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
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
RSS Feed
