Court backlog
The Guardian, Yahoo! and three other media outlets report that the Ministry of Justice’s ambition to reduce the backlog in crown courts in England and Wales to 53,000 by March next year is no longer achievable, a parliamentary watchdog has said.
The NAO report, published on Friday, warns that court buildings are not fit for purpose due to “long term underinvestment,” possibly adding to the difficulty in reducing the backlog.
Nick Emmerson, the president of the Law Society, said: “The report correctly highlights the decline in lawyers working in the criminal defence profession, which is due to a reduction in legal aid fees, increasing levels of stress and poor working conditions. There simply are not enough solicitors, barristers and judges to do all the work and few young lawyers are attracted to the criminal defence profession.”
Mortgage possession claims
The Oldham Times, News and Star and two more media outlets report that renters and mortgage holders were at risk of losing their homes last year, with some facing repossession. The figures from the Ministry of Justice show 90 mortgage possession claims were made in Oldham in the year to March, 13 of which led to a property being repossessed by a bailiff.
Law Society president, Nick Emmerson said: “We are concerned about the number of people who are at risk of becoming homeless, with the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes."
Cambrian News covers the mortgage possession claims in Ceredigion. Nick Emmerson is quoted. Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: "We are concerned about the number of people who are at risk of becoming homeless. With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes."
Housing market
Today’s Conveyancer reports concerns have been raised that the general election won’t change the ‘broken’ housing market.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Nick Emmerson, said:
“The upcoming general election is a pivotal moment for our justice system. The legal sector contributes £60bn to the economy and plays an important role in securing economic growth. Delivering access to justice is vital for our justice system and all political parties must commit to upholding the rule of law and narrowing the justice gap to create a fairer, more accessible system for all.”
Compulsory mediation
The UK government has said that it expects to free up around 5,000 court days in England and Wales following today’s introduction of a new rule which requires parties in claims worth GBP 10,000 or less to take part in a mandatory one-hour mediation session, which will be provided free of charge by HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s (HMCTS) Small Claims Mediation Service, as reported by Global Legal Insights.
Law Society of England and Wales vice president Richard Atkinson welcomed the move, writing in a statement: “It is encouraging to see the UK government is pressing forward with ways to decrease the court backlog and ensure simple disputes are solved quickly and at minimal cost. It is also reassuring to see the government move towards an integrated approach to the mediation process, rather than impose a rigid mandatory requirement on the parties to find a resolution. Access to the courts will still be available to any who need to use it.”
TA6 form
Stephen Ward, CLC director of strategy and external relations writes a letter to the Gazette mentioning that Law Society president Nick Emmerson is offering an important update on the new property information form.
Stephen Ward, CLC director of strategy and external relations writes a letter to the Gazette mentioning that Law Society president Nick Emmerson is offering an important update on the new property information form.
Cybersecurity
Matthew McGee, member of the joint Law Society-Bar Council Cybersecurity Working Group, comments on the cybersecurity within the legal sector and the significant risks cyberattacks pose to sensitive client information, as reported by the Gazette.
Legal Services Board
The Solicitors Journal reports that the Legal Services Board has appointed Craig Westwood as its new Chief Executive Officer, set to join the organisation in August 2024. Ian Jeffery, CEO of the Law Society, highlighted the importance of the LSB’s oversight role and expressed eagerness to work with Craig on key issues affecting legal professionals and their clients.
Gov.uk and five other media outlets report Christine Nwaokolo, Law Society Children Accredited panel member, was appointed as a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board.
The Solicitor’s Handbook
Solicitors Journal reports that the Solicitor’s Handbook 2024, the handbook for solicitors and legal practitioners, has been published by the Law Society.
Former chair of civil justice committee
The Gazette reports that former solicitor Soophia Khan, who was once chair of the Law Society’s civil justice committee, returns to prison for contempt.
Also worth a read:
- High court finds anti-protest legislation unlawful – Gazette
- Prime minister cannot introduce signature policies on asylum and smoking before July 4 - FT
- Paula Vennells: Horizon convictions review dropped to ‘manage media’ - Times
- Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban Bill in doubt after exclusion from Commons schedule – Standard
- Government 'must go further' for a Hillsborough Law – BBC
- 'Joy' as Post Office convictions will be quashed – BBC
- Queen Mary and BARBRI create Russell Group’s first solicitor apprenticeship pathway – Legal Cheek