I. Stephanie Boyce inaugurated
At her inauguration, I. Stephanie Boyce spoke of the Law Society's successes in shaping several pieces of proposed legislation, including the Overseas Operations Act and the Professional Qualifications Bill, report Legal Brief and the Gazette.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "I am living testament to the growing social opportunity in the legal profession but I also recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that talented individuals can progress in the practice of law, stay in the law and thrive in the law regardless of their background.
"It is an absolute privilege to serve as Law Society president and that privilege has not diminished in the slightest since I began my presidency. I have had many months of meeting with, listening to, and representing the profession, and found it so eminently rewarding."
Black Powerlist 2022
Stephanie Boyce joins Marcus Rashford, tech pioneer Jacky Wright, Netflix's Anne Mensah and other prominent figures from across society on the 2022 Black Powerlist. Solicitors Journal and the Law Society Gazette Ireland cover the story.
"I am delighted and humbled to be named on the 2022 Powerlist, which features 100 of the UK's most influential men and women of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage. I am honoured to be among them," she said.
LawCareers.net also reports on what the profession is doing to celebrate Black History Month.
Economic crime levy
The Gazette and Legal Futures report our joint response with the City of London Law Society (CLLS) to the UK government's technical consultation on the economic crime levy.
Alice Kinder takes on role at Birmingham Law Society
Alice Kinder, one of our social mobility ambassadors, has been appointed as deputy vice president at Birmingham Law Society. She will become president in 2023.
She told New Law Journal: "Birmingham Law Society contributes a huge amount to our city and I want this to continue. As deputy vice president, I will continue championing Birmingham's young population and cultural diversity, which makes it a fantastic place to live and work."
Japanese knotweed
The Negotiator reports that legal claims against vendors over Japanese knotweed have risen by 25% year-on-year, as sellers have failed to declare the presence of the pest plant on their property.
According to specialist knotweed treatment firm Environet UK, our TA6 form should be completed as part of the conveyancing process and requires sellers to state if the property is affected by Japanese knotweed.
Solicitors Indemnity Fund: Council statement
Our governing council has issued a statement on the closure of the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF), expressing our ongoing commitment to working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to facilitate an extension.
Also worth a read:
- Sir David Amess death: MP's family ask for kindness and love – BBC
- Sir David Amess death: Qatar link being examined by police– Times (£)
- Cop26: Sponsors complain of 'mismanagement' – Guardian
- Raab to 'correct' human rights court judgments, legal experts concerned – Independent