International trade agreements
Times (£) discusses the role of the Law Society in ensuring that UK lawyers have access to foreign legal services markets, such as Malaysia and Greece.
Civil justice
New Law Journal covers 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
New Law Journal 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."
Climate risk consultation
New Law Journal 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.”
Practising certificate fee
Gazette reports that the Legal Services Board has confirmed that the cost of an individual practising certificate for 2024/25 will remain the same.
Chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “In our recent consultation, members have expressed support for our programme of work and confirmed its match with their priorities. Separately, we welcome the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s restraint in not increasing its share of the PC fee in light of the substantial increase in contributions to the Compensation Fund, which the SRA has proposed and is still awaiting approval from the LSB.
“Our members – particularly those running small firms – are facing challenging economic conditions, so a zero increase PC fee will be a relief.”
Criminal legal aid contracts
Gazette reports that criminal legal aid lawyers in London have demanded the procurement deadline for new 10-year crime contracts be pushed back until next year.
The piece mentions that the Law Society was ‘surprised’ to see the Ministry of Justice ask firms to bid for contracts before the department had published its consultation response on police station and youth court fees. The piece also mentions the Law Society’s judicial review against the government’s refusal to increase criminal legal aid rates by 15%.
Texas-style prison reform
Simon Rollason, a member of the Law Society’s Human Rights Committee, spoke to Times Radio about Shabana Mahmood’s proposal for inmates to do classes to cut prison time under Texas-style reforms.
Chinese law firm
Global Legal Post and Above the Law cover Chinese law firm Yingke’s visit to the Law Society, as it opened its first London office this week. The firm aims to open 15 European offices by 2026.
President Nick Emmerson said that Yingke’s launch in London was a “cause for celebration.”
Anti-money laundering
Mondaq publishes a guide on Anti-Money Laundering for the UK jurisdiction. The guide mentions that the Law Society is a professional body that supervises its members in respect of AML compliance.
Also worth a read:
- Inmates could do classes to cut prison time under Texas-style reforms - Guardian
- Legal professionals criticise SRA’s new fining powers - Gazette, Legal Cheek
- UK government has pledged to introduce a new ‘Hillsborough Law’ by the anniversary of the disaster in April 2025 - The Justice Gap
- Debate over police body-cam videos in domestic violence cases – Times (£)
- Dozens of prisoners convicted of breaching restraining orders were mistakenly released from prison early - BBC
- Barristers in revolt over the BSB’s plans to boost diversity in the profession, as they could face disciplinary action if they fail to do so - Telegraph (£), Legal Futures
- Lawyers look to civil law for Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged victims – Times (£)
- Home Office forced to publish critical report on Windrush scandal - Guardian
- Lawyers in Lebanon discuss experience of working in war - Gazette