Pro Bono Recognition List
Global Legal Post reports that solicitors who provided 25 hours of pro bono support last year can have their names added to the Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Pro bono work plays a crucial role in bridging the justice gap for individuals and communities alike, making legal services accessible to those who otherwise might be left vulnerable.”
Immigration rule change
i News reveals upcoming immigration rule changes where British people with foreign partners apply for visas so their partner can stay in the UK.
Zeena Luchowa, a member of the Law Society’s Immigration Law Committee, said: “We have noticed a surge in activity in terms of the inquiries coming in, and the nature of the inquiries. Quite concerningly, we have received a number of queries from those who are already in the family route worried that the changes affect them – which they do not.”
Non-disclosure agreements
City A.M. covers the government crackdown on the misuse of non-disclosure agreements.
President Nick Emmerson said: “There should be no provision in non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevents disclosures to the police, regulated health and care professionals and legal professionals and we welcome this action being taken to protect victims.
“Government should also legislate to ensure limitations in confidentiality clauses are clearly set out in employment contracts and settlement agreements and to enhance the independent legal advice received by individuals signing confidentiality clauses and NDAs.”
Conveyancing protocol forms
Today’s Conveyancer continues coverage of the Law Society’s updated conveyancing protocol forms, including the updated TA6 forms.
A Law Society spokesperson said: “Once we have had the opportunity to examine those concerns, we will be in a position to consider what, if any, additional guidance, clarification or measures may be necessary.”
Social mobility in the profession
Former Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce speaks to Personnel Today about social mobility in the legal profession.
Also worth a read:
- SQE fees will rise by 5% in September - Legal Cheek
- Lawyers admit charging for extra hours they have not worked – Times (£)
- Judges speaking out stirs debate – Times (£)
- Appeal court in dock over crime cases – Times (£)
- Bar fight over qualification reform – Times (£)
- Face-to-face mental health tribunals are suspended in safety review – Gazette
- 239% rise in asylum seekers left homeless after Home Office evictions – Independent
- Former senior judge calls Post Office Horizon IT cases the “greatest scandal” he has ever seen - Guardian
- Lawyers join newspapers to urge SLAPPS bill changes – Legal Futures
- £55m investment in facial recognition technology to crackdown on shoplifting in England and Wales - Guardian