Pro Bono Week
Global Legal Post reports on Pro Bono Week 2024, as the UK legal community marks significant contributions of lawyers who offer free legal services for those in need.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The Law Society is proud to be taking part in celebrating once again Pro Bono Week and all the incredible and selfless work lawyers do to help vulnerable people access justice when they need it the most.”
SRA research
Today’s Wills and Probate reports on research published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into understanding the factors which led to an overrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors in their enforcement processes.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The Law Society provides support for small firms and sole practitioners through our dedicated Practice Advice Service, Small Firms Network hub and other resources available on our website. We will continue to work with the SRA and other stakeholders to ensure fairness for all solicitors.”
Autumn Budget
Family Law Week covers our reaction to last week’s Autumn Budget, where the Ministry of Justice budget rose from 5.6% to £13.8 billion in 2025-2026.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said there was no mention of civil and criminal legal aid in the budget documents, and reiterated his message that funding the justice system saves costs further down the line.
“The physical infrastructure of the courts is so poor that there are 100 emergency court room closures every week.
“In some parts of the country, criminal cases that are ready for trial are being listed to be heard in the second half of 2027, amid a huge backlog. Cases involving children being taken into care are often taking well over a year to resolve, against a target to conclude them in six months.”
LawCareers.Net also reports on the Autumn Budget and investment in the justice system.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “Increased funding for all these elements is a must if the system is to avoid collapse and access to justice for ordinary people is to be protected. Our research has shown that a well-funded justice system will save public money down the line.”
Renters’ Rights
FE News reports that housing issues faced by renters are on the rise, with the University of Salford’s pro bono clinic seeing a 17% rise in enquiries compared to 2023. The piece mentions the Law Society and our data which shows that nearly two thirds of lawyers believe access to justice has worsened over the last decade.
AI regulation
According to a report by Thomson Reuters, 49% of UK lawyers say there should be government regulation of the use of AI within the legal profession, reports Gazette.
It adds that 67% of UK lawyers believe that professional bodies such as the Law Society and Bar Council should regulate the use of AI in the law.
Legal Heroes
Solicitors Journal publishes an opinion piece which asks whether solicitors can be heroes. The piece mentions the Law Society and our Legal Heroes ceremony and winners.
Alternative dispute resolution
Masood Ahmed, member of the Law Society’s Dispute Resolution Committee, and Lal Akhter discuss the new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) rules and consider the likely impact of the rules on civil litigation in the Gazette.
Also worth a read:
- Probe into SSB collapse slips into next year – Gazette
- 100 prison leavers recalled to custody every day – Inside Time
- Are solicitors blinded by an ‘ideology of zeal’? – Gazette
- Victims are ‘losing patience over three-year trial delays’ – Telegraph (£)
- Tackling migrant crisis is as important as climate change, Keir Starmer says – Independent
- Gig economy firm under fire for telling restaurants they can avoid UK’s new tipping laws - Guardian
- Stride and Patel join UK shadow cabinet as Badenoch fills key posts – Financial Times (£)
- Surge in backlog of wrongful conviction appeals at under-fire watchdog - Independent