​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:
Our head of justice, Richard Miller featured on Radio 4’s You and Yours consumer programme as the top story on Friday, highlighting our legal aid deserts campaign.
The Sunday Times (£) reports Law Society’s opposition to the proposed increase in probate fees and the Daily Mail covers the issue with a comment from me: “The decision to treble the cost of death certificates comes hot on the heels of the Government’s proposed increases to probate fees.”
Melinda Giles, council member and member of the wills and equity committee, was interviewed on LBC to discuss our concerns, following her interview on probate fees for TALKradio. 
The Times (£) covers the Law Society’s Lawtech Adoption Research report. I am quoted saying: “Lawtech in the UK is largely focused on efficiencies and automation rather than on delivering new types of law. As such it is less mature than other fields of digital disruption – such as fintech, where there is more funding and regulatory alignment.”
Speaking about the Law Society’s disappointment with the LSB’s failure to adequately protect consumers, I told the Gazette: “We are increasingly concerned by the LSB’s lax approach to deregulation.
“Regulation exists to protect the public, so the stakes are high if those protections are removed. We are disappointed the LSB has rubber-stamped hugely significant rule changes without rigorously applying the available evidence to understand the impact on the public.”
As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, coverage of gender equality issues is gathering momentum.
In an article in the Guardian on sexism in the profession, I was quoted saying: “Sexual harassment is illegal. Just as anyone is protected by the law, they should also be protected by employers – law firms and courts included. As a profession which strives to uphold justice, the legal sector needs to be at the forefront of the fight against sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The Guardian reported on Gwyneth Bebb and her struggle to gain equality in the legal profession. Legal Futures and We are the City note the Law Society is to join CARE International for #March4Women 2019 on 3 March.
The Gazette reports that the common law tradition has been, by any measure, a successful ‘export’ for England and Wales. “The result of cutting legal aid was a vast increase in the number of litigants in person in the courts,” adds the Law Society’s head of justice, Richard Miller. “And – surprise, surprise – they struggle with the adversarial system”
The Gazette covered the Law Society Group’s 2018 gender pay gap report, published this week.
Legal Futures and Today’s Conveyancer report reactions to the Law Society’s tougher code for completion, which has been introduced following a ruling on liability for losses caused by fraud during property transactions.
Consultation responses and parliamentary activity, influencing on behalf of the profession:
Regulation
We launched the Legal Needs survey on 13 February. We expect preliminary results in March.  
 
Access to Justice
LASPO
Following the publication of its Post Implementation Review of LASPO, we are seeking to engage with the Ministry of Justice to further develop the proposals. 
 
Technology and the Law
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session – algorithms in the justice system
The Law Society’s Technology and Law Policy Commission hosted its final evidence session on Thursday 14 February at Chancery Lane.
The Commission, led by myself alongside co-Commissioners Sofia Olhede (UCL), Sylvie Delacroix (University of Birmingham) examined the use of algorithms in the justice system, the impacts on the rule of law, implications for data rights, and whether our human rights framework is fit for purpose.
Witnesses at the London session included Richard Susskind, Jamie Susskind, Hannah Knox of UCL, David Powell of Hampshire Police and Judith Jones of the ICO. We were joined by Guest Commissioner Madhumita Murgia of the Financial Times.
A video of the event will be made available on our website in the coming weeks.  Further information on the Commission is available here.
 
Global Legal Blockchain Consortium briefing session
On Monday 25 February the Law Society will be hosting a briefing session by the Global Legal Blockchain Consortium. The GLBC is the largest legal industry blockchain consortium in the world, comprised of more than 190 large companies, law firms, software companies, and universities. It promotes the use of blockchain technology for the legal industry and is also developing standards to govern the use of blockchain technology in the business and practice of law. 
I will be opening the session with a speech, followed by an update on the activities of the GLBC, its plans for 2019 and demonstrations of  new blockchain proofs-of-concept in legal applications. 
Any members wishing to attend can book their place on the GLBC’s event page. 
Civil Justice
We responded to DEFRA’s consultation on biodiversity net gain. Our response supports the government's aims set out in the consultation and argues that the best way to achieve a consistent framework for business, which provides clarity and certainty through a streamlined process (the consultation objectives), is to mandate net gain in the planning process through a clear legal duty which is subject to prescribed exemptions. The response also argues:

• the tariff revenue should be collected locally (for example, through a local authority);
• the tariff revenue should be spent through a blended model, allowing spending at both local and national levels; and
• if a dispute is only over biodiversity net gain requirements, then the planning appeal system, as currently operated, would be an inefficient way of settling matters that would likely result in the stalling or abandonment of developments.

Further, the response agrees that there should be exemptions from mandatory net gain, particularly for small developments (unless the adverse biodiversity impact is significant), permitted development and developments where planning gain requirements are already very large. 
Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland
We held our Law Society Board meeting in Cardiff this week and engaged with the Commission on Justice in Wales. Paul Tennant, Chief Executive and I also met colleagues from Law Societies in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland in Belfast.
 
Our influencing work internationally:
On 21 February, the Brussels Office hosted and chaired a Legal Issues Task Force meeting with the UK Brussels-based organisations.
 
Solicitor brand campaign
We’re looking for business or consumer clients who would like to be photographed as part of our campaign to promote the value of solicitors. More details can be found here.
 
Supporting members at every stage of their career
 
International Women’s Day seminar – Friday 8 March
Our flagship event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 is fully booked. The theme of the event is inspiration and action in the workplace. Our empowerment workshop is also now fully booked.
   
To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women in the law, we are also supporting March4Women – on Sunday 3 March
#March4Women: https://wwwcareinternational.org.uk/march4women
Tickets are just £5. You can book here: https://careint.uk/2G1s5EJ
 
Wellbeing champion training – Thursday 21 March 2019
Wellbeing champion training is designed as a follow up workshop for mental health first aiders and champions. This is a half-day workshop that aims to bring additional clarity to your role as a first aider. 
 
Supporting practice excellence
Some of our upcoming events are:
 
Lexcel consultant training – Wednesday 20 March 2019
This course provides an in-depth understanding of Lexcel England and Wales v6.1 and what evidence is required to meeting the Standard requirements.
 
Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training, Wednesday 27 March 2019, Manchester – Afternoon session  
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.
 
This training will also be held in Bristol on Friday 29 March.
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,
 
Christina
 
Christina Blacklaws
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1PL

​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 last week.
 
Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession
 
The Law Society’s media profile this week:
 
The government’s proposed increases to probate fees will see estates of £2m pay £6,000 the Financial Times (£) reported. I’m quoted saying: “The cost to the courts for granting probate does not change whether the estate is worth £50,000 or £2m. It is unfair to expect the bereaved to find or subsidise other parts of the courts and tribunal services, particularly in circumstances where they have no other options but to use the probate service.” Further coverage in the Sunday Times (£) and the Gazette.
Melinda Giles, a council member and member of the wills and equity committee also appeared on Talk Radio to discuss probate fees. You can listen to the broadcast here. The interview runs from 08:00.
The Times (£) reported ministers faced a backlash over the MoJ’s recent review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders act. The government was accused of kicking legal aid issues down the road. I called on ministers to “give urgent attention to amending the means test thresholds because the current levels are preventing families in poverty from accessing justice”. Further coverage in the Gazette, Family Law Week, the Justice Gap and Legal Futures.
Ranjit Thaliwal, a Midlands-based mental health law solicitor talked to BBC Radio Nottingham about the legalities of sectioning for Time to Talk mental health day. You can listen to the broadcast here. Ranjit’s interview starts from 1:12:00.
There is little wrong with the 30-year-old Children Act. But years of austerity too often compromise the legal process, challenging the ability of courts and social services to prioritise the interests of the vulnerable. Jerry Bull, chair of the Law Society’s children law sub-committee, points to ways in which overworked family judges in a stretched judicial system are adding to the pressure on lawyers. “There are far more proceedings and courts are expecting more of us each time, because they don’t have the resources to back up the judges.” Full report in the Gazette.
Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s Law Society Excellence Awards, which will recognise the outstanding achievements of solicitors working in all areas of law across England and Wales.“Every day solicitors across this country demonstrate their commitment to their clients, their community, and to the rule of law,” I said. “The Excellence Awards celebrate the very best - the winners highlight not just the values of the profession, but the vital role solicitors play in the administration of justice every day.” Coverage in the Gazette.
The Northern Echo carries the first of a new, weekly ‘Legal Expert’ column in conjunction with the Law Society. This week’s topic is no-fault divorce. Law Society position on no-fault divorce is here.
 
Law Society access to justice committee member June Venters QC writes in The Times about her experience of offering legal advice pro bono from her local GP’s surgery over the last decade. This follows a proposal by the justice minister Lucy Frazer last week that funded legal advice be offered from GP surgeries.
 
The Times (£) also reports that British fashion designers risk losing design right protections in the event of a no-deal Brexit. I said: “The law governing intellectual property is largely harmonised across the EU. Much of the legislation and case law stems directly from EU level law.” Further coverage in the Gazette.
 
The BBC reports that new laws are needed to tackle knife crime in London. “The home secretary is right when he says there's no specific legislation that easily lets you pull down knife crime content from social media,” says Steve Kuncewicz, a member of council and of the technology and the law committee.
 
Law Society immigration committee member Zeena Luchowa answered questions from BBC London audience members worried about their futures.
 
Our Valentine’s Day warning about the myth of common law marriage was cited in the Manchester Evening News and the Daily Mirror as well as Global Legal Post. I said: “The term originates from when it was less socially acceptable for couples to live together and have children outside wedlock.” I also warned of the pitfalls of people relying on long term cohabitation as the basis of their rights.
The controversy about whether 19-year-old Shamima Begum - who left Britain in 2015 with friends in order to live in Isil-controlled Raqqa – should be allowed to return to the UK has received widespread coverage in the media. Ian Kelcey, co-chair of the criminal law committee, is quoted in the Times commenting on her potential legal situation: “On the basis of what we know so far it is likely that Begum would be arrested on return to the UK and probably charged under the Terrorism Act 2006.”
 
Legal Futures covered the launch of the Law Society’s LawTech adoption report which reviews how far the legal sector has come in terms of adopting technology to execute work.
 
Don’t forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
 
 
Consultation responses and parliamentary activity, influencing on behalf of the profession:
 
Probate
Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz MP quoted Law Society vice president Simon Davis on the subject of probate fees. She noted that the Non-Contentious Probate (Fees) Order 2018 may be ultra vires, and cited the Law Society’s argument that it is a “tax hike through the back door”, mentioning Simon Davis by name.
 
More than 2,000 people have now written to their MP regarding the proposed changes to probate fees using our online tool.
 
Brexit
No deal guidance – we published new no deal guidance on VAT and intellectual property – this will feature in our professional update this week and in a number of our other newsletters.
 
Concerns on no deal raised with the lord chancellor – the CEO wrote to the lord chancellor to raise our concerns around no deal and the decrease in legal services exports from 2016 to 2017.  
 
No deal concerns raised in Parliament – we briefed shadow justice ministers in the Commons and Lords five times on key secondary legislation around legal services, recognition of professional qualifications and civil justice co-operation – the Law Society was mentioned in the debates 19 times and our concerns around no deal were mentioned throughout.
 
Increased awareness of with Lords justice spokespeople on Brexit – we met with the Labour’s Lords adviser on justice to increase his understanding of the Law Society’s Brexit priorities.
 
Brexit conference – We hosted a joint conference on Brexit with City and Financial. Both the vice president and deputy vice president spoke at conference, along with:

• Justice minister, Lucy Frazer QC MP
• Shadow justice minister, Yasmin Qureshi MP
• Former lord chief justice, Lord Thomas
• Former attorney general, Dominic Grieve QC MP
• Chair of the justice select committee, Bob Neill MP.

 
Speeches
I spoke at an “in conversation" event with Lady Arden at Clyde & Co. I also spoke about the women in leadership in law programme at a Network for Knowledge event on Wednesday.
 
The vice president and deputy vice president spoke at a joint Law Society and City and financial conference on Brexit and legal services.
 
Resilience and Wellbeing Survey 2019
For the third year running, the Junior Lawyers Division’s (JLD) is undertaking a resilience and wellbeing survey of its membership. The survey can be accessed here.
 
Access to justice
LASPO
The MoJ published the Post Implementation Review this week. We immediately put out a press release and provided a summary for members online and via a Legal Aid Update.
 
Courts modernisation
The Gazette hosted a roundtable regarding court reforms, self-representation and the prospect of a more inquisitorial system.
15 guests took part, including myself, Law Society head of justice Richard Miller, and Susan Acland-Hood (CEO of HMCTS).
 
The justice select committee have launched a new inquiry into the access to justice implications of the HMCTS court modernisation programme, including on the increasing use of digital and video technology and of court closures.
 
Court closures
On 7 February we attended the Westminster Legal Policy Forum on Civil Justice reform in England and Wales which discussed court modernisation, litigation costs and priorities for implementation of the Civil Liability Act. The event was chaired by Lord Faulks QC.
On 8 February I met with Professor Abi Adams to discuss the court modernisation programme and access to justice. It was agreed that it is essential to have the relevant data to analyse in order to evaluate the programme effectively.
Public Accounts Committee Hearing
HMCTS has now responded to five of the recommendations that came out of the June 2018 Public Accounts Committee Hearing. The recommendations can be found here.
 
Flexible Operating Hours Pilots
HMCTS intends to pilot flexible operating hours for civil and family matters in Manchester and Brentford from April. We attended the first meeting of the Evaluation Advisory Group which will consider how the pilot is evaluated. HMCTS took on board a number of our concerns about methodology.
 
Role of the profession
The Flag It Up campaign, of which the Law Society is a core partner, filmed two videos on compliance on 6 February, one of which is with Amy Bell, former chair of our MLTF, in our offices.
 
Technology
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session – algorithms in the justice system
The Law Society’s Technology and Law Policy Commission hosted its final evidence session on Thursday 14 February in London. The commission, led by me alongside co-commissioners Sofia Olhede (UCL) and Sylvie Delacroix (University of Birmingham), examined the use of algorithms in the justice system, the impacts on the rule of law, implications for data rights, and whether our human rights framework is fit for purpose.
 
Witnesses at the London session included Richard Susskind, Jamie Susskind, Hannah Knox of UCL, David Powell of Hampshire Police and Judith Jones of the ICO. We were also joined by guest commissioner Madhumita Murgia.
 
Lawtech adoption research
I spoke at the launch of this new Law Society report which shows a rise in the number of lawtech companies in recent years. 
However, this increase is not reflected in the rate of lawtech adoption among legal practitioners. Our research explores what types of lawtech providers are gaining traction in different sectors of the profession and the drivers behind this, with a view to how adoption rates might impact the future shape of legal process and delivery.
Civil
Environment
We attended a roundtable at DEFRA hosted by Environment Secretary Michael Gove to discuss environmental targets.
 
Our influencing work internationally:
On 11 February, Helena Raulus, head of the Brussels office, chaired the British Chamber of Commerce event on the EU, third countries and Brexit – managing secure data flows across borders. It was also attended by legal secondee Betty Ann Morain and speakers included Heather Anson.
 
On 13 February, Betty Ann Morain attended an event organised by the European Commission: Civil Society Dialogue on WTO negotiations on e-commerce The same day, EU policy adviser Rita Giannini met Nicola Wisdahl from the Scottish Government to discuss justice and home affairs matters.
 
Along with Lizzette Robleto de Howarth, international programmes manager, I attended the Festivity of Sant Raimon de Penyafort, an annual event organised by the Barcelona Bar Association. On 15 February, I spoke at the ‘Trobades de Barcelona – Jacques Henry Memorial’ of the European Bars Federation – an event where international representatives of the legal profession come together in Barcelona to discuss issues of interest to the legal profession. This year’s focus was on gender equality, and I took part in a panel on the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of empowering female leadership in the legal profession.
 
Solicitor brand campaign
We’re looking for business or consumer clients who would like to be photographed as part of our campaign to promote the value of solicitors. More details can be found here.
 
Supporting members at every stage of their career
 
International Women’s Day seminar – Friday 8 March
Join us for our flagship event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019. The theme of the event is inspiration and action in the workplace.
 
To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women in the law, we are also supporting March4Women – on Sunday 3 March
#March4Women: https://www.careinternational.org.uk/march4women
Tickets are just £5. You can book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march4women-2019-event-tickets-54751304626?aff=lawfirms (Short link: https://careint.uk/2G1s5EJ)
 
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors – 15 March – London
In view of increasing competition for judicial appointments, this course will equip delegates with the skills to help enhance their application and interview performance. (Also running on 16 March – book here.)
 
In-house Division: Communicating law to non-lawyers – 20 March – Manchester
This seminar will offer practical examples and guidance to help strategically align in-house lawyers with their business.
 
Law Society team in half marathon for LawWorks
On Sunday March 10th Tom Fothergill, Chief Operating Officer, Sophie Brooks, Operational Director of strategy and planning and Kerry Jenkins, Head of Finance will be running as a representative Law Society Team at the Vitality Big Half Marathon here in London & we are aiming to raise money for LawWorks which, as many will know, is a charity supported by the Law Society which focuses efforts on connecting those in need of legal advice who can’t afford to pay for it with volunteer pro bono solicitors.
 
Sponsoring them couldn’t be simpler – just follow this link http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/lawworksbighalf to their fundraising page.
 
Supporting practice excellence
Some of our upcoming events are:

Risk and Compliance annual conference 2019: preparing for change in shifting times – 15 March
This full-day programme features a mix of plenary sessions and a choice of workshops to help you achieve best practice in compliance.
 
Property Section seminar: Risk and negligence in property transactions – 28 March – Manchester
Join John de Waal QC and other contributors to the recently published Risk and Negligence in Property Transactions for an interactive and practical seminar.
 
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 members unless otherwise specified.
 
Kind regards,
 
Christina
 
Christina Blacklaws
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1PL

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 Independent reported on the surge of parent litigants in person in family courts. Penny Scott, chair of our family law committee and Jenny Beck, a member of our access to justice committee, both commented on the issue and said the rise in unrepresented parties were causing “huge injustices” in rulings.
 
Talented trainee lawyers are invited to apply for a place on the profession’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), the Law Society said today as it opens recruitment for the 2019 cohort of scholars. Full report in the Gazette.
 
Legal Futures covered the Law Society response to LeO’s business plan. Meanwhile the Times (£) said the Law Society had praised the Legal Ombudsman for having made “progress with its modernisation programme”. The society however expresses concerned over an “absence of detail” in the ombudsman’s business plan.
 
I’m interviewed in In House Community about the evolution of the legal profession.
 
We welcomed the MoJ’s review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) as a step in the right direction. I’m quoted saying: “The MoJ has accepted the case for changes in relation to the legal aid means test, exceptional case funding and early legal advice, and has committed to further work as to what those changes should look like”. Full reports in the Gazette, Guardian, City A.M, and the FT (£).
Plans to hike probate fees to as much as £6,000 have narrowly been approved. Vice president Simon Davis said: “The cost to the courts for granting probate does not change whether the estate is worth £50,000 or £2 million. The government can call it a service charge or a graduated fee but asking those who have larger estates to pay more is in effect a tax hike through the back door.” Full report in the Gazette. Also in the Sunday Times (£) and the Telegraph carries reports and the Law Society is urging members to write to your MP. I am then quoted in subsequent coverage: “It is unfair to expect the bereaved to fund or subsidise other parts of the courts and tribunal service, particularly in circumstances where they have no other options but to use the probate service.” Full reports in Gazette and the Times.
 
The Gazette reports on new advice published by the Law Society to help family lawyers in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Read the No-deal Brexit family law guidance in full.
 
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is to carry out randomised “web sweeps” of around 500 law firms over the next few months to check they are publishing fees for common consumer transactions. Full report in The Times (£) and Legal Futures
 
The press office is working with solicitors and regional papers to provide agony aunt-style columns on major legal issues. This week David Gibson, a local employment law solicitor, spoke to BBC Radio Tees about the legalities of mental health in the workplace for time to talk day. You can listen to the broadcast here. The interview starts at 55:00.
If you would like to participate, please email press.office@lawsociety.org.uk
 
Don’t forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
 
Consultation responses and parliamentary activity, influencing on behalf of the profession:
 
Parliamentary
LASPO Review - The Ministry of Justice’s post-implementation review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 was published on Thursday, and the lord chancellor made a statement to the House of Commons. The proposals reflect a considerable number of the recommendations we put forward. The ministry has accepted the case for changes in relation to the legal aid means test, exceptional case funding and early legal advice.
 
Civil judicial co-operation - The Law Society briefed MPs on a number of statutory instruments on civil judicial co-operation that were debated this week. The Law Society was referenced four times in the debate including on our concerns about the impact of a no deal Brexit in this area.
 
Probate fees – The Law Society is opposing the government’s plans to increase the fees charged for a grant of probate. Over 180 people have written to their MP using the Law Society’s campaign action tool, and the Law Society’s concerns regarding the proposal were referenced twice during a debate in the Fourteenth Delegate Legislation Committee on Thursday. (See Media above).
 
Campaigns
Criminal justice campaign - Following the launch last week of our criminal justice campaign, our animation showing Peter’s journey through the criminal justice system has received nearly 6,000 views on YouTube. For comparison, a previous animation as part of our early advice campaign received 1,800 views in total.
 
Stakeholder engagement
Ministerial roundtable – I hosted a roundtable with George Hollingbery MP, Minister of State for Trade Policy to discuss international trade in legal services.  The roundtable was attended by senior experts in international trade law and I spoke about our recent discussions and meeting with international bar organisation including India and Australia.
Speeches
I spoke at a conference on blockchain and legal services on Tuesday.
 
Criminal legal aid
Following the government’s response to the Justice Select Committee’s report on criminal legal aid and announcement it will be conducting a fundamental review of criminal legal aid fees over the next 18 months, we met with the MoJ lead on the review. We discussed a wide range of issues arising from the current situation and emphasised the need for an independent review of sustainability. We were assured the review would be ‘evidence based’, and if the data analysis undertaken indicates more investment is needed then this is what the MoJ will recommend.
 
Technology
 
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session- algorithms in the justice system
The Law Society’s Technology and Law Policy Commission will host its final evidence session on Thursday 14th February in London. The commission, led by me alongside co-Commissioners Sofia Olhede (UCL), Sylvie Delacroix (University of Birmingham), will examine the use of algorithms in the justice system, the impacts on the rule of law, implications for data rights, and whether our human rights framework is fit for purpose.
 
Witnesses at the London session include Richard Susskind, Jamie Susskind, Hannah Knox of UCL, David Powell of Hampshire Police and Judith Jones of the ICO. We will also be joined by guest commissioner Polly Toynbee. Council members wishing to attend can book a place at the London session here. 
 
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session- algorithms in the justice system Cardiff session
We hosted the penultimate Technology and Law Policy Commission evidence session on Thursday 7th February in Cardiff. Witnesses included Inspector Scott Lloyd of South Wales Police who gave a demonstration of the Police’s facial recognition technology, Dr Bernadette Rainey of Cardiff Uni and Adam Curtis of Hoowla. 
 
Draft Ethics Guideline for Trustworthy AI
We responded to the European AI Alliance’s consultation on a draft ethics guideline for trustworthy AI.  Our response argues that if the guidelines had greater focus on the issues of technical and organisational measures of mitigating the risk of "unethical use" of AI, they would be more helpful in constructing the future debate around "trustworthy AI”.
It also argues:
·       That setting the "ethical purpose" as a fundamental principle for AI development, implementation and use without having similar standards on the use of data in general might lead to a perverse situation where higher standards of ethical behaviour are demanded of machines than of humans.
·       That having "ethical purpose", as defined in the Guidelines, as one of the two fundamental components of "trustworthy AI", which we consider impractical, creates the danger that the future debate around ethical AI might become too theoretical and part ways with real-life developments in this area.
Civil
 
Leasehold reform
We joined the deputy vice president David Greene in meeting with the shadow housing minister and shadow secretary of state for housing and homelessness (John Healey MP and Sarah Jones MP) to discuss leasehold reform.
 
We attended the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s final session of their inquiry into leasehold reform where they took evidence from Heather Wheeler MP, minister for housing and homelessness.
 
 
Our influencing work internationally:
On 6 February, Stephen Denyer, director of strategic relationships came to Brussels to carry out firms visits. Accompanied by Eoin Lavelle, EU Policy Adviser, he attended the following meetings:

• Emmanuel Plasschaert, Partner at Crowell & Moring LLP;


• David Henry, Barrister at McDermott Will & Emery;


• Denis Fosselard, Partner and Head of Brussels Office at Ashurst;


• Werner Eyskens, Partner at Allen & Overy;


• Laurent Ruzette, Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

 
On 6 February, Law Society CEO Paul Tennant was in Brussels. He and Brussels head of office Helena Raulus attended the British Chamber of Commerce UK-EU Task Force. They also attended the following events and meetings:

• roundtable with Brussels Based UK organisations at the Welsh Office.


• meeting with Fergus McReynolds from EEF (Manufacturers’ Organisation).


• meeting with UK Rep.


• meeting with Pascal Kerneis from ESF (European Service Forum).


• meeting with Philip Buisseret, Secretary General of CCBE.

 
On 7 February, Stephen Denyer and Helena Raulus, attended the following meetings:

• Lode Van Den Hende, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills;


• Ken Daly, managing partner at Sidley Austin;


• Elvira Aliende Rodrigues, partner at Shearman & Sterling;


• Ingrid Vandenborre, partner at Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom;


• Ruxandra Cana, partner at Steptoe & Johnson.

 
On 8 February, they also met Jeroen Jansen, Partner at DLA Piper.
 
Supporting members at every stage of their career
 
March4Women – Sunday 3 March
To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women in the law, we are supporting this event.
#March4Women: https://www.careinternational.org.uk/march4women
Tickets are just £5. You can book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march4women-2019-event-tickets-54751304626?aff=lawfirms (Short link: https://careint.uk/2G1s5EJ)
 
LGBT History Month              
February is LGBT History Month and our LGBT+ Lawyers Division will be holding their second speed networking in Cardiff on Thursday 21 February. We are partnering with a number of firms and organisations to deliver other events across the country – details of the full programme can be found here.
 
Law Society team in half marathon for LawWorks


On Sunday March 10th Tom Fothergill, chief operating officer, Sophie Brooks, operational director of strategy and planning and Kerry Jenkins, head of finance will be running as a representative Law Society Team at the Vitality Big Half Marathon here in London & we are aiming to raise money for LawWorks whom, as many will know, is a charity supported by the Law Society which focuses efforts on connecting those in need of legal advice who can’t afford to pay for it with volunteer pro bono solicitors.
 
Sponsoring them couldn’t be simpler – just follow this link http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/lawworksbighalf to their fundraising page.
 
JLD Forum: Junior lawyers skills day – 2 March 2019 – Southampton
This free one-day skills event aims to equip those at the start of their careers with the skills and advice necessary to progress, diversify and develop within the legal profession.
 
Apprenticeship Week at the Law Society – 5 March 2019 – London
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we are bringing together firms, training providers and prospective apprentices to learn about and discuss apprenticeships in legal services.
 
Junior Lawyers Division annual conference and ball 2019 – London
Registration is now open for the JLD’s 12th annual conference and ball on Saturday 6 April. Early bird rates are available until Friday 8 March.
 


Supporting practice excellence
Some of our upcoming events are:
 
Future of Law lecture: The Future of Justice and the Justice System – 26 February 2019
Justice Minister Lucy Frazer QC MP will share her thoughts on the future of the justice system, particularly in light of the LASPO post-implementation review.
 
Private Client Section: cross border conference 2019 – Insights into foreign assets
Our full-day programme will help you to keep on top of the increasingly complex and changing environment of international private client work. 
 
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 members unless otherwise specified.
 
Kind regards,
 
Christina
 
Christina Blacklaws
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1PL

This is a quick plea to ask for assistance in promoting the Junior Lawyers Division’s (JLD) resilience and wellbeing survey for 2019 with any junior lawyer colleagues and contacts you have. For the purposes of the survey, a junior lawyer is a paralegal who has obtained their LPC, a trainee solicitor or a junior lawyer with up to five years’ post qualification experience. The survey can be accessed here.
 
Background
 
As part of its agenda for the last three years, the executive committee of JLD has been focusing on supporting junior lawyers experiencing mental ill-health and high levels of stress at work and raising awareness of these issues in the legal profession.
 
Surveys
 
To ascertain the extent of the levels of stress and mental ill-health among junior lawyers, the JLD conducted its first survey in 2017 which received over 200 responses. The 2017 survey found that more than 90% of junior lawyers experienced stress in their role with 26% of those experiencing severe/extreme levels of stress. More than 25% of junior lawyers stated that they had experienced mental ill-health in the last month (whether formally diagnosed or not). It was clear to the JLD that high levels of stress and mental ill-health affected the majority of its members (specifically, paralegals (who have obtained their LPC), trainee solicitors and solicitor up to five years’ qualified).
 
The JLD ran its resilience and wellbeing survey again in 2018 and it received nearly 1,000 responses. The overall figures in relation to stress remained the same as in 2017, however, the proportion of men regularly reporting either severe or extreme levels of stress increased from 20% to 26%. In 2018, high workload and client demands and expectations were the most commonly selected causes of stress, whereas high workload and ineffective management were the most common causes in 2017.
 
In relation to mental ill-health, more than 38% of junior lawyers stated they had experienced mental ill-health in the last month (whether formally diagnosed or not), an increase of almost 13% from the 2017 survey. The largest change was in relation to trainees, 19% reported experiencing mental ill-health in the last month in the 2017 survey compared to 38% in 2018. You can read the survey results report for 2017 & 2018 surveys here.
 
Guidance for best practice for supporting resilience and wellbeing in the workplace
 
To support employers in meeting some of these challenges, the JLD developed best practice guidance aimed at reducing stigma and fostering positive mental health. The guidance is designed to give employers ideas on how to build a successful wellbeing strategy for their organisation. The guidance focuses on three core pillars (1) support; (2) education and training; and (3) culture; to enable organisational change. You can view the guidance here.
 
Roundtables
 
The JLD has hosted two roundtable events with law firms to promote mentally healthy workplaces. These roundtable events involve a discussion on the recommendations in the guidance. As part of the discussion, law firms are encouraged to share their best practice and positive/negative experiences of running initiatives internally. By giving firms an opportunity to speak openly about their wellbeing strategies and what they are doing (under Chatham House rules), it helps give ideas to other firms who are still in the process of planning their own strategies. The next roundtable is taking place on 5 March 2019 and do let us know if you would like more information or to attend.
 
If you’ve got any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
 
Kind regards

Future of Law Lecture Series
The Future of Justice and the Justice System – with Lucy Frazer QC MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice
 
Tuesday 26 February
 
Dear colleague
 
I am delighted to invite you to the next event in our Future of Law lecture series.
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.
 
This lecture will focus on the future of justice and the justice system, particularly in light of the LASPO post implementation review.  We will also explore the role that technology and innovation will play in facilitating access to justice, including plans for court modernisation and the wider justice system.
 
Lucy Frazer QC MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice will share her thoughts on what the future holds for the justice system and what this will mean for the legal profession.
 
 
Tuesday 26 February 2019
 
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1PL
 
08.00 - 08.15   Registration and breakfast
 
08.15 -  09.30  Welcome: Christina Blacklaws, President, The Law Society  
 
                        Key note speaker:
                        Lucy Frazer QC MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
                        Ministry of Justice
 
                        Audience Q&A
 
To book your place email – presidentevents@lawsociety.org.uk
 
 Christina Blacklaws
President