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.
The Law Society’s media profile this week:
Government plans to accelerate proposed judicial review (JR) reform after the prime minister claimed JR was being used to “conduct politics by another means” were covered in Friday's print edition of the Times (£). I am quoted: “Any proposals to change this system must be developed through consultation and subject to full scrutiny to ensure that ordinary people do not lose out because of a rush to reform.” Also in the Independent and Daily Mail.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) announced plans to allow broadcasting of sentencing remarks in some crown court trials. The Law Society has welcomed the move in the Guardian, Telegraph and Gazette. There is also an explainer on BBC News.
I said: “Done sensitively, and with the appropriate reporting restrictions, broadcasting from the courts during some proceedings – such as sentencing – could add significant value and assist in the rule of law being respected.”
The Gazette examined the two commissions promised in the Queen’s speech - into criminal justice and the Supreme Court – and cites our concerns about the state of the criminal justice system. I said: “We all want swift, fair and effective justice, but it cannot be delivered on the cheap.”
The Times (£) reported English courts are being used to launder money from Russia. I said: “Solicitors are highly regulated and - in line with their obligations - are all too aware of the dangers posed by international criminal gangs.”
The Gazette reported the announcement of new QCs. I said: “My warmest congratulations to all those solicitors taking silk. My predecessor as president, Rodger Pannone, helped to secure higher rights of audience for solicitors. Glyn Maddocks is a respected member of our human rights committee known for his wide-ranging pro bono work. Their honorary appointments are thoroughly deserved.”
Tim O’Sullivan, chair of our EU committee, wrote an opinion piece for the Gazette on the timeline for Brexit trade negotiations. He said prioritising legal services will not “not only benefit the UK economy but it will help clients in the EU who currently benefit from being able to choose law firms from this jurisdiction”.
The Gazette also covered the Law Society’s response to the Mayson Review. The article refers to our concern that: “Unintended consequences could well be many small firms leaving the market, the legal sector contracting, and the cost of legal services increasing, leading to further unmet demand.” Also in Legal Futures.
Today’s Wills and Probate has our welcome of the lord chancellor’s decision to raise the statutory legacy sum so, from 6 February 2020, spouses or civil partners with children will be able to inherit £270,000 from intestate estates rather than £250,000.
The Gazette reported on the simplification of the Immigration Rules under the 1971 Act, following a consultation response by the Law Society. Barry O’Leary, a member of our immigration law committee, said: “We welcome how far they think we should go in terms of redrafting, and acknowledging that the rules need to be suitable for the non-expert user, accurate, clear and consistent.”
Legal Futures and Inside Conveyancing cites our recent practice note on flood risk in its analysis of the effect of excessive flooding on travel, the environment, properties, businesses and infrastructure.
The Gazette covers life as a freelance solicitor and cites our top tips for those considering going solo.
The Gazette investigates succession planning for businesses. John Scott, a member of our small firms division, said “when it comes to proper preparation for retirement you cannot really start young enough”.
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
Justice
On Friday 17 January, along with Vice President David Greene and CEO Paul Tennant, I attended a meeting with the new chair of the Bar Council, Amanda Pinto QC, to discuss how the Bar and the Law Society can best work together in the year ahead.
Law Society meeting with Italian Senators
Our policy and international teams met with a small group of Italian senators to discuss reforms to the family courts, particularly the changes already enacted and ongoing in the family court modernisation programme.
We explained that digitisation of existing processes is an overdue reform and a lot of it is generally working quite well, with members agreeing it is helping with improved case management. However, we highlighted areas to be aware of including the impact of court closures; digital exclusion and the importance of people having access to legal advice; video hearings; and the importance of robust analysis and evaluation of data when undertaking a modernisation programme on this scale.
Court broadcasting
Judges’ remarks are to be broadcast from Crown Courts under draft legislation to be laid by government. The Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020 will permit the sentencing remarks of High Court and senior circuit judges in certain criminal cases to be filmed and broadcast to the public. No other court users – including victims, witnesses, jurors and court staff – will appear on camera. (See Media above).
Regulation
5th Money Laundering Directive – summary of changes
On Friday 10 January, the EU’s 5th Money Laundering Directive came into force. The Legal Sector Affinity Group, which includes the Law Society and all the legal sector supervisors named in the anti-money laundering regulations, has published a summary of changes to the regulations to help firms comply with the new requirements which can be found here.
Commercial and Technology Law
AI and Law research
We held a joint session with Oxford University where they presented the emerging findings of their AI and law research. Oxford is developing a research agenda that uses machine learning to classify, track and horizon scan skill requirements in the UK legal services sector based on a big data feed.
Brexit
The Brexit law committee met with the lord chancellor and the parliamentary under secretary of state, Chris Philp MP, to discuss the next phase of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, legal services and civil judicial cooperation.
Speeches
Our vice president David Greene gave welcoming remarks at the opening of the Law Society Art Group’s 60th Anniversary on Friday 16 January.
Our work internationally:
On Wednesday 15 January Helena Raulus, head of the Brussels office, presented the FCO masterclass on civil and commercial judicial co-operation post-Brexit with David Greene organised by Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
On Friday 17 January Helena Raulus will chair the British Chamber of Commerce lunch event on: “Ensuring gender balance, inclusiveness and diversity”.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 07 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.
In-house Division Seminar: How to get the in-house career you want - Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This event is focused on how you can get the in-house career you want.
JLD forum: Helping you to secure a training contract, February 2020, Manchester - Saturday 08 February 2020
Location: The University of Law, 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
The Junior Lawyers Division, in partnership with the Manchester TSG and YSG, is holding a free one-day skills event to assist LPC students and LPC graduates with their search for a training position
Resilience and Wellbeing - Building personal resilience to cope with the demands of the solicitors’ profession - Thursday 13 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In a recent Law Society survey of Junior Lawyers, 55% of women and 42% of men told us they regularly felt unable to cope, with almost two-fifths experiencing a mental health problem. High workload and demanding clients were behind many of the problems, and the resulting stress led to problems with family life and relationships.
Fighting for Your Rights Hackathon -Tuesday 25 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
On the 25th February 2020, The Law Society is assembling a Hacking Justice Team to help fix our crippled justice system in partnership with Access to Justice Foundation.
Solicitor Judges and Advocacy Networking Drinks 2020 - Thursday 27 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Join us for The Law Society's annual Solicitor Judges and Advocacy Networking Drinks 2020; an excellent opportunity to meet solicitor advocates and solicitor judges.
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
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 is 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
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.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, Birmingham - Tuesday 4 February 2020
Location: Birmingham - Venue TBC
Focusing on support for your older or incapable clients, we bring you two of the top speakers in Private Client law to help you to support your clients.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, London - Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
(See above)
Competition Section Seminar: UNCTAD - contribute to the future International competition enforcement framework, London -Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This event will provide an opportunity to learn about the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) future plans for International competition enforcement and its framework. It will provide an opportunity for attendees to feedback on how this might work in practice; helping to shape UNCTAD’s final proposal. It will include a case study of how this might work in practice.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, Manchester -Thursday 13 February 2020
Location: Manchester - Venue TBC
(See above)
Webinars
Construction law update 2020 - 04 February 2020 inclusive to property
Money Laundering Regulations 2020 - 11 February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
Practising as, and dealing with, unregulated businesses and freelance solicitors -
13 February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
New Accounts Rules – How is it for you so far?- 20-February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
Section 106s and planning conditions (Planning law update 2020) - 04 March 2020
Sexual misconduct in law firms - 05 March 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
Your weekly Law Society update
As the professional body for solicitors, every week the Law Society is working hard to influence the legal and regulatory environment on behalf of our profession and to promote solicitors at home and abroad. We support practice excellence, are an informed source of legal sector news and support members at every stage of their career.
The Law Society’s media profile this week:
Government plans to accelerate proposed judicial review (JR) reform after the prime minister claimed JR was being used to “conduct politics by another means” were covered in Friday's print edition of the Times (£). I am quoted: “Any proposals to change this system must be developed through consultation and subject to full scrutiny to ensure that ordinary people do not lose out because of a rush to reform.” Also in the Independent and Daily Mail.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) announced plans to allow broadcasting of sentencing remarks in some crown court trials. The Law Society has welcomed the move in the Guardian, Telegraph and Gazette. There is also an explainer on BBC News.
I said: “Done sensitively, and with the appropriate reporting restrictions, broadcasting from the courts during some proceedings – such as sentencing – could add significant value and assist in the rule of law being respected.”
The Gazette examined the two commissions promised in the Queen’s speech - into criminal justice and the Supreme Court – and cites our concerns about the state of the criminal justice system. I said: “We all want swift, fair and effective justice, but it cannot be delivered on the cheap.”
The Times (£) reported English courts are being used to launder money from Russia. I said: “Solicitors are highly regulated and - in line with their obligations - are all too aware of the dangers posed by international criminal gangs.”
The Gazette reported the announcement of new QCs. I said: “My warmest congratulations to all those solicitors taking silk. My predecessor as president, Rodger Pannone, helped to secure higher rights of audience for solicitors. Glyn Maddocks is a respected member of our human rights committee known for his wide-ranging pro bono work. Their honorary appointments are thoroughly deserved.”
Tim O’Sullivan, chair of our EU committee, wrote an opinion piece for the Gazette on the timeline for Brexit trade negotiations. He said prioritising legal services will not “not only benefit the UK economy but it will help clients in the EU who currently benefit from being able to choose law firms from this jurisdiction”.
The Gazette also covered the Law Society’s response to the Mayson Review. The article refers to our concern that: “Unintended consequences could well be many small firms leaving the market, the legal sector contracting, and the cost of legal services increasing, leading to further unmet demand.” Also in Legal Futures.
Today’s Wills and Probate has our welcome of the lord chancellor’s decision to raise the statutory legacy sum so, from 6 February 2020, spouses or civil partners with children will be able to inherit £270,000 from intestate estates rather than £250,000.
The Gazette reported on the simplification of the Immigration Rules under the 1971 Act, following a consultation response by the Law Society. Barry O’Leary, a member of our immigration law committee, said: “We welcome how far they think we should go in terms of redrafting, and acknowledging that the rules need to be suitable for the non-expert user, accurate, clear and consistent.”
Legal Futures and Inside Conveyancing cites our recent practice note on flood risk in its analysis of the effect of excessive flooding on travel, the environment, properties, businesses and infrastructure.
The Gazette covers life as a freelance solicitor and cites our top tips for those considering going solo.
The Gazette investigates succession planning for businesses. John Scott, a member of our small firms division, said “when it comes to proper preparation for retirement you cannot really start young enough”.
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
Justice
On Friday 17 January, along with Vice President David Greene and CEO Paul Tennant, I attended a meeting with the new chair of the Bar Council, Amanda Pinto QC, to discuss how the Bar and the Law Society can best work together in the year ahead.
Law Society meeting with Italian Senators
Our policy and international teams met with a small group of Italian senators to discuss reforms to the family courts, particularly the changes already enacted and ongoing in the family court modernisation programme.
We explained that digitisation of existing processes is an overdue reform and a lot of it is generally working quite well, with members agreeing it is helping with improved case management. However, we highlighted areas to be aware of including the impact of court closures; digital exclusion and the importance of people having access to legal advice; video hearings; and the importance of robust analysis and evaluation of data when undertaking a modernisation programme on this scale.
Court broadcasting
Judges’ remarks are to be broadcast from Crown Courts under draft legislation to be laid by government. The Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020 will permit the sentencing remarks of High Court and senior circuit judges in certain criminal cases to be filmed and broadcast to the public. No other court users – including victims, witnesses, jurors and court staff – will appear on camera. (See Media above).
Regulation
5th Money Laundering Directive – summary of changes
On Friday 10 January, the EU’s 5th Money Laundering Directive came into force. The Legal Sector Affinity Group, which includes the Law Society and all the legal sector supervisors named in the anti-money laundering regulations, has published a summary of changes to the regulations to help firms comply with the new requirements which can be found here.
Commercial and Technology Law
AI and Law research
We held a joint session with Oxford University where they presented the emerging findings of their AI and law research. Oxford is developing a research agenda that uses machine learning to classify, track and horizon scan skill requirements in the UK legal services sector based on a big data feed.
Brexit
The Brexit law committee met with the lord chancellor and the parliamentary under secretary of state, Chris Philp MP, to discuss the next phase of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, legal services and civil judicial cooperation.
Speeches
Our vice president David Greene gave welcoming remarks at the opening of the Law Society Art Group’s 60th Anniversary on Friday 16 January.
Our work internationally:
On Wednesday 15 January Helena Raulus, head of the Brussels office, presented the FCO masterclass on civil and commercial judicial co-operation post-Brexit with David Greene organised by Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
On Friday 17 January Helena Raulus will chair the British Chamber of Commerce lunch event on: “Ensuring gender balance, inclusiveness and diversity”.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 07 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.
In-house Division Seminar: How to get the in-house career you want - Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This event is focused on how you can get the in-house career you want.
JLD forum: Helping you to secure a training contract, February 2020, Manchester - Saturday 08 February 2020
Location: The University of Law, 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
The Junior Lawyers Division, in partnership with the Manchester TSG and YSG, is holding a free one-day skills event to assist LPC students and LPC graduates with their search for a training position
Resilience and Wellbeing - Building personal resilience to cope with the demands of the solicitors’ profession - Thursday 13 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
In a recent Law Society survey of Junior Lawyers, 55% of women and 42% of men told us they regularly felt unable to cope, with almost two-fifths experiencing a mental health problem. High workload and demanding clients were behind many of the problems, and the resulting stress led to problems with family life and relationships.
Fighting for Your Rights Hackathon -Tuesday 25 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
On the 25th February 2020, The Law Society is assembling a Hacking Justice Team to help fix our crippled justice system in partnership with Access to Justice Foundation.
Solicitor Judges and Advocacy Networking Drinks 2020 - Thursday 27 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Join us for The Law Society's annual Solicitor Judges and Advocacy Networking Drinks 2020; an excellent opportunity to meet solicitor advocates and solicitor judges.
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
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 is 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
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.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, Birmingham - Tuesday 4 February 2020
Location: Birmingham - Venue TBC
Focusing on support for your older or incapable clients, we bring you two of the top speakers in Private Client law to help you to support your clients.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, London - Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
(See above)
Competition Section Seminar: UNCTAD - contribute to the future International competition enforcement framework, London -Tuesday 11 February 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This event will provide an opportunity to learn about the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) future plans for International competition enforcement and its framework. It will provide an opportunity for attendees to feedback on how this might work in practice; helping to shape UNCTAD’s final proposal. It will include a case study of how this might work in practice.
Private Client Section: Older or incapable client double seminars, Manchester -Thursday 13 February 2020
Location: Manchester - Venue TBC
(See above)
Webinars
Construction law update 2020 - 04 February 2020 inclusive to property
Money Laundering Regulations 2020 - 11 February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
Practising as, and dealing with, unregulated businesses and freelance solicitors -
13 February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
New Accounts Rules – How is it for you so far?- 20-February 2020 20% discount to risk and compliance
Section 106s and planning conditions (Planning law update 2020) - 04 March 2020
Sexual misconduct in law firms - 05 March 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
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