Criminal legal aid contracts
Gazette reports that firms are being invited to bid for new 10-year criminal legal aid contracts.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: ‘We struggle to see how firms can make a sound business decision to bid for a contract, especially one lasting 10 years, without this crucial information which will help the profession to decide whether there is a future in criminal legal aid.
“Criminal legal aid is a vital public service which ensures access to justice for all and the smooth running of our criminal justice system. However, there will probably be no firms left to do this work in 10 years unless the government invests in criminal legal aid. Just a few days ago, national firm Taylor Rose announced the closure of its criminal legal aid department and the exodus will continue.”
Climate change guidance consultation
Today’s Conveyancer, Inside Conveyancing and Property Industry Eye report that the Law Society has launched a consultation on updated guidance for conveyancers on how to advise clients on climate risk.
Deputy vice president Mark Evans said: “The Law Society wants to support solicitors by providing guidance that helps them navigate this important and complex topic. We have been working with conveyancing and environmental groups to explore how a new climate risk and conveyancing practice note could support members with their professional duties and best practice.”
Probate delays
Legal Futures covers the decline in probate delays, as probate applications took an average of 9.3 weeks to process in July 2024, down from a peak of 15.8 weeks in November 2023.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The decrease in probate delays is promising, but more should be done. Delays to the probate service can be devastating for families and loved ones during their time of grief.
“The steps HMCTS has taken to address the issue of probate delays have largely come about through its regular engagement with our probate professional user group. We are pleased to see that HMCTS has responded to the group’s feedback.”
Annual IBA conference
Gazette covers an IBA conference event where Christina Blacklaws, former Law Society president and chair of Lawtech UK, spoke at an event exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to help individuals and non-profit advice agencies navigate the justice system.
Junior Solicitors Summit
Gazette covers the Law Society’s Junior Solicitors Summit last week, where deputy vice president Mark Evans discussed his presidential priorities and advice for junior solicitors.
Also worth a read:
- Prisoners released under the early release scheme have not been fitted with electronic tags, despite it being an important condition for their release - BBC News
- Government in talks over policy changes to the controversial Single Justice Procedure - Standard
- Shabana Mahmood appeared to have her X account hacked - Telegraph (£)
- Need for speedier legal work drives 82 per cent of lawyers to embrace AI – Today’s Conveyancer
- Domestic abuse specialists to join police control rooms – Times (£)
- Ministers and union leaders to hold talks over workers’ rights plans - Guardian
- Tory government spent over £80 million fighting legal challenges against the Home Office on immigration - The Justice Gap
- Domestic abusers could face life ban from approaching victims under new law – Telegraph (£)
- No firm decisions yet on whether barristers should be subject to guideline hourly rates - Gazette
- Punishing me for criticising judge is sexist, says ‘boys’ club’ row barrister – Telegraph (£)
- Hogan Lovells withdraws from Sydney, Joberg and Warsaw – Roll of Friday
- Nigel Farage to give up ownership of Reform UK, ahead of party conference – FT (£)