Justice Select Committee
Legal Futures and Gazette report that barrister Andy Slaughter has been elected as the new chair of the Justice Select Committee.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Congratulations to Andy Slaughter on being elected as the new Justice Select Committee chair.
“He brings a wealth of experience to the role at a time when the committee’s work has never been more important given the crisis in our justice system.
“The ability of the justice system to function is at stake if adequate funding across the system is not forthcoming.
“Key areas of focus for the committee should include the huge backlogs of cases in our courts which are leaving victims, witnesses and defendants in limbo for years.
“The exodus of essential professionals including solicitors, barristers and judges is another huge problem which needs to be addressed for the system to be stabilised.
“Key to resolving both these issues is adequate resourcing. Attention must also be paid to legal aid, a vital public service that must be maintained and funded to ensure justice is available to all.
“The robust response to the riots demonstrated the importance of legal aid and well-funded courts and why the professionals who work in our justice system should be valued.
Renters’ Rights Bill
Gazette and Letting Agent Today report that the Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced in parliament earlier this week as the government hopes to ban ‘no-fault’ evictions by next summer.
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.”
Reimagining Justice in Wales
Nation Cymru reports that a newly published Law Society report has highlighted serious concerns around ‘legal deserts’, solicitor recruitment and crumbling court infrastructure in Wales – calling for the UK and Welsh Government to take urgent action. According to the report, the number of people eligible for free civil legal aid support in Wales has reduced by 50% since 2009.
Mark Davies, chair of our National Board for Wales said: “As Chair of the Law Society National Board for Wales, I am deeply concerned about the growing legal advice deserts across our country.
“Access to justice is a fundamental right, yet many communities in Wales are being left without the vital legal services they need and deserve.”
Gazette reports that the Law Society has cautiously backed the potential transfer of more justice powers from Westminster to Cardiff, but warned against a ‘sudden devolutionary spasm’. In a new discussion paper on the future of justice in Wales, Chancery Lane also stresses that further devolution must also be properly costed and funded by the Treasury.
Law Society head of Wales Jonathan Davies said: “The Welsh government must put the political, policy and delivery frameworks in place prior to the start of any devolution of justice functions.
“For example, we will continue to echo the importance of a minister for justice which would create a much-needed budget line for the sector. This idea of evolution, not revolution, will ensure that both the sector and Welsh government are fully prepared.”
Chancery Lane stresses that there should be no barriers to cross-border practice for solicitors and urges the preservation of a single regulatory framework.
Business News Wales reports that recruitment has been name the top issue facing Welsh law firms. The Law Society Wales office’s paper Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030 reveals that 85% of SME law firms in Wales agree that recruitment is the most prominent concern they face.
The Law Society says that increased Welsh Government recognition of the legal sector as a priority for both investment and support would allow smaller legal businesses to access key financial support. This support would allow solicitors to better compete in the jobs market, it says.
Special General Meeting
In a letter to the Gazette, a reader and solicitor wrote: “Following the recent Special General Meeting, I think that the Law Society needs to ensure that its conveyancing and land law committee speaks up regularly, and reflects the concerns and ambitions of property law solicitors.”
Council election tips
In the Gazette, three incoming Council members representing junior lawyers share tips for writing strong election statements to get elected to the Law Society Council.
Media reception
Politico mentions our annual media reception in their newsletter, which took place yesterday.
Also worth a read:
- Citizens’ jury in England backs assisted dying for terminally ill – Guardian
- Labour considers PFI 2.0 to build schools and hospitals – Times (£)
- Technology takes class-action lawsuits out of the slow lane – Financial Times (£)
- Supreme Court blocks Tesco's fire and rehire of warehouse workers – Gazette
- Criminal legal aid replaces e-forms – Solicitors Journal
- Victims not always informed about offenders’ early release, warns commissioner – Today’s Family Lawyer
- New bill introduced in Parliament to clarify crypto’s legal status – Today’s Wills and Probate
- Social media bosses face jail if they fail to stop revenge porn and deep fakes – Telegraph (£)