Diversity Access Scheme
Solicitors Journal, Today’s Family Lawyer, Today’s Wills & Probate, Today’s Conveyancer and LawCareers.Net report on the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) which has awarded scholarships to fourteen promising future solicitors this year. The initiative is designed to enhance social mobility and diversity within the legal profession by aiding individuals who face significant social, educational, financial, or personal barriers to becoming solicitors.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “In this landmark year, I am delighted to welcome 14 new students to the Diversity Access Scheme.
“I am grateful to our sponsors, the Law Society Legal Educational Trust and the many mentors and work experience hosts who have made all this possible.
“Over the last 20 years, we have had the pleasure of supporting aspiring solicitors into their chosen field and embark on their careers.
“Schemes like DAS do so much good to provide financial relief and open doors to prospective employers.
“I encourage any aspiring solicitor who is facing challenges on their way to qualification to consider applying. I also invite sponsors interested in supporting our scheme to reach out to us.”
Probate delays
FT Adviser (£) and LexisNexis (£) report on the decline in probate delays as the number of applications saw a 39% increase from July 2024, compared to the previous year.
President Nick Emmerson said: “New statistics show HMCTS has issued more probate applications each month than it has received, allowing for a decline in outstanding caseload. The timeliness of processing these applications has improved and must continue improving.
“It is also reassuring that HMCTS is incorporating the recommendations we made to the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry into the probate service, such as the ability to track paper applications online, build staff capability and reduce the number of stopped applications.”
CPS funding
FDA News 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: “We agree with many of the FDA report’s recommendations to enable prompt and effective prosecutions of RASSO cases.
“The backlog in the courts is a massive barrier to the timely prosecution of sexual offences. Increased resources for the Crown Prosecution Service and across the criminal justice system are essential to deal with this backlog.”
Cybersecurity
Security Matters Magazine reports that the UK has joined discussions with other representatives regarding the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The legal sector is especially vulnerable to cyber threats due to its critical role in the UK’s economy. We welcome these talks to address the growing threat. Legal professionals handle highly sensitive client information, making cyber security essential for protecting both clients and businesses.
“Our joint report produced in tandem with the National Cyber Security Centre stresses the importance of cyber security training and strong governance. We fully support international collaboration to strengthen global defences against cyber threats.
“In England and Wales, initiatives like the National Skills Fund and the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Essentials Programme have already improved cyber security skills for legal firms. We welcome the continuation and expansion of these programmes to improve cyber skills and protect the digital economy.”
Legal heroes
Independent Catholic News reports that Duncan McNair was awarded as 'Legal Hero of the Year 2024' by the Law Society last Thursday in a ceremony in London.
Law Society said: "Duncan is celebrated for his exceptional contributions in and beyond the courtroom. With over 30 years' experience as a partner at Spencer West specialising in complex litigation, Duncan's professional achievements are well-respected.”
IBA Annual Conference
Gazette, Mirage News, London Reviews and a few other outlets cover the IBA Annual Conference in Mexico, as the Law Society hosts a series of high-profile networking events aimed at promoting UK legal services globally and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam to international lawyers.
Also worth a read:
- MoJ has confirmed a 6% rise in judicial salaries - Gazette
- Growing trend of employee ownership in law firms – Solicitors Journal
- Law firms abandon traditional partnership structures to raise external funding – Legal Futures
- Bar Council has urged the government to remove the cap on court sitting days and widen legal aid - Gazette
- Opinion: Want to fix UK prisons? Let the women out – FT (£)
- Why did Huw Edwards get a suspended sentence and was it justified? – Times (£)
- Kemi Badenoch, Tory leadership hopeful, has blasted Huw Edwards dodging jail as “two tier” justice – Sun
- UK’s new eVisa scheme ‘could create digital Windrush scandal’ - Guardian
- Government has only agreed to one out of 33 recommendations made by a public inquiry into abuse at migrant centre - BBC
- UK plans shake-up of welfare system to tackle working-age inactivity – FT (£)