Reimagining justice in Wales
Gazette and Solicitors Journal cover a newly published Law Society report that highlights serious concerns around legal aid deserts, solicitor recruitment and crumbling court infrastructure in Wales.
Legal Sector Resilience podcast, published by Legal News Wales, also mentions the Law Society’s newly published report in an episode on opportunities for the Welsh legal sector.
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.”
Mark Davies, chair of the Law Society’s 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."
Global legal centre
Reuters Practical Law covers 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.”
Justice Select Committee
Solicitors Journal and Today’s Family Lawyer 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.2
CPS funding
Civil Service World reports that the civil service union FDA has called on ministers to boost funding for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to improve organisation and change in prosecution rates for rape and serious sexual offences.
President Nick Emmerson said: "Increased resources for the Crown Prosecution Service and across the criminal justice system are essential to deal with this backlog.”
Annual General Meeting
Irish Legal News and Scottish Legal News 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.”
Alternative dispute resolution
Disputes in Perspective podcast covers developments and trends in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in England and Wales.
The podcast mentions the Law Society’s intervention in Churchill and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
Also worth a read:
- New report reveals rising levels of staff turnover at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), due to burnout and frustration - Gazette
- STEP releases report on economic crimes, which outlines six key strategies to help governments combat global financial crime effectively - Solicitors Journal
- Seven in 10 homeowners satisfied with their conveyancers – Legal Futures
- New report says public inquiries should be shortened and progress of their recommendations tracked, to restore public confidence amongst victims - BBC
- Why are prisons so full in England and Wales? - Guardian
- Magistrates given power to jail criminals for longer under government plans – Telegraph (£)
- Starmer to follow Italy-style migration deal to stop small boat crossings, after eight more Channel migrants die – Times (£), inews (£)