AI strategy
LawCareers.Net continues coverage of our new AI strategy, which is based on three pillars: innovation, impact and integrity.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “Within these three overlapping themes, we recognise that different solicitors and firms of all sizes have wide-ranging interests, experiences and expectations around AI and other existing digital tools and emerging technologies. The Law Society is committed to supporting all solicitors and the whole legal sector to provide first-rate services to their clients.
“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.”
Simonicity also cites our Generative AI guidance, which was published to provide a broad overview of both the opportunities and risks the legal profession should be aware of to make more informeddecisions when deciding whether and how generative AI technologies might be used.
Read our press release and our Generative AI: the essentials guidance
SDLT claims
Today’s Conveyancer reports we have been contacted by conveyancers concerned by “spurious” stamp duty land tax (SDLT) claims and repayment.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The Law Society is concerned about the approach being taken by some agents that offer help with SDLT refunds.
“Some of these firms are set up by people with little or no expertise in SDLT and pay little or no regard to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) guidance on standards for agents. The Law Society and HMRC have joined forces to warn people of the risks associated with SDLT repayment agents and to explain how solicitors can take steps to protect clients.”
SRA financial penalties consultation
Paul Bennett, partner at Bennett Briegal and former chair of our Regulatory Processes Committee, writes in the Gazette about the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) recent consultation on its financial penalty regime proposals.
He said: “The recent SRA proposals on higher financial penalties have been widely criticised as being unlawful, unworkable and of failing to recognise the business structure of law firms. All damning enough, before considering that they additionally fail to adhere to basic rule of law principles.
“The public critics to date include the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Birmingham Law Society, City of London Law Society and the Law Society of England and Wales, none of which are prone to hyperbole.”
World Menopause Day
Chantal Davies, co-vice chair of our Women Solicitors Network committee and Emma Sutcliffe, a member of the committee, write in the Gazette about World Menopause Day and the need for the legal sector to reflect on the importance of increasing awareness and support to those experiencing the menopause in the legal profession.
They said: “With menopausal age women representing the fastest growing workforce group and the House of Commons reporting that 59% of working women find their job challenging due to menopausal symptoms, tangible action is clearly needed.
“The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development report also highlights that more than 10% of respondents felt discriminated against due to menopausal symptoms.
“Increasingly, there are some excellent examples of good practice across the legal sector around addressing the menopause. For example, Simmons and Simmons has taken important steps forward. With the introduction of a menopause policy and a programme of work around promoting education, awareness and making workplace adjustments, they have seen positive changes in workplace culture and attitudes.”
Technology and access to justice
Christina Blacklaws, a former Law Society president, spoke at last week’s Legal Geek conference, where she said that a technology-based solution to the access to justice crisis is “tantalisingly close.”
She told the Gazette: “With over 25% of adults in England and Wales experiencing an unmet legal need, this year we have to collectively address this need. The answers are tantalisingly close – we just need to convene the right committed people to make the magic happen.”
Also in Business Mayor and Business Fast.
UN Human Rights Council
Mirage News reports that International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) reflects on the UN Human Rights Council’s 57th session and the key discussions.
It notes that the Law Society of England and Wales, alongside IBAHRI, the Belarusian Association of Human Rights Lawyers, the International Commission of Jurists, Lawyers for Lawyers and Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada delivered an oral statement condemning the repression of civil society, in particular the reprisals against lawyers representing political opposition and protesters or defending the rule of law.
Divorce lawyers
The London Daily News examines the key factors to consider when selecting a lawyer to represent someone looking to divorce their partner.
The public should verify a solicitors’ credentials and qualifications and cites our accreditation scheme as a mark of excellence.
Immigration advisers
GovWire cites our Find a Solicitor service as a resource the public can use to get immigration advice from a solicitor for their case.
Also worth a read:
- Post Office GC Ben Foat denies saying branch operators “guilty until proven innocent” – Guardian
- Tory leadership hopefuls clash over ECHR at hustings – Telegraph (£)
- European countries facing similar migration crisis as UK – Telegraph (£)
- Autumn Budget: “A mess, chaos, carnage” say insiders – Guardian
- Less than a third of voters trust Labour government – Independent
- Justice Select Committee dominated by newly elected lawyer MPs – Legal Futures
- Law firms prominent in annual social mobility index – Legal Cheek
- “You’re not my King” shouts independent Australian politician during Parliament visit – BBC News, Telegraph (£) & Sky News