Means test review
Mirror, Solicitors Journal, and the World News report that the government has finally published its means test review, which will expand legal aid eligibility.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Widening eligibility for civil and criminal legal aid is an important step in the right direction and something we have long been pushing for. Legal aid is a lifeline for people, usually living in poverty, to help them in moments of crisis such as when they are facing eviction or seeking protection from a violent partner for themselves and their children. Millions of extra people should now be able to receive free advice when they are facing life-changing legal problems.”
Gazette mentions our 2022 report that urged the government to raise the threshold for legal aid. It also cites our concerns about the lack of legal aid provision, despite the expansion of legal aid eligibility.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The generous eligibility will only make a meaningful difference if people can find a solicitor.
“Our legal aid desert maps and duty solicitor heatmaps have demonstrated there is an acute crisis in legal aid provision. Large areas of the country have no access to face-to face civil legal aid services and police station duty solicitor schemes across England and Wales are in peril.”
Appointment of new justice secretary
The Gazette mentions our comments on the appointment of Alex Chalk as the new justice secretary. The piece reveals that the lord chief justice said that the time may have come for the role of lord chancellor to be looked at again.
A Law Society spokesperson said: “Alex Chalk KC has an impressive legal background. His experience as a member of the Justice Select Committee and time as justice minister and solicitor general will serve him well in his role as justice secretary.
“However, he is the tenth justice secretary to be appointed in 10 years. He inherits an even worse justice crisis than any of his recent predecessors.
“The justice system is facing worsening backlogs, legal aid on the point of collapse, crumbling courts and a shortage of judges and court staff. It is Alex Chalk’s job to bring the justice system back to full strength and we look forward to working closely with him to fight for improved access to justice for all.”
Property Data Trust Framework
Financial Reporter, Best Advice, Estate Agent Networking, Today’s Conveyancer, report that the Home Buying & Selling Group has released the second version of its Property Data Trust Framework.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja commented: “We are committed to helping improve the home-buying experience for consumers and others involved in the conveyancing process. It needs to be less unpredictable to reduce time scales and to make it as stress-free as possible.
“There is no silver bullet. However, one way to improve the process is to provide consumers with information about the buying process and key information about a property at the very beginning of their search for a home. Part of the work to achieve this is already at an advanced stage, and this should help consumers understand what they are buying and lead to a reduction in sales falling through.”
Harassment in the workplace
Jodie Hill, from our Employment Law Committee, speaks to Today’s Wills and Probate and Today’s Conveyancer as part of a piece about harassment of women in the workplace and at legal events.
Jodie is quoted: “We encourage junior members of staff to ‘buddy’ in any such events so that they can feel less at risk in those environments.
“It is important to have female role models in senior roles too. It’s much harder for women to seek help when the majority (or as if often the case, entire) of the leadership team are male.”
New Law Society board chair
Legal Futures reveals that Amerdeep Somal has been named as the incoming chair of the Law Society board.
Launch of City Community Legal Advice Centre
City University London Magazine covers the launch of the City Community Legal Advice Centre, where Law Society President Lubna Shuja was the keynote speaker. Lubna spoke about the importance of defending the rule of law and promoting access to justice.
Also worth a read:
- Illegal Migration Bill could deport more than 3,000 asylum seekers every month - Guardian
- Impending vote on CBI’s future – Sky News
- Net migration reaches record high – Guardian
- UK law school launches SQE prep in India for lawyers seeking dual qualification – Legal Cheek