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
The Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Gazette, Sun, BBC Radio 4 and 92 local publications reported on the government’s plans to increase criminal legal aid fees - the ‘accelerated items’ in the Criminal Legal Aid Review. I said: “The offer on the table from the government is woefully inadequate. It cannot hope to provide a solution.” Legal Action Group also quoted me. I argued “many defence lawyers are taking jobs with the CPS” due to the better pay and “that the very existence of criminal defence practitioners is under threat”.
Richard Atkinson, co-chair of the criminal law committee, meanwhile wrote two articles about the same subject – one for the Gazette in which he described the Ministry of Justice’s proposals as “crumbs from the table”. The other piece was in the Times (£). The Justice Gap also reported on the same subject.
Max Winthrop, chair of our employment rights committee, spoke to BBC Northampton (2:13:37), about entitlement to sick pay for employees self-isolating from coronavirus. Max also was on talkRadio (in the 11:00 to 11:30 slot from 10:00), again, on the effects of the coronavirus and also how employment tribunals work following coverage about Priti Patel.
The Gazette reported the ‘enhanced’ Domestic Abuse Bill has been introduced to parliament in a bid to end victims being cross examined by their alleged perpetrators in court. I said: “As the bill finally progresses through parliament, we urge the government to put the necessary funding into legal aid, support services, education and wider government policy - giving victims the access to justice they so deserve.”
The Gazette featured a look at Gwyneth Bebb, pioneer campaigner for women to be admitted as solicitor, 106 years after the courts told her she was not a ‘person’.
The Times (£) diary previewed the #facethefuture campaign – launched by the Law Society and government legal department to celebrate achievements of women in the legal profession.
Speaking to the Gazette about the Ministry of Justice’s plans to increase the small claims limit from £1,000 to £2,000 for employers’ liability and public liability claims, our head of justice Richard Miller pointed out that an increase in the limit would mean clients having to fund their medical reports.
The Gazette covered the Consumer and Markets Authority concerns about the leasehold housing market. I said: “We want the leasehold system to operate fairly for leaseholders and for it not to cause delays in the home buying and selling process.” Also reported by Inside Conveyancing News.
The Western Daily Press carried a report on making a will and references the Law Society's Find A Solicitor service, which can help you find a solicitor near to you. The article is by Matthew Cotton, a solicitor at Humfrys & Symonds.
In an agony aunt column, the Guardian and Yahoo! spoke to Penny Scott, the chair of our family law committee, about DNA testing and why it is illegal to send someone’s DNA to be tested without their permission.
Legal Cheek reported our recommended minimum salary for trainees has increased to £22,121 in London and £19,619 in the rest of the UK. I’m quoted: “I encourage all law firms to adopt this recommendation, pay their trainees a fair minimum salary for their hard work and encourage greater social mobility.” Also in Roll on Friday.
Legal Cheek profiled Jonathan Andrews – who is on the Law Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee. Jonathan has received much recognition, including junior lawyer of the year in the 2019 Excellence Awards, for promoting the positive characteristics of autism that he believes can help in a legal career.
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
Regulation
The future of legal services regulation
On Tuesday 25 February I spoke at the Westminster Legal Policy seminar on the future of legal services in England and Wales. The seminar discussed possible options to increase access to justice and improve consumer experience with the legal services market in the context of the recently published interim Mayson report on the Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation.
Other key speakers included Professor Mayson and representatives from regulators (CMA, LSB, SRA, Bar Standards Board, CILEx).
Public Law
Family
The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill had its Committee Stage in the House of Lords this week. The full transcript of the second reading in the Lords can be found in Hansard here. The Law Society provided a briefing which included suggestions for amendments to key members of the Lords late last week. The report stage of the Bill is scheduled for 17 March.
The Domestic Abuse Bill has its first reading in the House of Commons this week too. We will prepare a parliamentary briefing which we will then circulate to members of the Commons once the date for the second reading has been announced.
Justice
We held a very successful event for advocates and current and aspiring solicitor judges, with two inspiring and informative speeches and a well-received opportunity for networking.
Richard Miller spoke at an event in Parliament organised by USDAW, which is trying to persuade ministers to exclude employer’s liability and public liability cases from the forthcoming increase in the small claims limit. The Association of British Insurers confirmed that this is not a priority for them. We raised concerns about the access to justice implications of the small claims limit increase, with particular emphasis on the difficulties in obtaining and interpreting medical reports.
Speaking Engagements
Our CEO Paul Tennant spoke at a lunch for managing partners of Cambridge firms on Tuesday 3 March.
I spoke at GOOD Guys programme panel discussion on gender equality in the solicitor profession in London on Wednesday 4 March. Our deputy vice president (DVP), I. Stephanie Boyce, spoke at another GOOD Guys panel event in Birmingham on Thursday 5 March.
The DVP also took part in a panel as part of a 100 years women in law event at DLA Piper.
Parliamentary
Paul Tennant attended a reception in the House of Lords on Thursday 5 March, on the topic “Good homes for ageing well.”
We need your help for the Solicitor Brand Campaign 2020
Building upon the success of last year’s campaign, the Law Society Solicitor Brand Campaign 2020 will promote the value of solicitors to members of the public and business owners and decision makers right across England and Wales.
This national advertising campaign will include broadcast, outdoor, online and press advertising, raising the profile of the profession and endorsing the use of solicitors above other sources of legal advice.
The campaign will feature emotive testimonials from satisfied solicitor clients across consumer and business areas of law, focusing on the solicitor brand values shown below to highlight the good work that solicitors do and the positive outcomes achieved:
The campaign will be brought to life with real client images and testimonials but it’s important that the people featured in the advertising campaign are as representative as possible of society as a whole.
We need your help to put us in touch with legal firms you think might be interested in getting involved and who have a diverse client base across England and Wales, with customers from varying ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
If you know of appropriate legal firms who engage with you locally and who might be interested in talking to their clients about being involved in the campaign, please email lawsociety@dtw.co.uk with your name, the region you represent, the name of the legal firm(s) you think would be appropriate and contact details for the relevant person to speak to at the firm.
For further information about the campaign please visit the solicitor brand campaign page or email lawsociety@dtw.co.uk and ask for a member of the team to give you a call to discuss the campaign in more detail.
Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Our International Work:
Seizing the India Opportunity Panel Discussion - 03 March 2020
The Law Society, in collaboration with ASA and Associates LLP, hosted a panel discussion on 'Seizing the India Opportunity' moderated by Stephen Denyer, our director of strategic relationships. The panel consisted of expert speakers including: Piusha Bose, counsel, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Rupa Lakha, partner, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, Joywin Mathew, partner, DLA Piper Global Law Firm.
Ajay Sethi, managing partner, ASA & Associates LLP provided a keynote address on the recent economic and political developments in India and their likely impact on the economy. He also discussed how businesses can best meet market challenges and avoid regulatory pitfalls in India. The panel shared their experience within the region and discussed the legal business opportunities and challenges, including recent trends and practical aspects for legal regulation and current/ new opportunities in the market. It was followed by Q&A with the audience. The feedback we received after the event was very positive mentioning particularly that it was a high quality, thought provoking and expertly chaired session. This will eventually help TLS forge new relationships and strengthening the existing ones in the region.
On Tuesday 3 March, Rita Giannini, EU policy adviser spoke at the ERA (Academy of European Law) conference on post-Brexit criminal justice cooperation.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 20 March 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.
Unpausing the conversation on menopause - Tuesday 24 March, 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Join us on Tuesday 24 March to challenge taboos and erase the stigma around the menopause. We will be joined by a line up of fantastic speakers who will be discussing the menopause from a medical perspective and how the legal landscape is changing in regards to discrimination. Book your place
Lexcel consultant training - Wednesday 25 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This course provides an in-depth understanding of Lexcel England and Wales v6.1 and what evidence is required to meeting the Standard requirements.
Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training, Monday 6 April 2020, Liverpool - Afternoon session
Location: Liverpool Law Society, 2nd Floor, Helix, Edmund Street, Liverpool, L3 9NY
The Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training was developed in conjunction with the Bar to help solicitor advocates and barristers strike the balance between advancing their client’s case effectively in court whilst ensuring vulnerable witnesses are not subjected to undue stress.
Supporting practice excellence
Competition Section seminar: UK mergers update – Tuesday 10 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This seminar will provide an overview of substantive and procedural developments in UK merger control in 2019-20 and a look ahead to the challenges ahead, providing insight into what’s at the forefront of the CMA’s thinking in what is likely to be a pivotal year in UK merger control.
Risk and Compliance annual conference 2020 – Friday 13 March 2020
Location: Etc Venues 155 Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 3YD
The conference focuses on mitigating risk in law practices and upcoming changes to the way risk practitioners will be working. For instance, new regulations to make their pricing more transparent to clients, changes to the SRA Handbook, maturing data protection laws, etc.
Cyber security update 2020 – Webinar 25 March 2020 inclusive to LMS
The challenges facing small legal practices – Webinar 27 March 2020 what you need to know - 20% discount to LMS and risk and compliance
Property Section Seminar: The 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, Manchester -Thursday 16 April 2020
Location: CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, 1 The Avenue, Spinningfields, M3 3AP
Join one of three seminars to learn more about the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. Our expert speaker, Alison Matthews, director of quality and risk at Shoosmiths, will guide you through what it means for firms, the SRA’s approach to money laundering and the challenges facing firms.
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
The Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Gazette, Sun, BBC Radio 4 and 92 local publications reported on the government’s plans to increase criminal legal aid fees - the ‘accelerated items’ in the Criminal Legal Aid Review. I said: “The offer on the table from the government is woefully inadequate. It cannot hope to provide a solution.” Legal Action Group also quoted me. I argued “many defence lawyers are taking jobs with the CPS” due to the better pay and “that the very existence of criminal defence practitioners is under threat”.
Richard Atkinson, co-chair of the criminal law committee, meanwhile wrote two articles about the same subject – one for the Gazette in which he described the Ministry of Justice’s proposals as “crumbs from the table”. The other piece was in the Times (£). The Justice Gap also reported on the same subject.
Max Winthrop, chair of our employment rights committee, spoke to BBC Northampton (2:13:37), about entitlement to sick pay for employees self-isolating from coronavirus. Max also was on talkRadio (in the 11:00 to 11:30 slot from 10:00), again, on the effects of the coronavirus and also how employment tribunals work following coverage about Priti Patel.
The Gazette reported the ‘enhanced’ Domestic Abuse Bill has been introduced to parliament in a bid to end victims being cross examined by their alleged perpetrators in court. I said: “As the bill finally progresses through parliament, we urge the government to put the necessary funding into legal aid, support services, education and wider government policy - giving victims the access to justice they so deserve.”
The Gazette featured a look at Gwyneth Bebb, pioneer campaigner for women to be admitted as solicitor, 106 years after the courts told her she was not a ‘person’.
The Times (£) diary previewed the #facethefuture campaign – launched by the Law Society and government legal department to celebrate achievements of women in the legal profession.
Speaking to the Gazette about the Ministry of Justice’s plans to increase the small claims limit from £1,000 to £2,000 for employers’ liability and public liability claims, our head of justice Richard Miller pointed out that an increase in the limit would mean clients having to fund their medical reports.
The Gazette covered the Consumer and Markets Authority concerns about the leasehold housing market. I said: “We want the leasehold system to operate fairly for leaseholders and for it not to cause delays in the home buying and selling process.” Also reported by Inside Conveyancing News.
The Western Daily Press carried a report on making a will and references the Law Society's Find A Solicitor service, which can help you find a solicitor near to you. The article is by Matthew Cotton, a solicitor at Humfrys & Symonds.
In an agony aunt column, the Guardian and Yahoo! spoke to Penny Scott, the chair of our family law committee, about DNA testing and why it is illegal to send someone’s DNA to be tested without their permission.
Legal Cheek reported our recommended minimum salary for trainees has increased to £22,121 in London and £19,619 in the rest of the UK. I’m quoted: “I encourage all law firms to adopt this recommendation, pay their trainees a fair minimum salary for their hard work and encourage greater social mobility.” Also in Roll on Friday.
Legal Cheek profiled Jonathan Andrews – who is on the Law Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee. Jonathan has received much recognition, including junior lawyer of the year in the 2019 Excellence Awards, for promoting the positive characteristics of autism that he believes can help in a legal career.
Do not forget you can read all Law Society press releases by clicking on this link. For live updates follow us on Twitter.
Regulation
The future of legal services regulation
On Tuesday 25 February I spoke at the Westminster Legal Policy seminar on the future of legal services in England and Wales. The seminar discussed possible options to increase access to justice and improve consumer experience with the legal services market in the context of the recently published interim Mayson report on the Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation.
Other key speakers included Professor Mayson and representatives from regulators (CMA, LSB, SRA, Bar Standards Board, CILEx).
Public Law
Family
The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill had its Committee Stage in the House of Lords this week. The full transcript of the second reading in the Lords can be found in Hansard here. The Law Society provided a briefing which included suggestions for amendments to key members of the Lords late last week. The report stage of the Bill is scheduled for 17 March.
The Domestic Abuse Bill has its first reading in the House of Commons this week too. We will prepare a parliamentary briefing which we will then circulate to members of the Commons once the date for the second reading has been announced.
Justice
We held a very successful event for advocates and current and aspiring solicitor judges, with two inspiring and informative speeches and a well-received opportunity for networking.
Richard Miller spoke at an event in Parliament organised by USDAW, which is trying to persuade ministers to exclude employer’s liability and public liability cases from the forthcoming increase in the small claims limit. The Association of British Insurers confirmed that this is not a priority for them. We raised concerns about the access to justice implications of the small claims limit increase, with particular emphasis on the difficulties in obtaining and interpreting medical reports.
Speaking Engagements
Our CEO Paul Tennant spoke at a lunch for managing partners of Cambridge firms on Tuesday 3 March.
I spoke at GOOD Guys programme panel discussion on gender equality in the solicitor profession in London on Wednesday 4 March. Our deputy vice president (DVP), I. Stephanie Boyce, spoke at another GOOD Guys panel event in Birmingham on Thursday 5 March.
The DVP also took part in a panel as part of a 100 years women in law event at DLA Piper.
Parliamentary
Paul Tennant attended a reception in the House of Lords on Thursday 5 March, on the topic “Good homes for ageing well.”
We need your help for the Solicitor Brand Campaign 2020
Building upon the success of last year’s campaign, the Law Society Solicitor Brand Campaign 2020 will promote the value of solicitors to members of the public and business owners and decision makers right across England and Wales.
This national advertising campaign will include broadcast, outdoor, online and press advertising, raising the profile of the profession and endorsing the use of solicitors above other sources of legal advice.
The campaign will feature emotive testimonials from satisfied solicitor clients across consumer and business areas of law, focusing on the solicitor brand values shown below to highlight the good work that solicitors do and the positive outcomes achieved:
- experts in your field
- honest and honourable
- client focused
- approachable and accessible
- value for money
- adding value to society
The campaign will be brought to life with real client images and testimonials but it’s important that the people featured in the advertising campaign are as representative as possible of society as a whole.
We need your help to put us in touch with legal firms you think might be interested in getting involved and who have a diverse client base across England and Wales, with customers from varying ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
If you know of appropriate legal firms who engage with you locally and who might be interested in talking to their clients about being involved in the campaign, please email lawsociety@dtw.co.uk with your name, the region you represent, the name of the legal firm(s) you think would be appropriate and contact details for the relevant person to speak to at the firm.
For further information about the campaign please visit the solicitor brand campaign page or email lawsociety@dtw.co.uk and ask for a member of the team to give you a call to discuss the campaign in more detail.
Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Our International Work:
Seizing the India Opportunity Panel Discussion - 03 March 2020
The Law Society, in collaboration with ASA and Associates LLP, hosted a panel discussion on 'Seizing the India Opportunity' moderated by Stephen Denyer, our director of strategic relationships. The panel consisted of expert speakers including: Piusha Bose, counsel, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Rupa Lakha, partner, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, Joywin Mathew, partner, DLA Piper Global Law Firm.
Ajay Sethi, managing partner, ASA & Associates LLP provided a keynote address on the recent economic and political developments in India and their likely impact on the economy. He also discussed how businesses can best meet market challenges and avoid regulatory pitfalls in India. The panel shared their experience within the region and discussed the legal business opportunities and challenges, including recent trends and practical aspects for legal regulation and current/ new opportunities in the market. It was followed by Q&A with the audience. The feedback we received after the event was very positive mentioning particularly that it was a high quality, thought provoking and expertly chaired session. This will eventually help TLS forge new relationships and strengthening the existing ones in the region.
On Tuesday 3 March, Rita Giannini, EU policy adviser spoke at the ERA (Academy of European Law) conference on post-Brexit criminal justice cooperation.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
Judicial appointments: interview training for solicitors - Friday 20 March 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.
Unpausing the conversation on menopause - Tuesday 24 March, 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Join us on Tuesday 24 March to challenge taboos and erase the stigma around the menopause. We will be joined by a line up of fantastic speakers who will be discussing the menopause from a medical perspective and how the legal landscape is changing in regards to discrimination. Book your place
Lexcel consultant training - Wednesday 25 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This course provides an in-depth understanding of Lexcel England and Wales v6.1 and what evidence is required to meeting the Standard requirements.
Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training, Monday 6 April 2020, Liverpool - Afternoon session
Location: Liverpool Law Society, 2nd Floor, Helix, Edmund Street, Liverpool, L3 9NY
The Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training was developed in conjunction with the Bar to help solicitor advocates and barristers strike the balance between advancing their client’s case effectively in court whilst ensuring vulnerable witnesses are not subjected to undue stress.
Supporting practice excellence
Competition Section seminar: UK mergers update – Tuesday 10 March 2020
Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
This seminar will provide an overview of substantive and procedural developments in UK merger control in 2019-20 and a look ahead to the challenges ahead, providing insight into what’s at the forefront of the CMA’s thinking in what is likely to be a pivotal year in UK merger control.
Risk and Compliance annual conference 2020 – Friday 13 March 2020
Location: Etc Venues 155 Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 3YD
The conference focuses on mitigating risk in law practices and upcoming changes to the way risk practitioners will be working. For instance, new regulations to make their pricing more transparent to clients, changes to the SRA Handbook, maturing data protection laws, etc.
Cyber security update 2020 – Webinar 25 March 2020 inclusive to LMS
The challenges facing small legal practices – Webinar 27 March 2020 what you need to know - 20% discount to LMS and risk and compliance
Property Section Seminar: The 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, Manchester -Thursday 16 April 2020
Location: CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, 1 The Avenue, Spinningfields, M3 3AP
Join one of three seminars to learn more about the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. Our expert speaker, Alison Matthews, director of quality and risk at Shoosmiths, will guide you through what it means for firms, the SRA’s approach to money laundering and the challenges facing firms.
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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