Lawyers at risk from far-right groups
President Nick Emmerson spoke to LBC Radio (01:07:42- 01:10:45) and Sky News about our concerns of a list of firms being targeted during the riots and the view of lawyers by the public.
BBC, Standard, Times, Independent, Gazette, Sun, New Law Journal, Daily Express, and more than 200 other media outlets report on the government’s concern after a list of targeted law firms circulates on social media.
Nick Emmerson said: “We have serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our members following names and addresses of a number of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies being shared on a list of targets for further protest and violence this week.
"I have written to the prime minister, lord chancellor and home secretary today asking that the threats against the legal profession are treated with the utmost seriousness.
"A direct assault on our legal profession is a direct assault on our democratic values and we are supporting our members who are being targeted.
"It is paramount that justice is done for all those who have been involved in, or are victims of, the riots. We commend the UK government for its swift response and want to see that the necessary support and resources are provided for both prosecution and defence lawyers, courts staff and judiciary in dealing with this emergency.”
Guardian reports on the ongoing riots as police have said that 120 people have been charged so far with offences, while 428 arrests have been made during the riots.
Deputy editor of the Gazette John Hyde said: “Swift justice is fine” but offers the suggestion that “it might be worth an explainer from the CPS and Ministry of Justice at some point why these cases can be turned around so quickly when other cases take years.”
Japan’s legal market
LawCareers.Net reports on Japan introduces new streamlined process to welcome more foreign lawyers.
President Nick Emmerson said: The process “will help to save time and money for both law firms and foreign lawyers in Japan.
He explained that the changes are “a positive reflection of the Japanese government’s broader desire to attract more foreign direct investment and highly skilled talent to its domestic market. This helps both foreign and Japanese firms hire foreign lawyers.”
Mirror wills
BBC Look North Yorkshire speaks to Ian Bond, member of Law Society Wills and Equity Committee about mirror wills and if they should be considered by couples.
Asylum claims
Gazette reports on The Daily Mail conducting an undercover investigation into the practices of three law firms advising clients how to succeed in their asylum claims, which took place last year.
Also worth a read:
- Opinion: Britain’s jails are in terrible crisis, but prison can work. I know, I’ve seen it - Guardian
- Two-tier policing myth: the claims fact-checked – Times (£)
- UK to introduce bill to regulate ESG rating agencies – Financial Times (£)
- Daily Mail sting solicitor to face disciplinary tribunal – Legal Futures
- Unrest delays bar exams in Bangladesh – Solicitors Journal