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.
The Law Society’s media profile this week
The Gazette and Yahoo! News reported on Suella Braverman’s appointment as attorney general. I said: “An independent judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law and underpins the UK’s reputation for fairness and impartiality. I look forward to working with the lord chancellor and attorney-general with these principles front and foremost.”
The BBC and Dundee Messenger covered the human cost of ‘no-fault’ evictions. I said section 21 is "one of the leading causes of family homelessness in the UK".
The FT (£), Valor International and Business Mayor reported city firms have ditched dress codes and using ‘Dear Sir(s)’ to create a more inclusive workplace. Immediate past Law Society president Christina Blacklaws said: “Making changes to the way we address each other and what we are allowed to wear to work are relatively easy and make a huge and positive impact on inclusion and law firm culture.”
Following the government’s announcement of a new ‘points-based’ immigration system after Brexit, Zeena Luchowa on our immigration law committee, spoke to Channel 5 News about the new system.
Natasha Williams, a member of our immigration law committee, also discussed her concerns about the new legislation with BBC Radio Tees (from 1:03:57).
New Statesman covered the Technology and Law Public Policy Commission’s report into algorithmic systems in the criminal justice system, which also recommended measures for oversight, registration and risk mitigation in the justice system.
The Gazette, Legal Futures, Today’s Conveyancer and Today’s Will & Probate reported on our opposition to the planned 20% rise in the Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO) budget due to our concern about its overall performance.
Legal Support Network, Legal Futures and Modern Law Magazine reported that Insight Legal Software has become one of the Law Society’s strategic partners. I said: “Their in-depth knowledge of the legal profession allows our members to benefit from their award-winning legal accounts, case management and practice management solutions.”
The Gazette covered the launch of our 2020 Diversity Access Scheme (DAS). I said: “I encourage any aspiring solicitor who is facing particular challenges on their way to qualification to consider applying for a place on the scheme.”
The New Law Journal covered the Law Society Group gender pay gap report which shows there is a 10.6% mean gap. A spokesperson said: “There is still much more to be done. The Law Society and SRA have targeted action plans in place to address this challenge and the Group is committed to being a fully inclusive workplace.”
The Gazette reported the Law Society's immediate past president Christina Blacklaws was one of several signatories who signed a letter calling for wider action over a judge’s comments on rape.
The co-chair of our criminal law committee, Ian Kelcey, also spoke to LBC about the story and laws around consent.
Legal Futures reports on the Legal Services Board (LSB)’s push for regulators to have more independence. The Law Society said this is “a potential to be a destabilising factor at a time when the sector is going through a period of unprecedented change and uncertainty.”
Legal Futures reported that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) could be faced with a cash shortage if the new anti-money laundering (AML) rules expand to include firms offering tax advice.
Netanya Clixby, a member of our LGBT+ lawyers’ division, wrote a comment piece for the Gazette on a decade of the Equality Act. She said: “The act has been a great step forward in the protection of vulnerable communities, but there is room for improvement.”
Masood Ahmed, a member of our civil procedure rule committee, provided a helpful legal update in the Gazette about interim payment on account of costs in personal injury and high-value negligence claims.
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
Regulation
Response to the Legal Service Board (LSB) Consultation
The Law Society responded to the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) consultation on its 2020/21 Business Plan. We are broadly supportive of the proposed work plan, but urge the LSB to focus the vast majority of its resources on discharging its core statutory function laid out under the Legal Services Act (LSA) 2007 and hold front line regulators to account to ensure that high standards of regulation are maintained, rather than diverting resources to work which is outside of its core regulatory remit.
Response to the Office of Legal Complaints (OLC) Corporate Strategy
On Friday 14 February, we submitted our response to the Office of Legal Complaints (OLC) corporate strategy 2020-23. The strategy revealed three new strategic objectives and proposed a substantial increase (20%) to the Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO) current budget. It said that this would be used to fund more operational staff, invest in feedback to the profession and for IT costs/ inflation. Whilst feedback to members to prevent complaints arising is supported, there is a lack of detail about the level of additional resources and their deployment. Funding such a budget would undoubtedly impact on practising certificate fees and we are unable to support the increase at the level sought.
SRA Accounts Rules
Representatives of the regulatory processes committee (RPC) met with the SRA to discuss issues raised by members about the SRA Accounts Rules 2019. The meeting was productive and a number of matters have been clarified or have been taken away for further consideration by the SRA. The SRA indicated that it will consider issuing further guidance to the profession on some of the issues discussed and we hope to share information with members in due course.
Private Law
Tax
On Thursday 13 February, members of the capital taxes sub-committee met with HM Revenue & Customs and HM Treasury to discuss the current technical consultation on the Fifth Money Laundering Directive and the Trust Registration Service.
On Wednesday 19 February, members of the tax law committee met with HM Revenue & Customs to discuss the implementation of the EU directive known as DAC 6 in the UK, which imposes reporting requirements on lawyers and others involved in certain cross-border arrangements.
Justice
Justice week 2020
Championed by the Law Society, the Bar Council and CILEx, Justice Week aims to boost the profile of justice and the rule of law, placing them at the centre stage of public and political debate. Taking place from Monday 24 to Friday 28 February, Justice Week 2020 will focus on young people’s experiences and understanding of the justice system in England and Wales. To see the full list of Justice Week activities, please visit Justice Week 2020
As part of Justice Week, the Law Society is assembling a 'hacking justice' team to help fix our crippled justice system. If you are a solicitor, barrister, programmer, student, professor or passionate about increasing access to justice, we need you! Prior to the start date you will be sent a brief, including the defined user group, user characteristics and problem statements. Sign Up Here
Speaking engagements
CEO Paul Tennant met with permanent secretary to the Ministry of Justice Richard Heaton on Wednesday 19 February.
On Tuesday 18 February, deputy vice president I. Stephanie Boyce spoke at “An evening with the deputy vice president of the Law Society,” and at a member event with the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Oxfordshire Law Society.
Parliamentary
On Wednesday last week (12 February) the Law Society was mentioned three times during a House of Lords debate on algorithmic decision-making in the public sector by peers citing findings from our report on algorithms in the criminal justice system. Lord Clement-Jones referenced the concerns raised in the Law Society’s report and highlighted our recommendations on oversight, registration and mitigation of risks in the justice system. Lord Taylor of Warwick (non-affiliated) stated that he was “most worried about the Law Society’s concerns”, highlighting the risk of unconscious bias affecting the outcomes of data-based predictive policing tools and leading to discriminatory outcomes for BAME communities. Lord Stunell (Lib Dem) meanwhile noted that the Law Society, among other organisations, had concluded that it is difficult to know the full extent of the use of AI in the public sector.
Last Thursday (13 February) the solicitor general responded to questions in the House of Commons on behalf of the government’s law officers. In response to a question on the public’s understanding of the law, the solicitor general Michael Ellis QC MP noted events which will take place as part of the forthcoming Justice Week (24-28 February). Later in the session, Stuart C. McDonald MP (SNP) said that public understanding of the law is vital for the rule of law, and noted remarks made by myself on the importance of judicial review, and called for the government to stop attacking judges.
Join our LGBT+ lawyers division committee
We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate members of the legal profession with an interest in LGBT+ issues, or who are a part of the LGBT+ community, to join the committee. Submit your application by Friday 28 February. Apply here
Our international work:
I led a business development mission to Tokyo on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February 2020 together with the Dai Ichi Tokyo Bar Association. The programme included visits to the national regulatory body: the Japan Federation of Bar Association (JFBA); the Tokyo and Japan Chambers of Commerce; and law firms Yuasa and Hara, Nagashima, Ohno & Tsunematsu and Atsumi & Sakai. The delegation also met with Supreme Court Justice Kohichi Kusano and participated in a joint seminar with the Dai Ichi Tokyo Bar Association, where our delegates spoke on international arbitration, artificial intelligence and immigration law.
The visit also provided a good opportunity to engage with the British Embassy and members on the ground in light of Japan and UK beginning to negotiate a new bilateral agreement using the existing EU agreement as a base, looking for opportunities to enhance areas of mutual interest. On Monday morning, I chaired a roundtable with member firms in Tokyo, hosted by the British Embassy, to identify the key asks of the legal services sector. This was then discussed directly with Japanese counterparts and will form the basis of the Law Society’s submission to government for these discussions.
During the meetings, we also received a useful update on proposed amendments to the Act on Special Measures concerning the Handling of Legal Services by Foreign Lawyers (foreign lawyers Act) that will substantially lessen procedural burdens for foreign registered lawyers and international arbitration in Japan. We strongly welcome the news that the bill amending the foreign lawyers Act is expected to pass the Diet later this year.
This week I am also attending the European Presidents’ Conference in Vienna where I met with all European Bar leaders, including from other UK jurisdictions and legal professions. The topic for the 48th Conference is ‘Democracy and Rule of Law – Keeping up the pressure’. This was an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relationships and to share information about our work at the European level.
On Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February the Brussels office participated in the PBSC Brussels programme. Marcus Corry, EU policy advisor participated in the delegation and met with French Permanent Representation, Business Europe, European Services Forum, City of London Corporation, Trade Commissioner, Phil Hogan’s Cabinet, UK Mission, UK Taskforce of the European Council.
On Wednesday 19 February Rita Giannini, EU policy adviser was speaking at an event: democracy drinks on Brexit and the rule of law
Supporting members at every stage of their career
Fighting for Your Rights Hackathon -Tuesday 25 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
On the 25 February 2020, The Law Society is assembling a hacking justice team to help fix our crippled justice system in partnership with Access to Justice Foundation.
Solicitor Judges and Advocacy Networking Drinks 2020 - Thursday 27 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Join us for The Law Society's annual solicitor judges and advocacy networking drinks 2020; an excellent opportunity to meet solicitor advocates and solicitor judges
Unpausing the conversation on menopause - Tuesday 24 March, 2020
Join us on Tuesday 24 March to challenge taboos and erase the stigma around the menopause. We will be joined by a line of fantastic speakers who will be discussing the menopause from a medical perspective and how the legal landscape is changing in regards to discrimination. Book your place
Supporting practice excellence
Capital markets in the 21st century 2020 - Friday 28 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
We are delighted to announce that the sixth Law Society and American Bar Association capital markets conference will take place on 28 February 2020.
Money Matters and Misconceptions for Women in Law -Tuesday 03 March 2020, London
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In collaboration with the Law Society, our strategic partner and specialist provider of financial planning advice, Wesleyan Financial Services, are hosting a series of free to attend seminars. Hear key speakers from within the legal profession talk about the importance of making your money work as hard as you are.
Law Management Section People in Practice Conference 2020 - Wednesday 04 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
We are delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2019 law management section people in practice conference on Wednesday 4 March 2020 at the Law Society in London.
Money Matters and Misconceptions for Women in Law - Birmingham - Wednesday 04 March 2020
Location: Wesleyan Assurance Society, Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AR
In collaboration with the Law Society, our strategic partner and specialist provider of financial planning advice, Wesleyan Financial Services, are hosting a series of free to attend seminars. Hear key speakers from within the legal profession talk about the importance of making your money work as hard as you are.
Section 106s and planning conditions (Planning law update 2020) - Webinar 04 March 2020 inclusive to Property
Sexual misconduct in law firms - Webinar 04 March 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
Money Matters and Misconceptions for Women in Law - Manchester – Thursday 05 March 2020
Location: DLA Piper, 1 St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 3DE
In collaboration with the Law Society, our strategic partner and specialist provider of financial planning advice, Wesleyan Financial Services, are hosting a series of free to attend seminars. Hear key speakers from within the legal profession talk about the importance of making your money work as hard as you are.
New SRA Handbook compliance updates – what’s new for in-house lawyers? -Thursday 05 March 2020, Birmingham
Location: Pinsent Masons, 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2FG
The new SRA handbook published later this year brings changes for in-house lawyers. Gain clarity and get an understanding of what these updates mean for you practically. Come with any questions you may have and join us for an interactive session.
Private Client Section: cross border conference 2020 - The new international landscape - Friday 06 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The 2020 cross border conference 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
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