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Your weekly Law Society update 27 January 2020

4/2/2020

 
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.

Please help us attract new talent for Law Society Committees
 
If you know anyone, whether a Law Society member or non member, with expertise in the following areas:
  • membership organisations and related income generation
  • policy formation
  • regulation
  • digital communications
  • membership service
Please encourage them to apply for vacancies on Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee and Membership and Communications Committee.

The closing date is Wednesday 29 January at noon.

Now on to our regular update...

Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession

The Law Society’s media profile: 
 
The Daily Mail and 93 local news outlets, from Cornwall to Carrick and Whitchurch to Watford covered Law Society research showing more than 37 million people in England and Wales live in a local authority area without a single community care legal aid service, including more than 7.5 million people aged 65 and over.
 
Polly Sweeney, chair of the Law Society mental health and learning disability committee, was quoted in the Dorset Echo and 22 other local news outlets speaking about why there are so many people deprived of their liberty unlawfully.

Legal services contributed nearly £60bn to the UK economy in 2018 while in 2017 legal services exports hit approximately £5bn, according to the latest available figures revealed in an authoritative new report commissioned by the Law Society from KPMG – covered in Legal Futures, the Times Brief, City a.m., Law Society Gazette, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Metro and in 180 other publications up and down the country including the Western Mail, the Wolverhampton Express and Star and the Swindon Advertiser. 
 
I said: “This report shows the value of our sector to UK PLC – that is why we think it is vital our trade negotiators put legal and other professional services at the heart of forthcoming talks on a new deal with Europe.”
 
The Gazette reported the call by the Law Society and the Bar Council on Pakistan to respect lawyers and their work on the Day of the Endangered Lawyer. I said: “We honour the courage and commitment of lawyers around the world who uphold justice, often despite considerable risk to themselves, their colleagues, and their families. The rule of law is essential to preserve democratic values, fundamental freedoms and good governance.”

The Gazette also covered the launch of the Legally Disabled report which argued ‘radical intervention’ is needed to tackle the bullying and discrimination faced by disabled lawyers. The study also found there was reticence in disclosing disability.
 
I said: “Everyone should feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work and supported in asking for any reasonable adjustments. The legal profession should take into account the research’s findings and strive to create more inclusive work environments.”
 
The Law Society’s Aimey Sherwood wrote for the Gazette on the same subject.  

FT Adviser  discussed the Law Society campaign against increases to probate fees, quoting me: "A hike in probate fees would have been a tax on grief. We campaigned vigorously against the increase on behalf of bereaved families and are relieved the government has listened to reason."
 
Rachel Roche from Roche Legal spoke to BBC Radio Leeds (from 2:08:00) about the centenary of the Act of Parliament that allowed women to qualify and practise as solicitors.
 
Deputy vice president I. Stephanie Boyce wrote a column for the Northern Echo on the centenary. She said: “The legal profession has made great progress in the last hundred years, but there is still a long way to go.”
 
Legal Action Group (LAG) alerts readers to focus groups run by the Law Society so solicitors can contribute their perspectives to the government's review of both the civil and criminal legal aid means tests. Find a Law Society focus group near you.
 
The Telegraph (£) cited my praise for the doctrine of judicial review as a “vital part of the checks and balances necessary to protect people from powerful institutions and underpin the rule of law".
 
The Gazette and Family Law Week covered our welcome of the lord chancellor’s decision to raise the statutory legacy sum. From 6 February 2020 spouses or civil partners with children will be able to inherit £270,000 from intestate estates, up from a cap of £250,000.
 
The Mirror explored why couples might want a ‘petnup’. The Law Society said ‘petnups’ can help “to provide peace of mind”.

Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.

Regulation
 
Meeting of the Public Private Steering Group
Rob Cummings, head of regulatory affairs and economic crime, attended a meeting of the public private steering group which oversees the government’s work on tackling economic crime. This was the first meeting since the general election and officials reiterated the government’s strong focus in this area. The group discussed ways of working, future priorities and also received an update on the work the government is taking forward looking at sustainable resourcing for tackling economic crime.
 
Public Law
 
Alongside publication of the latest quarterly Family Court Statistics (July to September 2019) by the ministry of justice, statisticians from the department asked for feedback about how probate statistics are presented and about introducing a measure relating to timeliness. We have responded to give members’ views, to ensure these continue to meet user needs.

Promoting our profession
Legal services were worth almost £60bn Gross Value Added to the UK economy in 2018 (see Media above)
 
Our newly launched report, commissioned from KPMG, analyses the value of legal services in the UK. This report includes the economic contribution of people employed directly in the sector, as well as in-house lawyers and general counsel in other business sectors, who have not previously been included in analysis on the value of the profession. The report projects that just 1% productivity increase in the legal sector in 2020 could boost UK GDP by between £990m and £1,200m by 2050.
 
As well as serving domestic demand, the legal sector in the UK provides services overseas - with 15% of the sector’s output being exported (based on 2016 data) - and made a positive net contribution of £4.29bn to the value of UK trade in 2017. The report shows the significant value of the profession, both nationally and globally, and solidifies why it is crucial that access to the EU27 for our legal professionals, as well as recognition of their qualifications, is maintained once the post-Brexit transition period finishes at the end of 2020.
 
Read and share the full report: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/research-trends/economic-contribution-legal-services-sector-report/
 
Disabilities Division
A new study undertaken by a research team based at Cardiff Business School, working with the Lawyers with Disabilities Division of the Law Society launched today (see Media above).
The legally disabled? research reveals the everyday barriers that disabled solicitors face in the profession.
 
The study found that 40% of solicitors asked either never or only sometimes tell their employer or prospective employer of their disability. 54% of disabled solicitors thought that their career and promotion prospects were inferior to their non-disabled colleagues. For more of the findings https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/stories/new-study-reveals-the-everyday-barriers-facing-disabled-lawyers/
 
Parliamentary

During debate on the Queen’s Speech on Monday, previous chair of the justice select committee Sir Bob Neill MP referred to the Law Society’s calls for the government to accede to the Lugano Convention and the Hague Convention, in order to ensure mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments after Brexit.

Speeches

On Monday 20 January, I spoke at a Politeia Justice Series event on ‘Funding Justice – What Focus, What Priorities? Overcoming obstacles and waste’.

On Wednesday 22 January, I spoke to students at the University of Birmingham on the future of the legal profession, and later gave an update on the Law Society’s activities to members of the Birmingham Law Society Council.

Vice president David Greene gave welcoming remarks at the Day of the Endangered Lawyer on Wednesday 22 January.
 
Meetings
 
On Tuesday 21 January, I met with Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC MP.

Our work internationally:

On Wednesday 22 January Paul Wilson, director of public affairs and Stephen Denyer, director of strategic relationships visited the Brussels Office.  

Stephen Denyer and Marcus Corry, EU Policy Adviser met with Matteo Bay from Latham & Watkins LLP and also with Jeroen Smets from KL Gates. Stephen Denyer also met with Elvira Aliende Rodriguez and Sara Ashall from Shearman and Sterling LLP

Paul Wilson and Marcus Corry, EU Policy Adviser, met with Amandine Nsele, City of London Office.

Stephen Denyer and Helena Raulus, head of the Brussels office met with Vassilis Adritidis from DWF.

Paul Wilson and Helena Raulus met with Fergus McReynolds from MakeUK. and also with Alistair Robinson, Legal counsellor, Rory O'Donnell, director of trade and Sujeevan Satheesan, 1st secretary from UKREP.    

The Brussels office hosted a lunch meeting with Paul Wilson and the British Chamber of Commerce to discuss Brexit and the British organisations in Brussels.  

On Thursday 23 January Stephen Denyer and Marcus Corry, EU Policy Adviser met with Gavin Bushell from Baker McKenzie and also met with Francesca Miotto, Andrzej O’Leary and Mark Taylor from Allen and Overy.

Stephen Denyer and Rita Giannini, EU Policy Adviser met with Koen Platteau from Simmons and Simmons and also with Thierry Vierin from Osborne and Clarke.
On 22 January, Dr. Marina Brilman (international human rights adviser of the Law Society) organised the annual public seminar for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer. This year the event focused on Pakistan. Lawyer Saif ul-Malook, legal representative of Asia Bibi in her well-known blasphemy case, spoke at the event, as well as Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa (research associate, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS). At the seminar, risks faced by lawyers in Pakistan were discussed, as well as the social and cultural context in which blasphemy laws are applied in that country. Vice-president David Greene gave welcoming remarks.

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

Money Laundering Regulations 2020   -   Webinar 11 February 2020  20% discount to risk and compliance

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.

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

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.

Supporting Practice excellence

Construction law update 2020 -  Webinar 04 February 2020 inclusive to property
 
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.

Money Laundering Regulations 2020   -   Webinar 11 February 2020  20% discount to risk and compliance.

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.

New Accounts Rules – How is it for you so far?-  Webinar 20 February 2020  20% discount to risk and compliance
 
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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