Landmark legislation
Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Family Lawyer, Today’s Wills & Probate, Athens News and World News report on the Law Society welcoming the passage through the Greek parliament of a law enabling UK lawyers to practise in Greece under their home title.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “This is a landmark achievement for UK lawyers and law firms. The Law Society has worked tirelessly with the UK government to ensure that our members can continue to provide their services in one of the continent’s most important markets. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those involved in this process, including our counterparts in Greece and the UK government, for their unwavering support and commitment.”
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AI regulation
Practice Source, Today’s Family Lawyer, Today’s Wills and Probate and Today’s Conveyancer report on the government taking a step towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by becoming one of the first states to sign a measure drafted by the 46-member Council of Europe.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: "Signing the UK’s first treaty on the safe use of AI marks a significant milestone for the legal sector. This treaty upholds fundamental principles such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which must remain at the forefront and pave the way for much-needed further cooperation between states in the Council of Europe and beyond.
“While this is a promising start, it is just the beginning. It is essential that the UK takes a leading role in shaping future treaties and other international AI governance initiatives. By ensuring that AI development is responsible and remains aligned with our shared legal and ethical values, we can more safely take full advantage of the opportunities AI affords us."
Reasonable adjustments
Today’s Wills and Probate and Today’s Family Lawyer report that The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance to help employers understand their legal obligations and the steps they can take to support disabled employees with hybrid working.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Implementing reasonable adjustments are important for organisations, as it ensures our disabled colleagues are able to work in an environment that meets their needs.
“The Legally Disabled? research from Cardiff University and the Law Society’s Disabled Solicitors Network found clear evidence that disability has been largely overlooked when it comes to improving diversity and inclusion in the solicitors’ profession.
“We welcome the EHRC’s new guidance and resources, as it provides practical tips on what employers can do – such as identifying technology to help disabled employees work flexibly to create a working environment fit for disabled people.
“The Law Society’s guidance on reasonable adjustments and digital accessibility also provides real life examples of how law firms and in-house teams have embedded disability inclusion.”
Family court system
Netmums reports that severe underfunding of the family courts has left thousands of children trapped in the justice system for months.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The family courts are in a dire state. Children are forced to wait almost a year in limbo, as they are failed by a system that should aim to protect them.
“This has a damaging impact on the families and especially the children, as crippling stress and anxiety of an uncertain future is completely overlooked.
“Our children must be prioritised by the next government. Last year saw more than 100,000 children trapped in the family courts backlogs.
We cannot allow 25,000 more children to become collateral damage to a justice system in crisis.”
Deputy Vice President interview
Today’s Conveyancer has published their interview with Deputy Vice President, Mark Evans as he speaks to the publication about property law, his upcoming presidency and his experience as a tutor as a university.
LegalRunner launch
Today’s Conveyancer reports that Deputy Vice President Mark Evans has launched a new initiative, to encourage the legal profession to focus on improving their mental health and wellbeing through regular exercise.
Deputy Vice President Mark Evans said: “It was during a training run that the idea of forming a running group for the legal community was formed and the idea of “LegalRunner” was created.
“I set up a page on LinkedIn and within minutes we had members. Over the last few months the enthusiasm within the group has grown and a community has developed and in August we launched LegalRunner website.
“The aim of LegalRunner is to improve mental and physical health and foster a healthier, inclusive and supportive legal community. I am delighted to have the support of LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector as a partner.
“We are very much at the start of a journey; one I will be championing throughout my term a Vice President, and President of the Law Society, encouraging people to get involved and join in the community.”
Prisons crisis
MSN UK and inews (£) reports that the government would likely face legal challenges, if they attempt to send prisoners to Estonian jails.
Dr Laura Janes, solicitor and member of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee said: “There are requirements in both legislation at home and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights for prisoners to still have access to private and family life.
“That includes visits and contact with the outside world, as well as meaningful development opportunities and activities in custody. It would be incredibly complicated to enable the basic ingredients of Article 8 in Estonia.
“If pursued, this policy would require new primary legislation, which would have to go through human rights considerations. But the Government is also looking at domestic solutions, such as Operation Early Dawn [which means prisoners are held in police cells and only summoned to a magistrates’ court when it is confirmed that a cell in the prison estate is ready for them] and new release rules, which are likely to be much more effective and appropriate.”
Also worth a read:
- More than a million British workers not having a single day of paid time off, says TUC - Guardian
- UK health minister says NHS needs to make ‘three big shifts’ to survive – Financial Times (£)
- 721 children in rogue surgeon investigation at Great Ormond Street – Times (£)
- PM defends 'tough decision' over winter fuel cut – BBC News
- Prison early release scheme could be undermined by increase in recalls, justice sources fear – Telegraph (£)
- Grenfell report recommends Building Safety Act definitions reviewed – Today’s Conveyancer
- Bring criminal prosecutions against Grenfell Tower cladding firms, urges Gove - Standard
- Keir Starmer and Idris Elba launch project to tackle knife crime ‘national crisis’ - Guardian
- Police ignore anti-social behaviour, says victims’ commissioner – Telegraph (£)
- ‘Sleepless nights for domestic abuse victims’ as mass release of prisoners approaches – Times (£)
- National Crime Agency is ‘on its knees’, Keir Starmer is warned – Times (£)
- We can’t lock up ‘everyone we’re cross with’, says ex-justice secretary – Guardian
- X-ray scanners ‘fail to keep drugs out of jails because of staff shortages’ – Telegraph (£)