Civil justice
Gazette reports on the publication of the Frontier Economics report, commissioned by the Law Society, to identify the costs of applying for and maintaining a civil legal aid contract, and the associated profits or losses from doing the work.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Previous governments have slowly pushed the civil justice system to the brink of collapse by starving it of investment for decades. Legal aid is one way for citizens to have our voices heard and our lack of access to it has implications on health, employment and our children’s education.
“Like any other public service, legal aid needs to be maintained with our research showing the economic benefits if the new government were to invest in the justice system.
“The prime minister and his government have a chance to right the wrongs of the previous administration by properly funding civil legal aid. This will ensure that all public services can cope if a family is fighting eviction, tackling housing disrepair or addressing other life-changing issues.”
Probate delays
Mondaq covers the decline in probate delays, as probate applications took an average of 9.3 weeks to process in July 2024.
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."
Legal Heroes
Promotional Marketing covers the Legal Heroes ceremony and celebrates Legal Hero winner Duncan McNair for receiving the award for his work on animal welfare.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Congratulations to all our nominees, both winners and shortlisted.
“It is great to recognise their efforts. It is inspiring to hear about the incredible work they have done, positively impacting their local communities.”
Climate risk consultation
Reuters Practical Law reports 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.”
Money laundering
Guardian, MSN, Yahoo! and a few other outlets cover money laundering, as a new report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveals that a lack of proper oversight across the City of London’s network of lawyers, bookkeepers and accountants is hampering efforts to crack down on dirty money being funnelled through the UK.
The Law Society is mentioned in the report as a professional body expected to suspend or fine members if regulations are breached.
Also worth a read:
- Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood has pledged that Labour will create a justice system that is ‘restored and reformed’ - Gazette
- Delays in the criminal justice system may be worsened by a week-long withdrawal of labour starting on Monday by court interpreters - Guardian
- New law placement scheme aimed at students from lower socio-economic backgrounds starting this month - Solicitors Journal
- Majority of UK lawyers have adopted generative AI or have plans in motion - Today’s Family Lawyer
- City lawyers criticise the SRA’s proposed reform of its fining powers – Legal Futures
- Calls to take Windrush Compensation Scheme reform out of the Home Office’s hands - Gazette
- New report finds that overcrowded prison HMP Brixton is failing to prepare inmates for release - Guardian
- Anti-money laundering (AML) overseer tells legal regulators to up their efforts – Legal Futures
- Harrods and the Metropolitan Police may be hit with legal action following the revelations of allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed - CityA.M
- Victims of the Post Office scandal have criticised the redress scheme set up to pay 4,000 former postmasters, with most believing they were underpaid - Times (£)
- Keir Starmer set to give speech at the annual Labour party conference today – FT (£)