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
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
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