Global legal centre
New Law Journal, LawCareers.Net and Today’s Family Lawyer cover the Law Society’s newly published International Data Insights Report 2024, which reveals the global dominance of English law, as England and Wales remain a legal centre of the world.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We are proud to see that England and Wales have remained a leading legal jurisdiction and global legal centre.
“England and Wales continue to extend their global reach, attracting even more individuals and businesses with no direct ties to the UK to use our courts, while English law is chosen for contracts in international transactions worth trillions of pounds.
“As the number of cases heard at the London Commercial Court surges, it is evident that our popular courts reflect the attractiveness of English law. As the global demand for UK legal services continues to rise, the legal sector contributes ever more significantly to the UK economy.
“It is critical we recognise the work of the legal profession in powering the UK economy and bolstering our international reputation. We must support our justice system and promote our legal profession as an economic powerhouse, as we continue to unleash our global potential.”
Landmark legislation
New Law Journal, Culture Zone and EIN Presswire 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.
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.
“This new law signifies a strong step forward in safeguarding the interests of UK legal professionals abroad and reaffirms the importance of collaborative international relations in the legal sector.”
Renters’ Rights Bill
Gazette, Property Eye Industry and Today’s Conveyancer reveal that the government hopes to ban ‘no-fault’ evictions by next summer, as the Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament yesterday.
President Nick Emmerson said: “We are pleased that the UK government has prioritised the Renters’ Rights Bill in its legislative agenda and set out its plan to strengthen tenant rights.
“As the housing crisis spirals out of control, it is vital that renters are afforded clear rights that protect them from unjust treatment and homelessness. Ending ‘no-fault’ evictions is a critical step in bolstering these protections. However, more details are needed on how the government will ban ‘no-fault’ evictions, while balancing tenant rights with landlords’ routes to repossessions. Maintaining this balance is key in reforming the rental market.
“We also urge the government to invest in both the legal aid system and the courts to ensure renters can access justice and are protected when facing eviction.”
Annual General Meeting
Times Law newsletter, Legal Futures and Gazette Ireland cover a motion to be heard at the Law Society’s October Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members will vote if the Law Society Council should be paid directly for the first time.
A Law Society spokesperson said: “The Law Society’s council has proposed a new system of a nominal allowance to council members that replaces the previous one. This new system will be presented for ratification by the Law Society’s members at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 9 October 2024.”
Prison overcrowding
Politiko Albania reports that around 1,700 prisoners were released early yesterday as part of the UK government’s plans to tackle overcrowding in prisons.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The early release scheme is a pragmatic response to the chronic lack of jail spaces.
“While not an ideal step to take, in view of the parlous state of our prisons, it enables more time and space for longer-term solutions to the many problems bedevilling our criminal justice system.
“It will be important to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place so that any risks to the public are minimised.
“Rebuilding the criminal justice system after decades of neglect will take years of hard work, investment and sensible reform.”
Legal Needs Survey
Law News covers findings from the Legal Services Board (LSB) and Law Society’s Legal Needs Survey 2023, which found that 66% of adults in England and Wales have experienced a legal problem within the last four years.
Women in the legal profession
Times (£) and Gazette cover the history of the admission of women to the legal profession and Law Society in 1919.
Artificial intelligence
Jonathan Goldsmith, chair of the Law Society’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Committee, writes in the Gazette about AI legal imperialism.
Also worth a read:
- Andy Slaughter, barrister and former shadow justice minister, elected new chair of the justice select committee – Legal Futures
- Prisons may run out of space again in 9 months despite early releases – Telegraph (£)
- Many inmates fear homelessness as they are released early - inews (£)
- Union pushes for specialist rape courts – Times (£)
- Digital court systems are blamed for surge in personal data breaches - Standard
- Digital holdings will be considered personal property under new law - Gazette
- Campaigners call for review of ‘unlawful’ anti-protest legislation – Times (£)
- Daily Mail sting solicitors to face the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal – Legal Futures
- UK’s first pro bono litigation support service is set up - Gazette
- Opinion: statistics are misunderstood in the courtroom - FT (£)