LSB confirms review of SSB Group collapse
The Gazette and Legal Futures report the Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced an independent review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) regulatory actions in the lead-up to last year’s collapse of SSB Group.
Law Society chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “We welcomed the LSB carrying out an independent review of the events leading to the collapse of Axiom Ince and the SRA’s intervention to close the firm. We similarly welcome this independent review of regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group, which also raises concerns about the timely detection of and protection against consumer detriment.
“As the oversight body responsible for assessing and monitoring effective and transparent regulatory performance, the LSB has the necessary investigation and enforcement powers to ensure that the events and regulatory actions relating to such serious incidents are fully brought to light.
“We stand ready to work with the LSB and, as appropriate, the SRA to ensure that all proper assurance is provided to the public and to our members.”
Mental health tribunals suspended
The Gazette reports that face-to-face tribunal hearings will be suspended in some mental health hospitals if the premises don’t comply with the minimum safety and security requirements.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson urged HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to work with NHS trusts to “ensure that patients are given the option of a face-to-face hearing” to “ensure patients have access to the justice they are entitled to.”
“We are concerned about the impact of the decision by HMCTS to suspend face-to-face tribunal hearings in venues that do not comply with safety standards. Tribunal hearings involving vulnerable people are likely to be best served when in-person.
“While the safety of staff is critical, patients must be able to effectively exercise their rights to challenge their detention.”
Pro Bono Recognition List
Legal Cheek, Paradise, Legal News Wales and UK Fundraising report 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.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The Law Society supports the Pro Bono Recognition List and we urge all solicitors and barristers who have given 25 or more hours of legal pro bono support in the previous year to submit their name.
“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.
Pro Bono Awards
LawCareers.Net reports that LawWorks has announced the shortlist for its upcoming Pro Bono Awards ceremony. Law Society president Nick Emmerson is one of the judges.
Material Information TA6 forms
Legal Support Network covers the publication of our updated Material Information TA6 forms.
In-house lawyers
Jennifer Swallow, a lawyer and adviser to technology and legal businesses, writes in the Gazette about the needs of in-house lawyers.
She notes the Justice Select Committee admitted to the importance of addressing the needs of in-house lawyers and recommended that the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law Society must do so.
Read about our in-house solicitors’ network
Also worth a read:
- Post Office/Horizon IT inquiry: MD did not know organisation could prosecute – Gazette, BBC News & Independent
- Alan Bates considering private prosecutions of Post Office bosses – BBC News, Guardian & Times (£)
- CILEX not a representative body, members told – Gazette
- SRA recruiting new chair – Gazette & Legal Futures
- Firms face £5.4bn debt burden – Solicitors Journal
- Hillsborough disaster: Minutes’ silence to mark 35th anniversary – BBC News
- Rwanda Bill: Legal challenges set to be launched – BBC News
- Rwanda scheme: Cost could top £5bn in first five years – Telegraph (£)