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 this week.
Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession
The Law Society’s media profile this week:
Our head of justice, Richard Miller featured on Radio 4’s You and Yours consumer programme as the top story on Friday, highlighting our legal aid deserts campaign.
The Sunday Times (£) reports Law Society’s opposition to the proposed increase in probate fees and the Daily Mail covers the issue with a comment from me: “The decision to treble the cost of death certificates comes hot on the heels of the Government’s proposed increases to probate fees.”
Melinda Giles, council member and member of the wills and equity committee, was interviewed on LBC to discuss our concerns, following her interview on probate fees for TALKradio.
The Times (£) covers the Law Society’s Lawtech Adoption Research report. I am quoted saying: “Lawtech in the UK is largely focused on efficiencies and automation rather than on delivering new types of law. As such it is less mature than other fields of digital disruption – such as fintech, where there is more funding and regulatory alignment.”
Speaking about the Law Society’s disappointment with the LSB’s failure to adequately protect consumers, I told the Gazette: “We are increasingly concerned by the LSB’s lax approach to deregulation.
“Regulation exists to protect the public, so the stakes are high if those protections are removed. We are disappointed the LSB has rubber-stamped hugely significant rule changes without rigorously applying the available evidence to understand the impact on the public.”
As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, coverage of gender equality issues is gathering momentum.
In an article in the Guardian on sexism in the profession, I was quoted saying: “Sexual harassment is illegal. Just as anyone is protected by the law, they should also be protected by employers – law firms and courts included. As a profession which strives to uphold justice, the legal sector needs to be at the forefront of the fight against sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The Guardian reported on Gwyneth Bebb and her struggle to gain equality in the legal profession. Legal Futures and We are the City note the Law Society is to join CARE International for #March4Women 2019 on 3 March.
The Gazette reports that the common law tradition has been, by any measure, a successful ‘export’ for England and Wales. “The result of cutting legal aid was a vast increase in the number of litigants in person in the courts,” adds the Law Society’s head of justice, Richard Miller. “And – surprise, surprise – they struggle with the adversarial system”
The Gazette covered the Law Society Group’s 2018 gender pay gap report, published this week.
Legal Futures and Today’s Conveyancer report reactions to the Law Society’s tougher code for completion, which has been introduced following a ruling on liability for losses caused by fraud during property transactions.
Consultation responses and parliamentary activity, influencing on behalf of the profession:
Regulation
We launched the Legal Needs survey on 13 February. We expect preliminary results in March.
Access to Justice
LASPO
Following the publication of its Post Implementation Review of LASPO, we are seeking to engage with the Ministry of Justice to further develop the proposals.
Technology and the Law
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session – algorithms in the justice system
The Law Society’s Technology and Law Policy Commission hosted its final evidence session on Thursday 14 February at Chancery Lane.
The Commission, led by myself alongside co-Commissioners Sofia Olhede (UCL), Sylvie Delacroix (University of Birmingham) examined the use of algorithms in the justice system, the impacts on the rule of law, implications for data rights, and whether our human rights framework is fit for purpose.
Witnesses at the London session included Richard Susskind, Jamie Susskind, Hannah Knox of UCL, David Powell of Hampshire Police and Judith Jones of the ICO. We were joined by Guest Commissioner Madhumita Murgia of the Financial Times.
A video of the event will be made available on our website in the coming weeks. Further information on the Commission is available here.
Global Legal Blockchain Consortium briefing session
On Monday 25 February the Law Society will be hosting a briefing session by the Global Legal Blockchain Consortium. The GLBC is the largest legal industry blockchain consortium in the world, comprised of more than 190 large companies, law firms, software companies, and universities. It promotes the use of blockchain technology for the legal industry and is also developing standards to govern the use of blockchain technology in the business and practice of law.
I will be opening the session with a speech, followed by an update on the activities of the GLBC, its plans for 2019 and demonstrations of new blockchain proofs-of-concept in legal applications.
Any members wishing to attend can book their place on the GLBC’s event page.
Civil Justice
We responded to DEFRA’s consultation on biodiversity net gain. Our response supports the government's aims set out in the consultation and argues that the best way to achieve a consistent framework for business, which provides clarity and certainty through a streamlined process (the consultation objectives), is to mandate net gain in the planning process through a clear legal duty which is subject to prescribed exemptions. The response also argues:
Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland
We held our Law Society Board meeting in Cardiff this week and engaged with the Commission on Justice in Wales. Paul Tennant, Chief Executive and I also met colleagues from Law Societies in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland in Belfast.
Our influencing work internationally:
On 21 February, the Brussels Office hosted and chaired a Legal Issues Task Force meeting with the UK Brussels-based organisations.
Solicitor brand campaign
We’re looking for business or consumer clients who would like to be photographed as part of our campaign to promote the value of solicitors. More details can be found here.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
International Women’s Day seminar – Friday 8 March
Our flagship event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 is fully booked. The theme of the event is inspiration and action in the workplace. Our empowerment workshop is also now fully booked.
To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women in the law, we are also supporting March4Women – on Sunday 3 March
#March4Women: https://wwwcareinternational.org.uk/march4women
Tickets are just £5. You can book here: https://careint.uk/2G1s5EJ
Wellbeing champion training – Thursday 21 March 2019
Wellbeing champion training is designed as a follow up workshop for mental health first aiders and champions. This is a half-day workshop that aims to bring additional clarity to your role as a first aider.
Supporting practice excellence
Some of our upcoming events are:
Lexcel consultant training – Wednesday 20 March 2019
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, Wednesday 27 March 2019, Manchester – Afternoon session
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.
This training will also be held in Bristol on Friday 29 March.
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
Regional Update
Contact your regional relationship management team
Risk & Compliance Update
Join the Risk and Compliance Service
Small Firms Focus
Contact the Small Firms Division
Solicitor Judges Update
Join the Solicitor Judges Division
You can also register for the Gazette daily update here.
As always, please feel free to share this update with your constituents unless otherwise specified.
Kind regards,
Christina
Christina Blacklaws
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1PL
Here are some highlights from this week.
Influencing on behalf of the profession and promoting the profession
The Law Society’s media profile this week:
Our head of justice, Richard Miller featured on Radio 4’s You and Yours consumer programme as the top story on Friday, highlighting our legal aid deserts campaign.
The Sunday Times (£) reports Law Society’s opposition to the proposed increase in probate fees and the Daily Mail covers the issue with a comment from me: “The decision to treble the cost of death certificates comes hot on the heels of the Government’s proposed increases to probate fees.”
Melinda Giles, council member and member of the wills and equity committee, was interviewed on LBC to discuss our concerns, following her interview on probate fees for TALKradio.
The Times (£) covers the Law Society’s Lawtech Adoption Research report. I am quoted saying: “Lawtech in the UK is largely focused on efficiencies and automation rather than on delivering new types of law. As such it is less mature than other fields of digital disruption – such as fintech, where there is more funding and regulatory alignment.”
Speaking about the Law Society’s disappointment with the LSB’s failure to adequately protect consumers, I told the Gazette: “We are increasingly concerned by the LSB’s lax approach to deregulation.
“Regulation exists to protect the public, so the stakes are high if those protections are removed. We are disappointed the LSB has rubber-stamped hugely significant rule changes without rigorously applying the available evidence to understand the impact on the public.”
As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, coverage of gender equality issues is gathering momentum.
In an article in the Guardian on sexism in the profession, I was quoted saying: “Sexual harassment is illegal. Just as anyone is protected by the law, they should also be protected by employers – law firms and courts included. As a profession which strives to uphold justice, the legal sector needs to be at the forefront of the fight against sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The Guardian reported on Gwyneth Bebb and her struggle to gain equality in the legal profession. Legal Futures and We are the City note the Law Society is to join CARE International for #March4Women 2019 on 3 March.
The Gazette reports that the common law tradition has been, by any measure, a successful ‘export’ for England and Wales. “The result of cutting legal aid was a vast increase in the number of litigants in person in the courts,” adds the Law Society’s head of justice, Richard Miller. “And – surprise, surprise – they struggle with the adversarial system”
The Gazette covered the Law Society Group’s 2018 gender pay gap report, published this week.
Legal Futures and Today’s Conveyancer report reactions to the Law Society’s tougher code for completion, which has been introduced following a ruling on liability for losses caused by fraud during property transactions.
Consultation responses and parliamentary activity, influencing on behalf of the profession:
Regulation
We launched the Legal Needs survey on 13 February. We expect preliminary results in March.
Access to Justice
LASPO
Following the publication of its Post Implementation Review of LASPO, we are seeking to engage with the Ministry of Justice to further develop the proposals.
Technology and the Law
Technology and Law Policy Commission Evidence Session – algorithms in the justice system
The Law Society’s Technology and Law Policy Commission hosted its final evidence session on Thursday 14 February at Chancery Lane.
The Commission, led by myself alongside co-Commissioners Sofia Olhede (UCL), Sylvie Delacroix (University of Birmingham) examined the use of algorithms in the justice system, the impacts on the rule of law, implications for data rights, and whether our human rights framework is fit for purpose.
Witnesses at the London session included Richard Susskind, Jamie Susskind, Hannah Knox of UCL, David Powell of Hampshire Police and Judith Jones of the ICO. We were joined by Guest Commissioner Madhumita Murgia of the Financial Times.
A video of the event will be made available on our website in the coming weeks. Further information on the Commission is available here.
Global Legal Blockchain Consortium briefing session
On Monday 25 February the Law Society will be hosting a briefing session by the Global Legal Blockchain Consortium. The GLBC is the largest legal industry blockchain consortium in the world, comprised of more than 190 large companies, law firms, software companies, and universities. It promotes the use of blockchain technology for the legal industry and is also developing standards to govern the use of blockchain technology in the business and practice of law.
I will be opening the session with a speech, followed by an update on the activities of the GLBC, its plans for 2019 and demonstrations of new blockchain proofs-of-concept in legal applications.
Any members wishing to attend can book their place on the GLBC’s event page.
Civil Justice
We responded to DEFRA’s consultation on biodiversity net gain. Our response supports the government's aims set out in the consultation and argues that the best way to achieve a consistent framework for business, which provides clarity and certainty through a streamlined process (the consultation objectives), is to mandate net gain in the planning process through a clear legal duty which is subject to prescribed exemptions. The response also argues:
- the tariff revenue should be collected locally (for example, through a local authority);
- the tariff revenue should be spent through a blended model, allowing spending at both local and national levels; and
- if a dispute is only over biodiversity net gain requirements, then the planning appeal system, as currently operated, would be an inefficient way of settling matters that would likely result in the stalling or abandonment of developments.
Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland
We held our Law Society Board meeting in Cardiff this week and engaged with the Commission on Justice in Wales. Paul Tennant, Chief Executive and I also met colleagues from Law Societies in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland in Belfast.
Our influencing work internationally:
On 21 February, the Brussels Office hosted and chaired a Legal Issues Task Force meeting with the UK Brussels-based organisations.
Solicitor brand campaign
We’re looking for business or consumer clients who would like to be photographed as part of our campaign to promote the value of solicitors. More details can be found here.
Supporting members at every stage of their career
International Women’s Day seminar – Friday 8 March
Our flagship event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 is fully booked. The theme of the event is inspiration and action in the workplace. Our empowerment workshop is also now fully booked.
To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women in the law, we are also supporting March4Women – on Sunday 3 March
#March4Women: https://wwwcareinternational.org.uk/march4women
Tickets are just £5. You can book here: https://careint.uk/2G1s5EJ
Wellbeing champion training – Thursday 21 March 2019
Wellbeing champion training is designed as a follow up workshop for mental health first aiders and champions. This is a half-day workshop that aims to bring additional clarity to your role as a first aider.
Supporting practice excellence
Some of our upcoming events are:
Lexcel consultant training – Wednesday 20 March 2019
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, Wednesday 27 March 2019, Manchester – Afternoon session
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.
This training will also be held in Bristol on Friday 29 March.
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
Regional Update
Contact your regional relationship management team
Risk & Compliance Update
Join the Risk and Compliance Service
Small Firms Focus
Contact the Small Firms Division
Solicitor Judges Update
Join the Solicitor Judges Division
You can also register for the Gazette daily update here.
As always, please feel free to share this update with your constituents unless otherwise specified.
Kind regards,
Christina
Christina Blacklaws
President
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London. WC2A 1PL
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