - Gazette
- SRA has fallen short of its target to speed up investigations - Legal Futures
- Bar Council has called for a review of criminal justice through a royal commission - Standard
- Allegations rise that complaints made about tribunal judges have been covered up - Times (£)
- Shortage of cash will have detrimental impact on access to justice - Gazette
- Donald Trump found guilty in ‘hush money’ trial – FT (£)