Law Society Legal News Summary 18 October 2024


AI strategy 

Telegraph (£), Legal Cheek, Solicitors Journal, Yahoo! UK and Ireland and a few other outlets report that the Law Society has announced its new AI strategy. 

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies has ushered in new possibilities and challenges for the legal sector. As the professional body for solicitors, we’re there to support all our members navigate and benefit from the new AI landscape. 

“Led by innovation, impact and integrity, we aim to make sure we remain an authoritative voice on AI that not only supports the profession but also the UK economy. We will continue to influence, lead and shape regulatory and policy positions on AI for the legal sector and widen our resources to help firms identify and address the risks of AI to best serve public interest.” 

Read our press release


Magistrates’ sentencing powers
 

Gazette covers the government’s announcement that magistrates are to get enhanced sentencing powers. 

Director of public affairs at the Law Society, David McNeill, said: 'We do not support the increase in magistrates’ sentencing powers and we do not think it will help address the backlog. Changing one element of the system without due regard to the others is one of the reasons why the system is in the state it is. 

“All areas of the criminal justice system from courts to criminal legal aid and prisons to probation are in crisis and the problems are interlinked. Solutions must consider the system as a whole. The lack of consultation before this announcement demonstrates there is still work to be done in ensuring that those who work in the criminal justice system and are best placed to identify the impact of proposed changes, are involved in making the decisions to safeguard its future.”
 

Housing legal aid 

Legal Futures covers the decline in housing legal aid providers and the challenges of accessing housing legal aid, as 43.6% of England and Wales do not have a housing legal aid provider in their local authority area. 

President Richard Atkinson said: “Research by the Law Society shows that 43.6% of England and Wales do not have a housing legal aid provider in their local authority area, a figure that has grown by around 6.6% since 2019. These recent figures show further reductions and less access to urgently needed advice. 

“We know that many housing legal aid providers are making the difficult decision to exit the market, as they have been pushed to work grossly excessive working hours to support their clients and are unable to run a viable business. 

“The prime minister and his government have a chance to right the wrongs of the previous administration by properly funding civil legal aid. But time is running out as suppliers continue to leave the market in droves. They must act now – delay is not an option.” 

Read our press release
 

Autumn Budget 

David McNeill, our director of public affairs, spoke to Sky News about the upcoming Autumn budget and what it means for funding the justice system.
 

Unregulated will-writing 

Australasian Lawyer, Canadian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer report that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a formal warning to unregulated providers of will-writing and divorce services. 

President Richard Atkinson said: “Many people are not familiar with the costs, processes or services involved in writing a will and some businesses in the unregulated will writing sector may take advantage of this. We urge the public to exercise caution when making decisions about their wills. Without legal advice, mistakes can easily happen, especially if there are several beneficiaries or complex financial circumstances.”
 

Junior solicitors 

Gazette publishes a commentary piece with advice for junior solicitors. The piece mentions the Law Society’s In-house Network as an avenue for networking. 
 

Divorce lawyers 

London Daily News offers advice on how to choose the best divorce lawyer and mentions the Law Society’s accreditations as a measure of expertise and qualification.
 

Also worth a read: 

  • Hourly rates that can be claimed by litigants in person could be set to increase - Gazette
  • Start-up uses AI to highlight ‘victim blaming’ in justice system – Legal Futures
  • Government pushes for imminent implementation of Online Safety Act – Solicitors Journal
  • Home Office hires 200 staff to clear huge backlog of modern slavery cases - Guardian
  • Why family lawyers and judges need trauma training – Times (£)
  • Inheritance tax increases expected in Budget - BBC
  • Reeves planning ‘total reset’ Budget to avoid public service collapse – inews (£)
  • Workers’ rights bill could overwhelm employment tribunal – Times (£)
  • UK graduates face tough jobs market as AI transforms recruitment – FT (£)

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