PADLS News

Your weekly Law Society update 2 December 2019

4/12/2019

Your weekly Law Society update 11 November 2019

13/11/2019

Dear colleague,

Your weekly Law Society update
As the professional body for solicitors, every week the Law Society is working hard to influence the legal and regulatory environment on behalf of our profession and to promote solicitors at home and abroad. We support practice excellence, are an informed source of legal sector news and support members at every stage of their career.

Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession

The Law Society’s media profile this week

The Daily Telegraph, the Independent, the Daily Express, Solicitors Journal and Gazette report on the review of pre-charge bail. This follows our successful campaign raising concerns about the increasing number of people being released under investigation (RUI) following changes to the law in 2017. I was widely quoted saying: “Greater efficiency at the investigative stage is needed, though without wider investment we risk a bottleneck effect.”

Former chair of our criminal law committee, Malcolm Fowler, wrote a letter to the Guardian praising our work on RUI. He highlights the impact long delays can have on children in the youth justice system. Our work also featured in a piece for the Guardian series, Children in the Dock.

The Times (£) reported frustration from defence specialists as the Ministry of Justice announced a pay rise for criminal prosecution lawyers.

The Guardian and Yahoo! News reported decades of cuts and court closures have left the youth justice system in chaos. Greg Stewart, a former member of our criminal law committee, said there needed to be more investment into early intervention work in “really difficult” cases going to court.

The FT (£) and Legal Futures covered warnings the court modernisation programme might not be finished on time. They cited our concerns that moving more court systems online might disadvantage the less digitally capable.

The Gazette and Times (£) reported the criminal legal aid review has been delayed by the election. I said: “In light of our conversation with the Ministry of Justice, we understand that the review has been making good progress.”

Meanwhile, Bexhill-On-Sea Observer reported many Sussex courts are lying empty due to cuts in the justice system and changes around bail. They cited our research on the increasing number of criminals being released under investigation.

One of the most popular stories on the BBC News website this week asked whether a landlord had the right to control the thermostat in private rented housing. Daniel Fitzpatrick, member of council and the housing law committee, explained tenants’ rights to access to heating and hot water.

The Gazette covered proposals for devolution of the Welsh justice system – following last month’s report by the Commission for Justice in Wales. Head of the Law Society’s Wales office, Jonathan Davies, said: “The commission has made an important contribution with their vision for the future of the Welsh justice system.”

The Gazette, Barrister and Solicitors Journal reported on pro bono week, which began on 4 November. The week, supported by the Law Society, is designed to provide an opportunity to encourage and recognise the voluntary contribution of lawyers in giving free legal help to those in need. I said: “I am immensely proud to belong to a profession that makes such a valuable contribution to society, and plays an important role ensuring everyone has access to justice, by providing free legal advice to those who most need it.”

Joy Merriam, a former council member, spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live (27:30) about the government’s plan to close a legal loophole which may allow drivers to use their phone to film, take photos or search playlists whilst driving.

The Daily Mail’s letters page advised a reader on what to do if they would like to take over as lay executor from their solicitor. They cited our guidance that firms should always consider their client’s best interests, including if a lay executor would be best placed to handle the estate.

The Gazette, Solicitors Journal and Risk-UK covered a research grant from the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) which will fund research on the social networks of key individuals in the legaltech world, and their “career trajectories and typical skillsets”, led by Oxford University, in partnership with the Law Society and others.

Coverage of Law Society Excellence Awards winners continued in Asian World,  Brighton and Hove Independent, Heart Northampton and Eastern Daily Press.

The Gazette, Legal Week, Lawyer Monthly and the Times reported former Law Society president Christina Blacklaws' move to an ambassadorial role at Big Four accountancy firm KPMG.

The Solicitor’s Journal explored what the criminal legal aid crisis means for those entering the profession. They cite our research that in rural areas more than 50% of criminal duty solicitors are over 50.

Today’s Conveyancer covered the Law Society’s response to proposed conveyancing reforms. They cite our 2019 conveyancing protocol which requires conveyancers “recognise the value of making the process as transparent as possible”.

The Artificial Lawyer explored what could be done differently if lawtech was started afresh and cite our involvement with Barclay’s Eagle Labs project.

The Gazette also reported domestic abuse legislation will fall in the next election. I said: “Whoever the next government may be, we hope they will bring forward measures to prevent cross-examination by alleged abusers in the family courts.”

Don’t forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.

Access to Justice

Justice Select Committee report
The Justice Select Committee released its report on the Court and Tribunals Reforms inquiry on 31 October. We welcome the report, which raises important concerns about the court modernisation programme. The Law Society's written and oral evidence to the inquiry was mentioned five times throughout the report. Whilst we broadly support efforts to improve court efficiency through better technology, there will be times when only a face-to-face physical hearing will deliver justice. If the rule of law is to be upheld, any reforms must ensure that everyone is able to access justice, regardless of their digital capabilities.

Public Accounts Committee report
On 5 November the Public Accounts Committee published a progress review of HMCTS’ court modernisation programme. Richard Miller, the Law Society’s head of justice, provided oral evidence to the committee and the Law Society is mentioned 12 times in the final report. The report focuses on areas including the timeframe of the reform programme, court closures, value for money and communication with stakeholders.

Pro Bono Week
Pro Bono Week began on Monday 4 November and will close on Friday 8 November. This is part of a global celebration of pro bono that takes place every year. The week promotes and supports the work of lawyers who volunteer their services for free to people and organisations who couldn’t otherwise afford legal advice.

This year’s Pro Bono Week was launched at the Law Society on 4 November. CEO Paul Tennant welcomed guests to a panel discussion on human rights and pro bono chaired by Joshua Rozenberg QC.

The Law Society also hosted an in-house pro bono roundtable to launch guidance specific to in-house members on how they can carry out pro bono work. This guidance was developed in collaboration with LawWorks, The Collaborative Plan and the In-house Pro Bono Working Group.

Public Law

Immigration
This week members of the Immigration Law Committee provided expert views to the National Audit Office for their forthcoming study of Home Office immigration enforcement activities.

Private Client
The Wills and Equity Committee provided feedback this week to HMCTS on their proposed new probate forms. The committee had provided earlier feedback on the first round of drafts, which was taken on board by HMCTS. We look forward to the final forms being published in due course.

Regulation

Meeting with the SRA’s City team
We met with the SRA City Team last week as part of our regular engagement. Discussions focused on the profession’s preparedness for the forthcoming SRA handbook reforms, the development of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), AML compliance and ongoing initiatives to tackle bullying and harassment.

Parliamentary

A note on communication during the pre-election period

As you will be aware we entered the pre-election period on Wednesday 6 November. During the election campaign the Law Society will need to be even more careful to ensure our political neutrality in the run up to 12 December. To assist council members and committee chairs, we have attached some short guidance on how we communicate during this period
Committee Chair Guidance for the General Election 2019

On Tuesday I spoke with the Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC regarding the criminal legal aid review. We had expected an interim set of announcements this month as part of the accelerated work in the criminal legal aid review. Due to the upcoming general election, anticipated announcements will not be able to take place in November as originally envisaged.

On Tuesday the Public Accounts Committee published a progress review on HMCTS’ court modernisation programme, raising concerns and making recommendations regarding the programme. The Law Society provided oral evidence to this inquiry, and we have been mentioned 12 times in their final report

Campaigns

Home Office announce RUI review
Following our high profile campaign and analysis investigation, it has been announced that the controversial practice of releasing suspects under investigation (RUI) is to be reviewed.

We have constituently called for time limits for RUI, which leaves suspects and victims in limbo. In October our analysis received coverage in over 115 outlets, including Channel 4 news, the Daily Mail, the Guardian, the Express and the Telegraph. Thank you to members who have helped with our campaign.

Speeches

The CEO spoke at Newcastle Law Society’s Annual Law Dinner on Thursday.

Our work internationally

On 5 November, the Brussels Office hosted a meeting with the Brussels Advisory group. Attendees were Rachel Bickler, Robert MacLean from Squire Patton Boggs, Kiran Desai from EY and Jonas Levermann from Freshfields.

From 5-8 November, I attended the annual LAWASIA Conference Harmonisation through Synergy in Hong Kong. As part of the conference programme, I spoke on at the plenary session on the topic of “Upholding of or Pursuit for the Rule of Law in Challenging Times?” and the in-house lawyers’ session “Legal Professional Privilege in In-House Environment – Local and International Challenges.”

As president, I sit on the LAWASIA council representing England & Wales. I attended the council meeting on Tuesday 5 November where we voted on members of the executive committee for 2019-2020. I wish to congratulate Melissa Pang of Hong Kong for her election as president-elect, and Justin Dowd of Australia, Steven Thiru of Malaysia and Shyam Divan of India for their election as vice presidents. During the council, I updated members on the latest developments in our jurisdiction, including: regulatory developments; anti-money laundering and financial crime; legal professional privilege; algorithms in the justice sector; Brexit and international trade; access to justice; and, last but not least, diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the conference, I attended the InnoTech Law Hub (ILH)’s fourth Community Roundtable organised by the Law Society of Hong Kong’s InnoTech Committee.

On Friday 8 November, I co-chaired a roundtable with representatives from member firms with offices in Hong Kong together with Sarah Robinson, consul and head of economics and trade policy, at the British Consulate-General. This was a great opportunity to touch base and update our international strategy in the region in light of the Law Society of Hong Kong’s decision not to pursue its proposals to restrict market access for foreign lawyers and law firms. I was able to raise our members’ concerns and discuss this strategy directly with the president and vice president of the Law Society of Hong Kong in a meeting following the roundtable.

Our vice president David Greene was in Luxembourg this week for the annual conference of the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA). He spoke at the launch of a global report on professional secrecy and privilege to which the Law Society contributed the chapter on Europe, where we offered an overview of the main differences between civil and common law, as well as some examples of jurisdictions from each system. The report will be made available on the UIA website shortly after the congress.

One principle in our international engagement is to meet with members in the jurisdictions we visit. David had the opportunity to meet with members and some important stakeholders while in Luxembourg and had the opportunity to discuss how best we can support our members there at a time of continuing uncertainties with regards to Brexit.

Supporting members at every stage of their career

Making the right choices at retirement, November 2019, London - Wednesday 20 November 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In collaboration with Mazars, leaders in the area of financial planning provision, the Law Society is offering a complementary workshop aimed particularly at people who are within two years of retirement.

What becoming partner means for your finances - Thursday 7 November 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Mazars’ experts will offer insights and support on the personal tax and financial planning considerations of achieving partner status.

Preparing undergraduates for the solicitors’ profession - Wednesday 20 November 2019 Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This exciting event for undergraduates aims to cover all aspects of preparing for a career in the solicitors’ profession, including tips on increasing your chances of success, completing applications and interview technique

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 29 November 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In view of increasing competition for judicial appointments, this interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to help enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitor applicants but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Saturday 30 November 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In view of increasing competition for judicial appointments, this interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to help enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitor applicants but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

Graham Turnbull Lecture - Tuesday 10 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Each year, law students, trainee solicitors, pupil barristers and junior lawyers (current, prospective or in between stages) are invited to enter our annual Graham Turnbull essay competition. The title of the 2019 essay is: “Has the Rule of Law been replaced by the Rule of Politics?”
Lawyers with Disabilities Celebration reception - Thursday 5 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This Disability History Month, the Law Society will be hosting a celebratory reception to mark the 30th year anniversary of the Lawyers with Disabilities Division and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Supporting practice excellence

Annual Competition Section dinner and awards 2019 - Thursday 21 November 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Law Society’s Competition Section is pleased to announce that its formal annual dinner and Horsfall-Turner Essay Prize Awards will take place this year on Thursday 21 November at the Law Society’s Hall. This event provides an excellent opportunity to network with solicitors and other professionals working in the competition field, as well as to entertain clients and valued contacts.

Anti-money Laundering and Financial Crime Conference 2019 – Tuesday 26 November 2019
Location: Etc Venues 155 Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 3YD
The conference will bring together policy makers, law enforcement, regulators, academics and industry experts to look at the latest policy and regulatory developments, the changes ahead and other hot topics in anti-money laundering and financial crime.

Compliance support forum for in-house lawyers - Monday 2 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This popular forum has been updated with new materials to prepare you for the SRA Standards and Regulations which come into force in November 2019. Some of the key themes of this replacement to the SRA Handbook are very relevant to in-house practitioners and we discuss the meaning of effective supervision and management, personal accountability, and the flexibility which comes with new practising styles.

Competition Section Seminar: Abuse of dominance – recent developments in the UK and Europe - Tuesday 3 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
There has been an explosion of activity in respect of abuse of dominance. Major 'platform' cases such as Google Shopping, Android, AdSense, Facebook, Apple/Spotify have been in the spotlight in Europe and elsewhere, and raise wider questions about the interaction with regulation. There has been a resurgence of excessive pricing cases (Aspen, Phenytoin etc), with many more cases still before the CMA. The CAT has also heard a major recent appeal (Royal Mail), and considered abuse in a fast-track case (Achilles), and the EU Court judgment in Intel on effects continues to bed down into practice.

International Human Rights Day seminar “The Rise of Authoritarianism: Lawyers Upholding the Rule of Law”- Thursday 12 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This seminar aims to explore the rise of authoritarianism and how it affects legal practitioners, as well as some of the initiatives of legal practitioners themselves and others to counter attacks on the legal profession

Webinars

Creating mentally healthy legal workplaces - 19 November 2019 inclusive to Law Management Section members

CQS Protocol and the Code for Completion by Post – 27 November 2019 - Inclusive to Property Section members

Thriving at work and at home in a 24/7 connected world - 2 December 2019 - free for Junior Lawyers, with a 20% discount to all other section members (postponed from October)

Mediation - 2020 vision / The future for litigators - 4 December 2019 - inclusive to Civil Litigation members

The unrealised risk and the fallout from Data Subject Access Requests - 5 December 2019 - 20% discount to Law Management Section members

Risk management for small to medium law firms - 17 December 2019 - 20% discount to Risk and Compliance and Law Management Section members

Keeping members up to date

We have a number of newsletters for members. Below is a list, along with links for signing up to them.

Newsletter
Sign-up method

Advocacy Update
Update My Law Society preferences

Anti-money Laundering Update
Law Society newsletter page

City Update
Contact the City relationship management team

Diversity & Inclusion Update
Update My Law Society preferences

In-house Forum
Update My Law Society preferences

International Update
Law Society newsletter page

Junior Lawyers Update
Law Society newsletter page

JLD sign-up page

Legal Aid Update
Law Society newsletter page

Professional Update
Law Society newsletter page

Risk & Compliance Update
Join the Risk and Compliance Service

Small Firms Focus
Contact the Small Firms Division

Solicitor Judges Update
Join the Solicitor Judges Division

Campaigns Update
Sign up to the Campaigns Update newsletter

Parliamentary report
Sign up to the Parliamentary report newsletter

You can also register for the Gazette daily update here.

As always, please feel free to share this update with your constituents unless otherwise specified.

Kind regards,

Simon

Simon Davis
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1P

Impact of Brexit; MyLawSociety; upcoming regional events

22/10/2019

The London & South East Relationship Management team are keen to ensure that key updates and information of relevance are communicated to you, and your local law society, periodically.

Please feel free to share the information below more widely with your committees and your membership.

Sharing of data with Local Law Societies

In an effort to increase engagement with Local Law Societies the Law Society have created an option on members' MyLawSociety account which allows them to consent to receive emails from their Local Law Society via a tick-box.

By signing up to MyLawSociety members can see news, advice and jobs relevant to their professional interests. They can also add more information to their Find a Solicitor profile.

We will continue to spread this message to our members.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at London&SouthEastTeam@lawsociety.org.uk

Impact of Brexit

Vice president David Greene addressed the impact of Brexit on financial and legal services at an event organised by Labour City Lawyers at Labour Conference in Brighton.

See the report in the Financial News (£).

Also worth a read:

The Gazette live blog on the Supreme Court ruling
Disciplinary tribunal brands an SRA investigation “flawed” – Legal Futures
The Guardian reports on crown court sitting days figures
Labour pledges £20 million to restore legal aid – the Times (£)

Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) event: The future of advising the older client

SFE Surrey will be holding its first event on 24 October 2019 at Morrisons Solicitors, Prospero, 73 London Road, Redhill RH1 1LQ at 16:00-18:00.

Topics covered will include: digital services and the role of the professional; the role of the family and a new social and health care model. Caroline Bielanska will be speaking, and the evening will be followed by a drink's reception.

Places are limited! Please click here to see full details and to register.

Reaching for the STARS - workshop on 2019 launch of SRA Codes and CQS challenges

Middlesex Law Society are holding a workshop on Tuesday 22 October 17:00-19:00 at Finchley Golf Club North London, Nether Court, Frith Lane NW7 1PU. Michael Garson, Council Member of the Law Society, will be the main speaker. Topics will include:

Standards and Regulations – Principles and two new Codes
New Reporting requirements?
New Risks for Compliance Officers and issues for firms
Client Account Rules and Third Party Managed Accounts – the alternative to Client Account
CQS Core Management Standards and Protocol

To see the full flyer and for registration details, please click here.

Open Consultation summary

Labour's New Deal for Leaseholders- closing date 30 September 2019 Link to consultation
The next Labour Government proposes 5 key changes to improve leasehold, including ending the sale of new leaseholds and new ground rents along with capping ground rents for existing leaseholders, setting a simple formula to allow leaseholders to buy their freeholds, crack down on unfair fees and contract terms by publishing a reference list of reasonable charges and giving residents greater powers over the management of their homes.
Policy Advisors- Diane.Latter@lawsociety.org.uk and Victoria.Geroe@lawsociety.org.uk

Proposals to support families- closing date 29 November 2019- Link to consultation
BEIS is seeking views on proposals to better support parents to balance work and family-life.
Policy Advisors- Nick.Denys@lawsociety.org.uk

One-sided flexibility: addressing unfair flexible working practices- closing date 11 October- Link to consultation
BEIS is seeking views on the proposals made by the Low Pay Commission to address the issue of 'one-sided flexibility'. Policy Advisors- Nick.Denys@lawsociety.org.uk

If you have any questions in relation to any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us at London&SouthEastTeam@lawsociety.org.uk

Best wishes,

Beth, Bhavni, Jack and Stuart

Peterborough Sikhs - Conferences celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th Birthday

22/10/2019

Dear Sir / Madam,

Across the globe Sikhs are celebrating the 550th anniversary of the birth of its first teacher Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Peterborough Sikhs too will be marking the occasion with a number of community cohesion events running from October and throughout November 2019.

We would like to invite you to attend one of the conferences being held on 26th October 2019 and 23rd November 2019. The aim of these conferences will be to work on ways to increase community integration & cohesion in Peterborough and surrounding areas.
This will be a distinct opportunity for people of all walks of life to know of Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, tolerance, caring & sharing and above all understanding each other more. This would be an opportunity for networking and working together jointly in the future.
The attached invitation provides further details and I hope you will be able to join us.

on behalf of all Peterborough Sikhs,
Jagdev Singh and Harbans Singh

conf_invitation.pdf
File Size:	651 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Your weekly Law Society update 9 September 2019

9/9/2019

Dear colleague,

Your weekly Law Society update
As the professional body for solicitors, every week the Law Society is working hard to influence the legal and regulatory environment on behalf of our profession and to promote solicitors at home and abroad. We support practice excellence, are an informed source of legal sector news and support members at every stage of their career.

Here are some highlights from this week.

Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession

The Law Society’s media profile this week

The Gazette and The Times (£) reported the Law Society’s reaction to Sajid Javid's spending review. Although dwarfed by other events at Westminster last week, he announced a 4.9% increase in the budget for the justice ministry in 2021. I said: "In England and Wales, almost half of civil and criminal courts have closed. More than half of local authorities in England and Wales have no publicly funded legal advice for housing.
“Likewise, criminal legal aid fees for solicitors have not increased since the 1990s – in five years, there will be regions with no duty solicitors at all.

“Investment solely for prisons or prosecution, beneficial though it may be, does not address these problems. The courts, criminal defence and civil legal aid must also receive desperately needed additional funds.”

Two decades after the British government gave legal validity to electronic signatures, the Times (£) and UK Authority report its expert law reform body has concluded that most documents executed digitally have the same legal force as those on paper.

The Lawyer (£) reports on the Law Society's English Law week in Colombia. Find out more about the programme here.

Portsmouth News reported on problems solicitors faced with the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC). The service was handed over to a new provider. David Greene, vice-president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said the call centre “appears to have undergone a complete system meltdown... denying suspects the right to legal advice risks miscarriages of justice”.

The Gazette reports the Law Society and HMCTS disagreement over the cause of ongoing probate delays. HMCTS claims delays are due to errors in applications whilst Ian Bond, chair of our wills and equity committee, says the figures around the delays are “disingenuous to say the least”. Meanwhile HMCTS apologised for the delays in the probate service since March – it’s reported here in Today’s Wills and Probate.

The Gazette explores turbulence in the professional indemnity insurance market. Paul Bennett, former chair of our small firms division said: “Two- to three-partner firms doing 25%-30% conveyancing need to be aware that prices have gone up and that they will have to demonstrate they are actively managing the risks.”

Alison Hall, a local Newcastle-based solicitor, spoke to BBC Radio Tees (1:19:00) about Alzheimer’s month and granting lasting powers of attorney.

The Shropshire Star led with comments from criminal lawyer, Stephen Scully, on the state of the criminal justice system. Circuit Judge Anthony Lowe claims the justice system is ‘breaking at every point.’ The comments are also reported in the Times (£).

I. Stephanie Boyce, deputy vice president of the Law Society, said: “Solicitors and lay applicants across the country are still reporting waiting longer than six to eight weeks for a grant of probate.”

Paulette Mastin, BAME representative on the Law Society Council and Counsel at Linklaters LLP, is one of the inspirational women in the City profiled by Brummell.

Regulation

Immigration
This week the Immigration Law Committee wrote to the Home Office in joint correspondence with UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student Affairs) and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) regarding the visa application processes for students in the UK. A significant increase in the volume of applications is expected over the next few weeks as the new academic term starts, and practitioners have raised concerns the system may be unable to manage the demand.

NDA leaflet
Our Non-Disclosure Agreements leaflet has generated interest outside the legal profession, and has led to requests for meetings from UK Hospitality, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and the Association of Model Agents.
Of the 11,000 members who indicated employment law to be of interest to them, 43% of recipients opened the email we sent out with the leaflet, and 10% clicked through to our webpage. This is a high rate of engagement.

The NDA leaflet was also the highest rated story in the previous week’s Professional Update, generating almost 3,000 click-throughs to our website, and more than 20 of our firms have asked us to supply them with hard copies of the leaflet.

As Westminster comes back from its Summer holidays we will be sharing the leaflet with politicians and officials who are interested in this area. We also hope to promote it to advice organisations, such as Citizens Advice and law centres.

Conveyancing
We are in the process of reviewing the question on Japanese knotweed in our TA6 form in response to the report published by the Select Committee on Japanese knotweed.

Parliamentary

Justice committee chair Robert Neill referred to the Law Society during questions in the House of Commons this morning. Neill described the United Kingdom’s legal services market as the second largest in the world, which he credited to the access British lawyers currently have to EU legal markets. He asked the parliamentary under-secretary of state for exiting the European Union, James Duddridge MP, if he recognised that in order to avoid the 10% hit to the country’s income from legal services in the event of a no deal Brexit, as estimated by the Law Society, the government must preserve maximum access to EU markets and develop a comprehensive, cross-departmental strategy to market British legal services as “a world centre of excellence”.

In answer, Duddridge said “given that 6.5% of global legal services pass through the United Kingdom and three out of 15 top firms are based internationally in the UK, it is essential for us to work on a cross-departmental basis.” He referenced the Legal Services are GREAT campaign, launched in Singapore in 2017, as an example of this cooperation.

Our influencing work internationally:

On Friday 6 September, The Brussels Office will host the BBUKOO Legal Issues meeting. Meeting will focus on no deal planning in Belgium for UK citizens, immigration, employment and citizenship rights as well as procurement contracts for third country organisations.

Mickael Laurans, head of international, and Alex Storer international policy adviser attended the International Conference of Legal Regulators in Edinburgh this week where we are having bilateral meetings with our foreign counterparts.
Our VP David Greene, led a delegation of 20 solicitors and barristers along with chairman of the Bar Richard Atkins, QC for our English Law Week events in Mexico and Colombia, which was organised by Ben Stevenson in the international department.

David chaired a session on human rights while our solicitors presented sessions on fintech, anti-corruption, human rights, international arbitration, insurance/reinsurance, energy and infrastructure, exchanging experience and expertise with our counterparts in Mexico and Colombia.

We held a number of side meetings on human rights and Lizzette Robleto de Howarth led two of the Law Society's international women in law roundtables.

We were kindly hosted by the British ambassador to Mexico and the acting ambassador to Colombia for networking receptions with local lawyers.

There was a great deal of interest from both the local professions to continue to deepen the relationships and to improve levels of legal business between our jurisdictions. We hope to be back again next year.

Supporting members at every stage of their career

Our new early career learning and development package is now live, including:

Solicitor Judges' Division Seminar: Breaking Down Barriers, London - Tuesday 10 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This autumn, the Solicitor Judges' Division is hosting a panel discussion on judicial diversity and how we can progress it.

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors, London - Saturday 21 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This course - specially developed for solicitor applicants - will equip delegates with the skills to help enhance application and interview performance.

Making the right choices at retirement, September 2019, Birmingham -Tuesday 24 September 2019
Location: Mazars, 45 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2RT
In partnership with Mazars, leaders in the area of financial planning provision, the Law Society is offering a complementary workshop aimed particularly at people who are within two years of retirement.

In-house Division seminar: How to implement a D&I strategy in your legal team, Manchester -Wednesday 25 September 2019
Location: Weightmans, Hardman Square, 1 Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB
Recent press coverage around how the in-house community can drive change has put a spotlight on this topic and we are keen to explore how the Law Society can help.
Making the right choices at retirement, Leeds -Thursday 26 September 2019
Location: Mazars, 5th Floor, 3 Wellington Pl, Leeds, LS1 4AP
[See above]

To Network or Not Work? How employee diversity network groups can add value to your business, London - 26 September 2019

Junior Lawyers International Weekend, London 27-29 September 2019
Make sure you save the date and book your place for this year’s International Weekend, which will take place between 27 September and 29 September 2019 in London. International Weekend provides delegates with a mix of technical and legal presentations, skills-based seminars, an overview of the legal system in England and Wales, and an introduction to the City of London.

International Weekend gala dinner London - Saturday 28 September 2019
This black-tie event forms part of the larger International Weekend 2019. The gala dinner, which will be held on Saturday 28 September at the Law Society in London, is aimed at junior lawyers in England and Wales and young lawyers from overseas jurisdictions but is open to all. For further information click here.

Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training, Bristol - Afternoon session, Friday 27 September 2019
Location: Bristol - Venue TBC
The Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training was developed in conjunction with the Bar to help solicitor advocates and barristers strike the balance between advancing their client’s case effectively in court whilst ensuring vulnerable witnesses are not subjected to undue stress.
Black History Month inspirational evening - Friday 4 October 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The annual Black History Month Inspiration evening brings together an impressive line up of inspiring lawyers. In a highly competitive profession which presents innumerable challenges we profile and celebrate lawyers who have faced and overcame obstacles on their professional journey.

Supporting practice excellence

Competition Section seminar: CPD compliance for Irish practising certificate holders London - Tuesday 10 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This two-hour seminar will cover essential CPD requirements for Irish practising certificate holders, with a particular focus on the regulatory element of Irish professional development.
Risk and Compliance autumn conference 2019: Mitigating risk in a changing regulatory landscape - Bristol Thursday 12 September 2019
Location: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa, Redcliff Hill, Bristol, BS1 6SQ
In this popular one-day event speakers will provide invaluable advice for shaping the future of compliance in your firm and offer practical guidance to help you cultivate a best practice culture throughout your firm or department. The autumn conference will be held in Bristol.

Doing Business in Brussels - Tuesday 17 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Law Society would like to invite you to a discussion on the opportunities and obstacles in setting up a Brussels office and requalifying into the Flemish speaking Brussels Bar.
Law Tech
Our TechTalk series is going national! The next ‘introduction to LawTech’ event will take place on 18 September 2019 in Cardiff. This event aims to inform practitioners on the fundamentals of legal technology, the type of products available and opportunities for their business: Please book here: https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabId=37&id=2486&orgId=1&guid=1389fe18-d987-413b-9114-693a4a0420a9

Our joint event on ‘Demystifying LawTech’ with Barclays Eagles Lab and the City of London Corporation - Wednesday 18 September 2019
Will look at the adoption of legal technology by law firms and businesses and pressure points preventing businesses from embracing technology. More information and free tickets are available here.

Future of Law lecture - Lawtech with Shruti Ajitsaria, Head of Fuse at Allen & Overy - Tuesday 24 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
We invite subject matter experts to explore the most pressing legal questions facing the profession and aim to bring together leaders from across the legal profession, members, policy makers and key stakeholders to discuss how to maintain a successful legal services sector for the future.
Small Firms Annual Conference 2019 - Thursday 19 September, London and Thursday 3 October, Leeds
Joshua Rozenberg QC (hon) will be this year’s keynote speaker. He will discuss changes in the legal sector and the future for small firms. The programme will also cover topics such as small firm business models, cost effective ways to market your firm and the latest updates from the SRA handbooks. Secure your place on or before Tuesday 3 September to save up to £50.

Property Section workshop: risk and negligence in property transactions - problems and pitfalls for practitioners, Leeds - Thursday 19 September 2019
Location: Shulmans LLP, 10 Wellington Pl, Leeds, LS1 4AP
As the residential property market slows and returns on commercial property are threatened by the decline of the High Street, the risk that property owners will look to the professionals who advised them to recoup their losses returns.

Private Client Section seminar: Professor King and topical issues in Private Client Practice, Birmingham- Thursday 19 September 2019
Location: Birmingham - Venue TBC
This one-hour seminar from Professor King will both educate and entertain you with practical guidance on topical issues in Private Client Practice. Lesley will bring you her unique insight and clarity on recent case law and statutory developments and will focus on avoiding traps and pitfalls.

New frontiers in data protection, ePrivacy and workplace surveillance, London -Thursday 26 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This conference will explore some major data protection challenges faced by solicitors, identify the danger spots in introducing new technologies and offer practical advice on mitigating risk.

Small Firms Division annual conference 2019 Leeds, - Thursday 3 October 2019
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre, Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR
The Small Firms Division is dedicated to meeting the needs of all smaller legal businesses, including sole practitioners. The Division's flagship annual conferences will take place in London and Leeds, and will provide practitioners with a half-day of small firms-focused conference sessions, practical tips and networking opportunities.

Seminar on human trafficking - Wednesday 24 October 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabId=37&id=2471&orgId=1&guid=7283ab7f-fc8e-4a0a-86fe-441c66c76081

Webinars

9 September - Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on commercial property transactions update 2019 – Inclusive for Property Section members

10 September - Risk update 2019 – recent changes and hot topics in risk and compliance - Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Risk and Compliance Service members

11 September - Make crime (and civil law) pay (Tikit sponsored) – sponsored

17 September - SRA Standards and Regulations - changes and opportunities – Inclusive for Risk and Compliance Service members with a 20% discount to LMS members

19 September - Understanding SuDS: The importance of sustainable urban drainage systems and adaptation of water pipes – Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Property Section members

26 September - From emotional intelligence to authentically speaking – Inclusive for LMS members

30 September - Changes to the rules on reporting concerns, the SRA Enforcement Strategy and the new SDT rules – Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Risk

Keeping members up to date

We have a number of newsletters for members. Below is a list, along with links for signing up to them.

Newsletter
Sign-up method

Advocacy Update
Update My Law Society preferences

Anti-money Laundering Update
Law Society newsletter page

City Update
Contact the City relationship management team

Diversity & Inclusion Update
Update My Law Society preferences

In-house Forum
Update My Law Society preferences

International Update
Law Society newsletter page

Junior Lawyers Update
Law Society newsletter page

JLD sign-up page

Legal Aid Update
Law Society newsletter page

Professional Update
Law Society newsletter page

Risk & Compliance Update
Join the Risk and Compliance Service

Small Firms Focus
Contact the Small Firms Division

Solicitor Judges Update
Join the Solicitor Judges Division

Campaigns newsletter
Sign up to the Campaigns newsletter

Parliamentary report
Parliamentary report

You can also register for the Gazette daily update here.

As always, please feel free to share this update with your constituents unless otherwise specified.

Kind regards,

Simon

Simon Davis
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1P

Your weekly Law Society update 2 September 2019

4/9/2019

Your weekly Law Society update 27 August 2019

27/8/2019

Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Forum - East

21/8/2019

For a short while, the Law Society has been running Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) forums across the country.

As well as the chance to delve into D&I concerns of those in the room, the participants at our D&I forums hear directly from the Law Society about what we are doing in the D&I sphere and are an opportunity for people to discuss issues of mutual concern relatively informally. The forums are designed to provide shared learning and peer support as well as the opportunity to work more closely with both the Society’s D&I team, and each other.

A wide range of individuals attend our forums, which include (but are not limited to): D&I professionals; HR professionals; partners and other fee earners; in-house and other legal practitioners; Local Law Society representatives; or anyone else involved or interested in D&I within law firms and in-house legal departments.

The overwhelming success of our D&I forums has meant we have expended them throughout England, and in Wales. Currently, we have had regional D&I forums in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Cardiff, Birmingham, Bristol and Southampton; and have more planned!

Last month, we held our first Eastern forum in Cambridge, kindly hosted by Birketts. We had a full room of attendees, who represented large and medium firms in the top 200, and Cambridge Law Society. Discussions focused on the hot D&I topics of attendees: unconscious bias; recruitment and how to set up disability networks. We hope that this forum will mirror those across the country and meet quarterly to continue to discuss issues and share best practice. Our D&I forums also offer the chance for attendees to influence the work of the Law Society and advise the Society on how to improve D&I within their organisations and region, and to help to organise more in-depth training and meetings on various topics, e.g., mental health and gender pay gap reporting.

If you would like more information, and to see our schedule for 2019, please visit our webpage, and to join our Eastern forum, or to host a forum in 2020 please contact chris.seel@lawsociety.org.uk or beth.quinn@lawsociety.org.uk

Your weekly Law Society update 12 August

12/8/2019

Your weekly Law Society update 5 August 2019

5/8/2019

Dear colleague
Your weekly Law Society update
As the professional body for solicitors, every week the Law Society is working hard to influence the legal and regulatory environment on behalf of our profession and to promote solicitors at home and abroad. We support practice excellence, are an informed source of legal sector news and support members at every stage of their career.

Here are some highlights from this week.

> Download our 'lines to take' background briefing

Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession
The Law Society’s media profile this week

The Financial Times, Politico, City AM, Legal Futures and the Times all have covered our new report on the impact of a no deal Brexit on the legal services sector. New Law Journal also discuss our opposition to a no deal Brexit.

The Times (£), Gazette and New Law Journal cover Robert Buckland’s appointment as Lord Chancellor. I note that “as a former criminal barrister, [the lord chancellor] will well understand the challenges facing our justice system.” The Gazette also reports from the swearing in ceremony. In my speech, I urged the Lord Chancellor to recognise “that investment in our justice system is not only crucial for the rule of law but good politics and good economics.”

Law Society vice president David Greene was interviewed by Sky News breakfast programme, Sunrise, on Tuesday, to discuss the legal aid crisis as we mark 70 years since the introduction of legal aid in England and Wales. You can watch the interview here.

The Daily Mail, ITV.com, AOL.com, This is Money, the Sun, more than 100 local newspapers and a number of local radio stations cite Law Society concerns over the legal aid crisis, voiced by our interim operational director of policy, Richard Miller. Richard was also interviewed by Channel 5 News on the importance of legal aid and the impact of cuts.

Ian Kelcey, co-chair of the criminal law committee, appeared on BBC Wiltshire (01:07:53) to discuss anonymity for those under police investigation who have not been charged. This is after the Lord Chancellor told the Times (£) suspected sex offenders and others accused of serious crimes should remain anonymous until charged - if they have a reputation to protect. While supportive of pre-charge anonymity, I believe that a fair and consistent process should be applied. All must be treated equally before the law – irrespective of status, wealth or reputation.

The Times (£), BBC, Metro, Mail Online, and the Sun report a judge's claims the justice system is 'beyond the point of collapse' after a case was delayed two years before getting to court. I am quoted in coverage saying that “decades of cuts to this fundamental part of our country's infrastructure mean the whole system is crumbling.”

Solicitor’s Journal covers our call to the new prime minister to focus on restoring the beleaguered justice system and delivering an orderly Brexit which maintains cross-border justice. Read our press release.

The Gazette reports on the 2019 Excellence Awards shortlist. I said that “there are more than 140,000 solicitors in England and Wales – to be shortlisted for an Excellence Award is to be recognised as among the very best of the profession.”

The Gazette, Times and Legal Futures carry my comments on the Legal Services Board rule change approval for the SDT to move from the criminal standard of proof to the civil standard in its proceedings.

The Gazette carries my comments on SRA plans to make the first stage of the SQE entirely multiple choice.

The Guardian reports on Cambridge University’s ruling that sexual misconduct cases should not be covered by general disciplinary regulations. Cris McCurley, a member of our access to justice committee, said: “If universities are not prepared to adhere to their obligations and their duty of care then I can imagine there will be some significant legal challenges on this.”

Thomson Reuters and LexLaw discuss how influencers like former Law Society president Christina Blacklaws are helping to boost diversity in the legal sector and cover the results of our research into women in the law.

The Gazette examines why claimants are struggling to enforce judgments in civil cases. Christina Blacklaws is quoted saying: “It is well recognised that enforcement of judgments is a complex issue, with arcane procedures, which can easily defeat an unrepresented litigant.”

Council member Jonathan Goldsmith writes in the Gazette about the benefits of the current legal services sector regulatory regime.

Law Careers explores what life as an in-house lawyer looks like today. Our data shows that in 2017 there were 26,900 in-house lawyers.

Local solicitor Razia Jogi spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle (35:41) about the legal frameworks in place to prevent female genital mutilation (FGM).

Don’t forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.

Volunteers wanted for local media panels

Our local media panels help consumers understand the important work solicitors do to assist people in their everyday lives.

After the success of Legal Expert columns in South Wales, Bradford and Darlington/County Durham, we’re rolling out features in the York Press and Western Daily Press.

If you’re a practising solicitor in York, Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire or Wiltshire, and would like to get involved, please visit our website for further information. The deadline is Friday 23 August.

Regulation

New Internal Governance Rules
The Legal Services Board has released the final version of its new Internal Governance Rules (IGR). The rules come into effect immediately, but approved regulators (such as the Law Society) and regulatory bodies (such as the SRA) have a transition period of 12 months to make any changes required to comply.

The LSB’s intention is to enhance the separation and independence of regulatory functions within the current legislative framework; to provide more clarity to decrease the number of independence-related disputes between approved regulators and regulatory bodies; and to make the IGR more readily enforceable.

Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT)
The Legal Services Board has approved the SDT’s application for changes to its rules. The main change is that the standard of proof will change to the civil standard (on the balance of probabilities) instead of the criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt) from 25 November 2019.

The Law Society opposed this change and there remains a concern that lowering the standard of proof may increase the likelihood of referrals to the SDT of ‘weaker’ cases which would previously and more appropriately have been dispensed by the regulator using its own powers. We have urged the tribunal to monitor referrals to ensure best use of its resources and powers.

Private Law

Employment law
The Government has published the next phase of its Good Work agenda. This included some significant changes to employment law that the Society has been lobbying for, including the setting up a single Labour Market Enforcement Body and improving protection for those who experience harassment at work.

Tax law
Some recommendations made by the Tax Law Committee were included in the Finance Bill, published on 11 July 2019, including measures to limit double taxation. The Tax Committee also raised issues in the consultation on extension of the off payroll working rules where companies who have exercised reasonable care could be double charged under the proposed secondary liability provisions. These have now been addressed by Government which has made changes and now says that the proposals are not intended to transfer liability where deliberate tax avoidance has occurred.

Public Law

Immigration
Members of the Immigration Law Committee met with the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to discuss their current areas of focus, which include the asylum system, the 'hostile environment' laws, and problems with the newly contracted visa applications system, which the Law Society has also raised with the Home Office.

Parliamentary

The Law Society’s interim director of policy Richard Miller was quoted in the Women and Equalities Select Committee report on enforcing the Equality Act: the law and the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The Committee took on one our recommendations on the enforcement role of the EHRC and made wider recommendations on legal aid for discrimination cases.

Swearing in of the new Lord Chancellor
On Tuesday, I spoke at the swearing in ceremony of new Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP. This followed my telephone call with him to congratulate him on his new role and discuss the Law Society’s priorities. The new Solicitor General, Michael Ellis QC MP, was also sworn in during the event. My speech can be found here and was covered in the Gazette.

Key stakeholder meetings
The CEO met with Deputy Director General of the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) on Thursday to discuss cooperation on Brexit, education and skills.

Legal services sector asks for UK-EU future relationship paper
Yesterday we published a paper on the legal services sector’s asks regarding the UK-EU future relationship, which received widespread media coverage (see above). It has been sent to key government and opposition figures and will be distributed to more MPs when the House of Commons sits again in September.

The paper summarises the current state of the UK-EU relationship as it affects the legal sector, and explores how different future relationships will affect English and Welsh lawyers and firms. All outcomes are explored in relation to market access to ensure the continued success of the UK legal sector. We conclude in the paper that only an association agreement can adequately deliver on legal services, and that the openness of England and Wales for EU and EEA lawyers should be maintained.

Our influencing work internationally

We took our first trade mission to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week. Nine delegates from our member firms travelled to Malaysia as part of the two day programme jointly arranged with the Malaysian Bar Council to learn more about legal business opportunities.

On Monday 1 July, our delegates met with the President and senior officeholders of the Malaysian Bar and received an update on the legal services sector and economy. They then met with boutique law firm Izral Partnership, before participating joining a tour of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC). Four of our delegates spoke on two panel discussions on “Safeguarding intellectual property: case studies from Asia and the UK/Europe” and “Foreign direct investment: issues and opportunities in Malaysia and the UK” alongside representatives from Foong Cheng Leong and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority at our in our joint seminar with the Malaysian Bar Council later that evening. Over 30 Malaysian lawyers attended the event.

On Tuesday 2 July, our delegation met with one of the largest full-service law firm in Malaysia, Shearn Delamore & Co, where we received an update on developments in the courts and legal services in Kuala Lumpur. We then met with the founder and employees of GM Tan & Co before receiving a briefing from the British High Commission in Malaysia and the partner of one of the two law firms in Malaysia that hold a Qualified Law Firm Licence.

Supporting members at every stage of their career

Our new early career learning and development package is now live, including:

Resilience and Wellbeing face-to-face workshop, Leeds -Thursday 17 September 2019
Location: Leeds Law Society, 62 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 2EE
Resilience and Wellbeing face-to-face workshop, Bristol - Wednesday 18 September 2019 Bristol
Location: Bristol Law Society, 12 Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST

This face-to-face one day workshop puts the focus firmly on your personal coping mechanisms. We demonstrate how to self-assess, manage emotional responses and deal with everyday stressors, so you can better deal with the pressures of your job. We will tackle anxiety and its causes, encourage positive thinking and you will leave with valuable skills for life.

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors, London - Friday 20 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors, London - Saturday 21 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL

In view of increasing competition for judicial appointments, this interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitor applicants but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

The Law Society's Diploma in Local Government Law and Practice 2019-2020
This self-study course has been tailored for trainee solicitors, solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives who are committed to progressing in local government law and practice. The programme will cover the structure of local government law, local authorities and the courts and much more. Enrolment closes Friday 16 August - download the prospectus and secure your place today.
Legal Pride
The Law Society is marching in more Prides than ever before – as #LegalPride, together with the Bar Council and CILEx to show a united legal profession in support of its LGBT+ members and LGBT+ rights. The vice president and deputy vice president marched in Birmingham, and will be doing the same in Leeds and Manchester (respectively). Sign up for Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Cardiff here.

Fiona Woolf lecture, London - Thursday 12 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This event is to celebrate the achievements of Dame Fiona Woolf and other inspirational women who have reached senior positions within the profession.

Supporting practice excellence

Compliance forum for COLPs/COFAs: SRA Standards and Regulations, London -Tuesday 6 August 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be issuing new Standards and Regulations later this year which will replace the SRA Handbook. This forum, aimed at COLPs and COFAs, will provide insight into the changes that you need to make.

Solicitor Judges' Division Seminar: Breaking Down Barriers, London - Tuesday 10 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This autumn, the Solicitor Judges' Division is hosting a panel discussion on judicial diversity and how we can achieve it.

Competition Section seminar: CPD compliance for Irish practising certificate holders, London -Tuesday 10 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This two-hour seminar will cover essential CPD requirements for Irish practising certificate holders, with a particular focus on the regulatory element of Irish professional development.

Risk and Compliance autumn conference 2019: Mitigating risk in a changing regulatory landscape, Bristol -Thursday 12 September 2019
Location: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa, Redcliff Hill, Bristol, BS1 6SQ
In this popular one-day event speakers will provide invaluable advice for shaping the future of compliance in your firm and offer practical guidance to help you cultivate a best practice culture throughout your firm or department.

Compliance forum for COLPs/COFAs: SRA Standards and Regulations, London - Monday 16 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be issuing new Standards and Regulations later this year which will replace the SRA Handbook. It will have a new reduced set of principles, two separate Codes of Conduct - an individual solicitor code and a firm code - and simplified Account Rules. This forum, aimed at COLPs and COFAs, will provide insight into the changes that you need to make.

Small Firms Division annual conference 2019, London - Thursday 19 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Small Firms Division is dedicated to meeting the needs of all smaller legal businesses, including sole practitioners. The Division's flagship annual conferences will take place in London and Leeds, and will provide practitioners with a half-day of small firms-focused conference sessions, practical tips and networking opportunities.

Property Section workshop: risk and negligence in property transactions - problems and pitfalls for practitioners, Leeds -Thursday 19 September 2019
Location: Shulmans LLP, 10 Wellington Pl, Leeds, LS1 4AP
As the residential property market slows and returns on commercial property are threatened by the decline of the high street, there is a risk that property owners will look to the professionals who advised them to recoup their losses.

Private Client Section seminar: Professor King and topical Issues in Private Client Practice, Birmingham -Thursday 19 September 2019
Location: Birmingham - Venue TBC
This one-hour seminar from Professor King will educate and entertain with practical guidance on topical issues in Private Client Practice. Professor King will bring her unique insight and clarity on recent case law and statutory developments and will focus on avoiding traps and pitfalls.

Small Firms Annual conference 2019: Thursday 19 September, London and Thursday 3 October, Leeds
Joshua Rozenberg QC (hon) will be this year’s keynote speaker. He will discuss changes in the legal sector and the future for small firms. The programme will also cover topics such as small firm business models, cost effective ways to market your firm and the latest updates from the SRA handbooks. Secure your place on or before Tuesday 3 September to save up to £50.

Keeping members up to date

We have a number of newsletters for members. Below is a list, along with links for signing up to them.

Newsletter
Sign-up method

Advocacy Update
Update My Law Society preferences

Anti-money Laundering Update
Law Society newsletter page

City Update
Contact the City relationship management team

Diversity & Inclusion Update
Update My Law Society preferences

In-house Forum
Update My Law Society preferences

International Update
Law Society newsletter page

Junior Lawyers Update
Law Society newsletter page

JLD sign-up page

Legal Aid Update
Law Society newsletter page

Professional Update
Law Society newsletter page

Regional Update
Contact your regional relationship management team

Risk & Compliance Update
Join the Risk and Compliance Service

Small Firms Focus
Contact the Small Firms Division

Solicitor Judges Update
Join the Solicitor Judges Division

You can also register for the Gazette daily update here.

As always, please feel free to share this update with your constituents unless otherwise specified.

Kind regards,

Simon

Simon Davis
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1P

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