‘No-fault’ divorce: Two years on
Wales247 continues coverage of the two-year anniversary since ‘no-fault’ divorce came into effect, and the additional obstacles facing the family justice system.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: ‘No-fault’ divorce ushered in a new era for divorcing couples. However today, delays to the justice system are causing significant harm, inconvenience and uncertainty for divorcing couples, particularly when children are involved.
“HM Courts and Tribunals Service has estimated that it may take three years to return to pre-pandemic levels of service. This is very worrying, especially for those cases that involve children and sensitive family matters.
“The government must restore early advice for family matters under legal aid and ensure there are sufficient fee-paid and full-time judges to deal with existing and new cases.
“The family justice system is at breaking point. People can’t get the legal support they need, when they need it.”
Pro Bono Recognition List
The Gazette reports that solicitors who provided 25 hours of pro bono support last year can have their names added to an official list endorsed by the Lady Chief Justice.
The Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales has been designed to recognise the legal profession’s contribution to supporting those in need.
The list is backed by the Law Society, Bar Council, Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, Advocates for International Development, Clinical Legal Education Organisation, In-House Pro Bono Group, LawWorks, National Pro Bono Centre and TrustLaw.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “It is a unique opportunity to recognise all those lawyers who give their time to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.
“Pro bono work is just one way of bridging the gap between needs and legal representation by empowering individuals who would otherwise be left vulnerable and voiceless to access justice.
“Pro bono has a profound impact on the lives of countless people and communities. This initiative emphasises the commitment of the legal profession to the values of fairness and equality.”
The closing date for submissions is 24 May.
UN Human Rights Council
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) reflects on the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The Law Society of England and Wales, Lawyers for Lawyers and the Law Council for Australia condemned the atrocious crimes committed by the junta in Myanmar.
The intervention highlighted: ongoing arbitrary arrests and detention, unfair trials, a lack of due process, reports of torture and ill-treatment, and threats and attacks against lawyers – particularly when defending political cases.
The IBAHRI urged the UNHRC to continue to respond robustly to the ever-worsening situation in Myanmar and called for a moratorium on the death penalty and to use all possible avenues to hold the junta accountable for all international crimes that are being committed.
Also worth a read:
- Post Office/Horizon IT inquiry: Alan Bates gives evidence – Telegraph (£), BBC News, Sky News, FT (£), Times (£) & Independent
- Cass Review: Key findings from landmark research – Times (£) & BBC News
- OISC warns lack of immigration advisers “encourages illegal services” – Legal Futures
- Judges rebut UK Lawyers or Israel critique – Gazette
- SFO enters new era with director Nick Ephgrave – New Law Journal (£)
- Honeytrap: William Wragg resigns Tory whip – Sky News, Telegraph (£) & Evening Standard