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.

If you are speaking on behalf of the Law Society, please use our latest position on issues. Click below for this week's.

Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession

The Law Society’s media profile this week
I appeared on Sky's Ian King Live to discuss our new Jurisdiction of Choice report. King noted English law has been described as one of the UK's greatest exports. We discussed the sustained demand for the services of UK law firms, the attractions of our jurisdiction post-Brexit, and the challenge of ensuring practising rights are included in any future trade deals.

The Gazette led print coverage of the launch of our report. Also in the Solicitors Journal, New Law Journal and Barrister Magazine.
I’m quoted saying I have “full of optimism that England and Wales will continue to flourish as a global legal centre of choice”.

A Newsnight investigation – produced in collaboration with Law Society – looked into Release under Investigation (RUI). Our head of justice, Richard Miller, warned a “major scandal is brewing”.
Richard was quoted extensively in the BBC news story which featured on Radio 4’s PM, News at 10, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 live & 12 others. LBC meanwhile interviewed the co-chair of our criminal law committee, Ian Kelcey.
It was also reported in the Sun (£), Telegraph (£), and Yahoo UK & Ireland.
Richard Miller, was then interviewed on BBC Radio Newcastle (06:30) with the issue also mentioned on Look North. 

The Gazette had an article on the solicitor who reported the SRA’s clickable logo to the data watchdog. A Law Society spokesperson said: “As our members would expect, the Law Society of England and Wales is in regular contact with the SRA so we can fully understand what is being done to address the concerns raised about the digital badge.”
The Gazette carried tributes from across the profession to justice campaigners Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, the victims of last Friday's terrorist attack at London Bridge.

Today's Wills and Probate reports on analysis from the Institute of Legacy Management showing a possible knock-on drop in legacy gifts to charities of 6% following delays to probate. The institute says it has been working with the Law Society to pressure HMCTS for a resolution to ongoing delays.

The Gazette covered our LawTech Comparative Analysis, published this week which concludes that, while the UK's position is strong, it will need continual investment to stay on top. I had earlier warned: “Further investment and strategic support will be needed if we are to maintain our competitive edge in the global market.” 

The Yorkshire Times looks at the growing use of the pet-nup and cites our recommendation that custody issues for pets should be included in pre-nuptial agreements.
 
Clarification: Our news summary each week reports coverage that may be of interest to members and reflects diverse views of journalists, commentators and interviewees.  Two weeks ago we listed an article in NRT, ‘The wheels of progress’, which is an interview with judge HHJ Carolyn Hilder and the views outlined are hers.
 
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.

Public Law and Justice
Probate delays
Following on from our meeting last week with HMCTS regarding delays to the probate service, the summary of the meeting is now available: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/stories/further-progress-probate-service/

England and Wales: A world jurisdiction of choice
As part of our Global Legal Centre campaign, we've published a report outlining the strengths of the law, jurisdiction and legal professionals of England and Wales, as well as London's advantages as a seat of arbitration. (See Media above)
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/policy-campaigns/campaigns/global-legal-centre/

 
Office of the Public Guardian 
The Law Society met with the newly appointed Office of the Public Guardian (‘OPG’) for a bi-annual meeting. Representatives of the Mental Health and Disability Committee and the Wills and Equity Committee were present to discuss matters relating to Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). The OPG also provided an update on their work relating to digitising LPA and their plans for reviewing guidance. Another meeting will be scheduled for the middle of next year.

Immigration 
The Law Society wrote to the Legal Services Board to support the decision of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’) to postpone commencement of the parts of regulations 9.5 to 9.7 of the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations that would allow a solicitor to undertake immigration work outside of an authorised body. The Immigration Law Committee previously raised concerns in relation to these regulations with the SRA and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and advised that they are not brought into force without the production of SRA guidelines necessitating accountability between a supervising immigration solicitor, the people that they supervise and their clients.
 
Mental Health  
The Law Society met with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to discuss SRA guidance on mental capacity, with members of the Mental Health and Disability Committee providing expertise on ethical issues that solicitors may encounter with regards to assessing a client’s mental capacity.
 
Family 
A new consultation has been released by the president of the Family Division’s Working Group on Medical Experts in the Family Courts. The consultation document confirms the nature and extent of the shortages of medical and other health professional as experts, identifies a wide range of causes and proposes solutions. The Law Society will be responding, with contributions from the Family Law Committee and Children’s Law Sub-Committee. Our response is due on 31 January 2020.
 
Regulation
AML Conference
On 26 November the Law Society hosted its largest ever anti-money laundering conference. The annual event, held at Bishopsgate, attracted more than 475 delegates from across the country and the profession. The programme drew on the expertise of law enforcement, the regulator and those in private practice (especially our Money Laundering Task Force). Delegates were informed about current issues in the law, upcoming enforcement priorities and anticipated legislative changes.
 
Legal Sector Affinity Group
Last Thursday, the Law Society hosted representatives from the supervisors and representative legal professional bodies across the UK for a quarterly meeting on anti-money laundering and financial crime. The focus of the meeting was on the upcoming legislative changes implementing the 5th EU Money Laundering Directive and the implementation of the public-private Economic Crime Plan.
 
Parliamentary
General Election
Ahead of next week’s General Election, the Law Society launched its TLS vision for law and justice and have set up an online tool for members to write to their local candidates about key issues for the profession.
 
The Law Society has also analysed what each of the party manifestos said on law and justice which you can find here. To accompany this we have analysed where the manifestos align with the recommendations that the Law Society made in its vision for law and justice – read this here.
 
Please do feel free to share these documents and initiatives with your constituents.

Speeches
On Tuesday (3 December), I spoke with regard to welcoming remarks at the LawWorks 2019 Pro Bono Awards. On Thursday (5 December), vice president David Greene spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Lawyers with Disabilities Division.

Thought Leadership
On Tuesday I hosted a lecture by the lord chief justice about the future of the judiciary as part of the Law Society’s Future of Law series.

Our work internationally
Tenth Anniversary English Law Week in Russia 2019 
I attended our tenth anniversary English Law Week in Moscow and St Petersburg 11-15 November organised by the Law Society and Bar Council of England and Wales to celebrate a decade of friendships, legal links and business between the two countries. Spending time with our Russian colleagues sharing ideas and expertise is an important example of how the international legal community can develop mutual understanding in the interests of individual and corporate clients. This flagship conference was organised in partnership with the British Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Federal Chamber of Lawyers, the Moscow Chamber of Advocates, the St Petersburg Chamber of Advocates, the Anglo-Russian Law Association, and the British Russian Law Association. More than 340 delegates registered, and many expressed a strong interest in continuing to use English law and jurisdiction for cross-border contracts and disputes despite Brexit. 
 
Read more: https://communities.lawsociety.org.uk/international/english-law-week-in-russia-2019/6000554.article 
 
ILAC delegation to Guatamela 
Lizzette Robleto de Howarth, our international programmes manager, travelled to Guatemala this week on a follow-up visit with a delegation of the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) and the Vance Center for International Justice. The delegation met with a range of stakeholders including the British Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras H.E. Nick Whittingham, the UN High Commission on Human Rights, the Human Rights Ombudsman, Guatemalan lawyers and judges. The outcome of this visit will be a judicial assessment report to be launched in 2020.
 
On Wednesday, Helena Raulus, head of our Brussels office, attended the Inclusive Leadership Roundtable this was co-organised with Robert Biedron, MEP at the European Parliament

On Friday, the Brussels Office co-ordinated an event with ECLA (European Company Lawyers Association) and ACC (Association of Corporate Counsel) at the European Parliament on: Closing the Gap between Artificial Intelligence and Regulatory Challenges. The event was hosted by Geoffroy Didier, MEP. Panellists were: Karen Melchior, MEP; Gregoire Miot, head of new markets Wolters Kluwer and Ilse de Loof, chief legal officer LBC Tanks. We received 65 registrations.

Supporting members at every stage of their career
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?'

Capital markets in the 21st century – 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.

Supporting practice excellence
Compliance forum for COLPs/COFAs: SRA Standards and Regulations - Monday 13 January 2020
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.
 
A Christmas quiz celebrating 100 years of women in law - Tuesday 10 December 2019
Location: University Women’s Club
Fancy being the next egghead? Test your colleagues’ and friends’ quiz skills and take part in what we’re sure will be a fun evening for all. Join the Junior Lawyers Division and the Young Barristers’ Committee on 10 December to celebrate 100 years of women in law.

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
  
New SRA Handbook compliance updates – what’s new for in-house lawyers? -Thursday 16 January 2020
Location: Gateley, 29 East Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS
The new SRA handbook 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.
 
Day of the Endangered Lawyer 2020 - Wednesday 22 January 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Every year the Day of the Endangered Lawyer is organised to support lawyers at risk in a particular jurisdiction. In 2020, the focus will be on Pakistan. During this seminar, we will hear from one of the speakers about his personal experiences of litigating human rights cases in Pakistan.

Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training, 24 January 2020, London - Afternoon session -Friday 24 January 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
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.
 
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 7 February 2020  
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.

Webinars
Risk management for small to medium law firms - 17 December 2019 - 20% discount to Risk and Compliance and Law Management Section members
 
Dubious investment schemes – Avoiding entity and individual regulatory liability -
14 January 2020 - 20% discount to property and risk and compliance 

SRA Standards and Regulations - your obligations in managing risk - 16 January 2020 inclusive to risk and compliance 

Practising as, and dealing with, unregulated businesses and freelance solicitors -
13 February 2020 - 20% discount to risk and compliance

The challenges facing small legal practices – what you need to know - 27 March 2020 - 20% discount to risk and compliance and LMS 
 
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

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 Gazette reported demands by an international coalition of legal bodies for the release of Nasrin Sotoudeh, the Iranian lawyer. The call was made by Bar associations and law societies from the G7 countries at the gathering of the CCBE – Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe. I said: “The international legal community has not forgotten. Repeated proceedings against Nasrin Sotoudeh constitute nothing short of judicial harassment.”
 
Coverage of the debate over solicitors' salaries continued this week. The story was sparked by the claim of an audience member on the BBC's Question Time programme that all solicitors earn more than £80,000 per annum. The Daily Mail quoted Law Society figures on the median salary for the profession of £62,000. Legal Cheek had also looked at the claims and cited our research.
 
The Times (£) examined our manifesto for justice as part of its election coverage. We have called for a raise in criminal legal aid fees and the return of legal aid for early advice in housing/family cases. Read the press release here.

The Times (£), the Daily Mail and Sky News all cover the use of pet-nups in divorce settlements. The Law Society is cited saying this can be covered in pre-nuptial agreements “to provide peace of mind”.

Ian Kelcey, co-chair of our criminal law committee, spoke to BBC Essex (2:12:40) about media restrictions and defence arguments in murder cases.

Robert Bourns, former Law Society president and current chair of the Board, received the City of London Law Society Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Legal Awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession. Reported by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Bristol Business News.
 
I said: “Robert’s award comes as recognition for his considerable contribution to the profession: as an experienced leader in his field, a champion of social mobility and access to justice, and as a distinguished former president of the Law Society.”

Local Government Lawyer reported on the Law Society’s new Practice Note on Legal Professional Privilege.

Litigation Futures discussed the rise of lawtech, noting the Law Society describes lawtech as “technologies that aim to support, supplement or replace traditional methods for delivering legal services, or that improve the way the justice system operates”. 

Chair of our wills and probate committee, Ian Bond, was a guest on the FT Money Show podcast exploring what happens to an individual’s digital assets once they die.  

Nick Gurney-Champion, the chair of our professional indemnity insurance committee, wrote an opinion piece for the Gazette on the top five things to consider before becoming a freelance solicitor. Further coverage of the regulation changes in the Gazette.  
 
The Gazette reported that HM Courts and Tribunals service has said delays in grants of probate will be over by the end of the year – after missing its November deadline. Grants currently take four weeks when they should take just two. Also in Today's Wills and Probate.
 
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.

Public Law and Justice

Probate delays
On 27 November we met with HMCTS to review delays to the probate service. There is still a backlog of applications to be processed, but HMCTS state they are working on reducing this, with the bulk of applications being processed within three weeks for professional applicants where IHT forms are present. They have confirmed that all calls from probate legal professionals have been centralised and are now being dealt with by the Birmingham Courts and Tribunals Service Centre. A link to a full summary of this meeting will be available in due course and another meeting will be scheduled for the new year. The information provided in the summary may be limited due to the pre-election period.

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 short guidance on how we communicate during this period
Committee Chair Guidance for the General Election 2019

Commercial and Technology Law
We attended the launch of Richard Susskind’s new book on online courts and the future of the justice system. The Master of the Rolls, Lord Dyson, was the keynote speaker and made observations on the important contribution of the book when resources of the judicial system are under pressure.

General Election

Political party manifestos released
Ahead of the general election on 12 December, the Law Society has analysed the key justice-related pledges made in the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Plaid Cymru manifestos. We have also compared these pledges to the key asks set out in our 2019 manifesto, Our vision for law and justice.

Speeches

I spoke at the discussion at the North East Joint Committee Roundtable on Tuesday (26 November).

Events

The chief executive hosted an event to mark the centenary of the women lawyers.  Lady Hale gave the key note speech followed by a panel discussion with Dana Denis-Smith (founder, First 100), Carolyn Kirby (first female president of the Law Society), Raj Panesar (partner, Cleary Gottlieb) and chaired by Heidi Sandy (chair of the Women Lawyers Division).
 
Our work internationally
 
This week I have been in Paris to meet with our counterparts from G7 countries and discussed priorities and the next steps as we prepare to engage with the next G7 Summit in the US in 2020. I also attended the Paris Bar opening of the legal year and spoke on a panel about legal professional privilege and our recent involvement in a new global report on this topic supported by the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA).

I have also taken part in a new joint action in support of Nasrin Sotoudeh and recorded my #1minute4Nasrin message. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
 
Vice-president David Greene, head of international Mickaël Laurans and head of our Brussels office, Helena Raulus, attended the end-of-year Plenary Session of the CCBE. Given the context of Brexit, we cannot underestimate the importance of maintaining strong relations with European Bars and Law Societies, through the CCBE as well as on a bilateral basis, to further the Law Society’s European and international work and for the benefits of our members.
 
On 26 November, Helena Raulus chaired the British Chamber of Commerce EU committee event with Croatian ambassador Goran Štefanić. 

On 27 November, The Brussels Office hosted the LSEW EU Committee meeting which was followed by an exchange of views with the Brussels Advisory Group and UK Permanent Representation. Guests included:  Alec Burnside from Dechert; Jane Golding from British in Europe; Michael Robinson, head of UK delegation for the CCBE.
 
Supporting members at every stage of their career
 
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

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.

Compliance forum for COLPs/COFAs: SRA Standards and Regulations - Monday 13 January 2020
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.
 
Future of Law lecture - The judiciary of the future with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales - Tuesday 3 December 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Future of Law lecture series is a programme of lectures from experts in their fields on topics concerning the legal profession. The next lecture in the series will be delivered by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Sir Ian Burnett.

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.
 
A Christmas quiz celebrating 100 years of women in law - Tuesday 10 December 2019
Location: University Women’s Club
Fancy being the next egghead? Test your colleagues’ and friends’ quiz skills and take part in what we’re sure will be a fun evening for all. Join the Junior Lawyers Division and the Young Barristers’ Committee on 10 December to celebrate 100 years of women in law.

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
 
New SRA Handbook compliance updates – what’s new for in-house lawyers? -Thursday 16 January 2020
Location: Gateley, 29 East Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS
The new SRA handbook 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.

Webinars

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
 
The challenges facing small legal practices – what you need to know - 27 March 2020 - 20% discount to risk and compliance and LMS

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

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

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

​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

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

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 our work this week.
 
Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession
 
The Law Society’s media profile this week
 
The Gazette, Times and The Financial Times report on problems solicitors are facing with the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC). The service was handed over to a new provider this week. 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”.

Wills and Equity committee chairman Ian Bond appeared in the New York Times talking about the PPI scandal. He told the paper we may have reached the 29 August compensation deadline but that may not be end of it. The NYT reports the mis-selling scandal led to £36bn of compensation payments to customers.  

Lawyers respond to calls for 'racial profiling' for marriages in the Belfast Telegraph. Barry O’Leary, a member of our immigration committee is quoted.

The Independent, This Is Money, the Herald and the Belfast Telegraph reported on Boris Johnson’s comment that he would send asylum seekers crossing the channel back to France. Annette Elder, also a member of our immigration law committee, said: “This is another example of the way asylum seekers are criminalised […] Everyone has a right to seek asylum.”
 
Gary Rycroft, chair of our digital assets working group, was on BBC Radio Lancashire (1:51:00) about NDAs and why they might be used in businesses. He also discussed our new public guidance.  
 
Legal Cheek reported on our diversity access scheme. The scheme awards scholarships to aspiring solicitors to help improve social mobility and diversity in the legal profession.
 
The Gazette revealed an HMCTS blog appeared to put the blame for delays in the probate system on solicitors. Jonathan Wood, national services director, wrote: “A considerable number of applications for probate have to be stopped because we need further information or assurance before we can issue a grant of probate.” I. Stephanie Boyce, deputy vice president of the Law Society, responded: “We will continue to challenge HMCTS to reduce the backlogs and create a probate system fit for the 21st century.”

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 

Following the news the government will be delivering a fast-tracked one year spending review on 4 September, I have written to chief secretary to the Treasury, Rishi Sunak, calling for urgent investment across the wider criminal justice system. This follows the government’s spending announcements on policing, prisons and prosecution. I highlighted that the system is crumbling, that criminal legal aid fees must be raised to halt the increasing shortages of duty solicitors, and that the criminal means test threshold must be increased as a matter of urgency.

DSCC
There has been a major breakdown in the service provided by the ‘Defence Solicitor Call Centre’ (DSCC) following a move to a new service provider. We have been liaising with members and are raising serious concerns with the LAA and MoJ about this. (See Media above).

Regulation

SRA
The SRA has launched a consultation on “Assuring Advocacy Standards” which proposes a number of changes which will impact on Higher Rights Advocates (HCAs). We will be submitting a detailed response and are encouraging all HCAs to do the same
  
Tax
On 28 August, the Law Society’s Tax Law Committee held a roundtable meeting with senior tax and compliance solicitors on DAC 6 (EU Directive 2018/822 ). Law firms will be required to comply with significant new reporting rules in relation to a wide range of cross-border arrangements under DAC 6.  The meeting was part of our ongoing engagement with the profession and HMRC to address concerns as the rules are transposed into UK law.  
Mental Health
This week the Mental Health and Disability Law Committee met with Rethink Mental Illness, the Ministry of Justice and the newly appointed Official Solicitor, Sarah Castle, to discuss litigation friends in the unified tribunals.
Family
The Law Society’s response to the MoJ’s call for evidence in assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases will be submitted by the end of Friday 30th August.

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 - Friday 20 September 2019 
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitors but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

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

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
Webinars  

5 September - Vertical Agreements: The Digital Dimension and Risks - Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Competition Section members

6 September – Cryptocurrency in Insolvency – Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Civil litigation Section members
 
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

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 our work this week.

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

In a letter to the Times, vice president David Greene responds to a column by Melanie Phillips about access to justice. He writes: "Access to representation is an essential element of a civilised society. That so many of our citizens are deprived of it should be an anathema to anyone who believes in the principles of fair and accessible justice."

The Gazette reported that Birmingham probate registry will close on 30 August despite ongoing delays to probate grant applications. David Greene said: “With solicitors and lay applicants across the country reporting waits of more than six to eight weeks for grants of probate – partly due to a spike in applications before fees increase – it is especially disappointing to hear of this closure.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail covered continuing delays to probate applications. “People want closure after they lose a loved one to start the process of moving on. With these delays, they are stuck in limbo for a very long period of time,” said Ian Bond, chair of our wills and equity committee. Ian also appeared in the Guardian to give advice on a complex inheritance case.

I. Stephanie Boyce appeared on BBC Radio Three Counties (starts from 1:13:00) discussing diversity in the profession and her journey to become deputy vice president.

The Gazette reported on the fatal attack in a Newcastle shopping centre on solicitor Peter Duncan. “The Law Society’s thoughts are with his family, friends and the local Newcastle community at this extremely tragic time,” said vice president David Greene.
 
The Guardian, Yahoo! News and the Gazette report 127 courtrooms out of 260 across the country are sitting idle. David Greene said: “We are aware that many cases are taking longer to reach court, in part because thousands of suspects are now released under investigation.”
 
Applications for the next cohort of Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) awards will open again in February 2020. The scheme awards scholarships to aspiring solicitors to help improve social mobility and diversity in the legal profession. Coverage in the Gazette plus in Solicitors Journal.
David Greene said: "I encourage any aspiring solicitor who is facing particular challenges on their way to qualification to consider applying for a place on the Diversity Access Scheme.” Read our press release here.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published new proposals for consultation on improving advocacy standards – the Gazette has the story. 

"We welcome the opportunity to work with SRA to develop training resources for solicitor advocates to deliver their role as effectively as possible." said David Greene.

Kara Frith, a partner and head of criminal law at Ison Harrison solicitors, appeared on BBC Radio Leeds discuss crime at festivals.

Access to Justice 

The SRA consultation on advocacy standards
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published new proposals for consultation on improving advocacy standards. The deadline for submission of responses is 13 November 2019. We are putting together a working group to draft a response.
 
The Means Test Review
On 21 August we facilitated a meeting of the Crime Practitioners Group to discuss the Means Test review, which was also attended by MoJ.
 
Family Law
 
This week members of the Family Law Committee met with Resolution, to discuss the progress of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill and our joint support for no fault divorce. We will continue to work on our briefing for MPs, ahead of the next stage of the Bill (not yet announced).
 
The committee also responded to a consultation request from the Costs Working Group, asking for views on the future of the current cost regimes in financial remedy cases. The Family Law Committee consider this to be an issue of great importance to family law solicitors, and provided further proposals for consideration in addition.
 
Immigration
 
This week the Immigration Law Committee launched a podcast, speaking with the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group about the asylum processes for LGBTQI+ people. 
 
Legal Ombudsman
 
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) is running two pilots in the hope of resolving complaints faster and thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
 
The ‘Shuttle negotiation’ Pilot commenced on 12 August 2019.  It aims to provide law firms with the opportunity to make an improved offer to resolve a complaint prior to the LeO accepting it as a case for investigation. 

The ‘Meditated Solutions’ Pilot is likely to commence around 2 September 2019. The aim of this pilot is to resolve complaints faster using mediation. Both parties must agree to participate and cases will be dealt with predominantly by an expert independent mediator by phone. No more than 300 cases will be referred during the 3 month pilot and a report on performance will be presented to the OLC Board in October 2019.
 
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 - Tuesday 17 September 2019
Location: Leeds Law Society, 62 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 2EE
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.
 
Resilience and Wellbeing face-to-face workshop, Bristol - Wednesday 18 September 2019  
Location: Bristol Law Society, 12 Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST
[See above]

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors, London - Friday 20 September 2019 
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitors but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

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

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. Sign up for Manchester and Cardiff here.

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.

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.
 
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.

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.
 
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

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.
 
Webinars  
5 September - Vertical Agreements: The Digital Dimension and Risks - Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Competition Section members

6 September – Cryptocurrency in Insolvency – Standard fee of £54 with a 20% discount for Civil litigation 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  

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

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

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 

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

> Download our 'lines to take' background briefing

The Law Society’s media profile this week

The BBC  and Dundee Messenger reported our call for legal aid to be made more widely available for inquests. 

Our interim director of policy Richard Miller was quoted saying: "We believe legal aid should be much more widely available for inquests, particularly where the state has legal representation."

Coverage of our research into the impact of a no deal Brexit on UK legal services continued this week. Solicitors Journal , Global Legal Post and the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland carried our analysis, which shows that the sector may be set for a £3.5bn slump if we crash out of the EU without a deal.
 
I was quoted saying “the UK legal system is globally respected and the liberalisation of services in the EU has directly contributed to its success"... "in 2018 the total tax contribution of legal and accounting activities was estimated to be £19.1 billion – potentially funding the salaries of doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers.” Read the report here.

Ian Kelcey, co-chair of the criminal law committee, spoke to BBC Radio Kent (02:48:38) and BBC Radio 5 Live (0:47:36) about pre-charge anonymity for those accused of criminal offences and I put out a statement saying “a fair and consistent process should be applied. All must be treated equally before the law – irrespective of status, wealth or reputation.”

Legal Week (£) covered the sector response to changes to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) standard of proof that will apply from November.

I was quoted saying "there remains a concern that lowering the standard of proof [to the civil standard] 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 trust the tribunal will monitor referrals to ensure best use of its resources and powers.”

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.

Access to Justice

Probate Delays
Ahead of a meeting with HMCTS on 10 September we are asking any practitioners experiencing delays to grants of probate of more than six weeks to get in touch. Please email examples to Emily.Weidner@lawsociety.org.uk
 
Meeting at the Embassy of Hungary
We met with the Hungarian Investment and Trade Commissioner and Science and Technology Counselor to discuss the Law Society’s work on court modernisation. The Hungarian National Office for the Judiciary is working on the Digital Court 2019 Project which aims to digitise the court service in Hungary. Areas of discussion included infrastructure developments, efficiency and quality of justice systems.

Meeting with the Association of District Judges (ADJ)
We met the Association of District Judges and Resolution to update them on our work on Civil Justice, including whiplash reforms, the rise in small claims limit for personal injury and fixed recoverable costs, HMCTS court reform programme and family law.
 
MoJ Criminal Legal Aid Fee Review: ‘Accelerated work’ programme
We met the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to discuss the ‘accelerated work’ programme initiated by the MoJ in response to lobbying by the Law Society and other practitioner groups. We hope that this will result in additional payments for our members, for work such as consideration of unused material and early disclosure.

The MoJ’s ‘Criminal Legal Aid Review’ (CLAR) is not expected to report until the end of 2020 at the earliest and we have been urging the MoJ to invest in specific areas earlier than this in recognition of the crisis in the criminal justice system and to help build confidence in the review process.

Regulation

Anti Money Laundering 
The Law Society and members of the Money Laundering Task Force attended a quarterly meeting with the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) engagement team on 30 July. We are working with the NCA to develop guidance for members on submitting high quality suspicious activity reports (SARs). We aim to produce examples of high quality SARs that members can refer to when drafting their own reports. The NCA also provided an update on its activities and feedback on issues it has observed in the SARs submitted by solicitors.
 
SQE
The Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE) is due to go live in September 2021. The SRA has released the results, analysis and a report of an independent reviewer on the pilot of SQE1. The reports have made some significant recommendations for taking the SQE1 forward, such as scrapping the legal skills test as a part of SQE1. This would leave SQE1 assessment as a series of multiple choice questions. The Law Society is scrutinising the pilot results and will continue to work to ensure a robust and respected standard for entering the profession without arbitrary barriers.
 
Private Law

Leasehold
We met with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to discuss the investigation into mis-selling of leaseholds, following our written submission.
 
Tax
We met with the advisers of the Economic Affairs Finance Bill sub-committee of the House of Lords to discuss developments in HMRC's powers in recent years.
 
Public Law

Immigration: visas
This week the Immigration Law Committee met with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to discuss the planned changes to family and settlement visas. This was a joint meeting with the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and focused on the changes that UKVI would like to make to the evidential requirements for such visas.
 
Mental Health
The Mental Health and Disability Law Committee has written to Susan Acland-Hood, CEO of HMCTS, about the functioning of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal. Practitioners are reporting a growing number of adjournments and significant delays in listing hearings and issuing decisions. We are concerned children and young adults are not receiving the service they require or deserve from this tribunal.
 
Parliamentary

Both houses are in recess and we are preparing to engage with the new administration.

Campaigns: Write to the Lord Chancellor 
Take two minutes to ask the new Lord Chancellor to urgently improve access to justice. Our online portal includes a pre-written letter for you to send calling on the Government to tackle legal aid deserts and improve the criminal justice system.
 
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
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 address anxiety and its causes, encourage positive thinking and you will leave with valuable skills for life.

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 address 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
This interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitors but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.

Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors, London - Saturday 21 September 2019  
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This interactive course will equip delegates with the skills to enhance your application and interview performance. This workshop has been developed specifically for solicitors but the content is relevant for anyone serious about submitting a credible judicial application.
 
JLD Forum: Career development skills for junior lawyers, London - Saturday 21 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Junior Lawyers Division is holding a free one-day career development and skills event for trainees, newly qualified solicitors (NQs) and solicitors up to five years' PQE. The aim is to equip those who are at the start of their careers with skills and know-how to progress, diversify and develop within the legal profession.

Preparing mature students/career changers for the solicitors’ profession, London – Tuesday 24 September 2019
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The Law Society is committed to attracting the most able candidates into the legal profession and promoting equality at all stages. As part of its drive to promote diversity at entrance level, the Law Society has developed an exciting careers event to offer advice and support to mature students and career changers aspiring to become solicitors.
 
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, the courts and much more. Enrolment closes next 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. Sign up for Manchester and Cardiff here.

Supporting practice excellence   

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.

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 regulatory requirements.
 
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, 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 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.
 
International Weekend, London - 28 September 2019
The International Weekend 2019 is an opportunity for junior lawyers to network with international counterparts.The gala dinner is the highlight of the programme and is open to all. For further information click here.  
 
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

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

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