Courts backlog
Gazette reports on our response to the updated criminal courts backlog statistics, published by the Ministry of Justice as new statistics show 68,125 outstanding Crown court cases.
President Nick Emmerson said: “It is alarming to see the criminal court backlogs continue to spiral. It is unacceptable that victims, witnesses, and defendants are having to wait so long, with their lives in limbo, to access justice. The criminal justice system is in crisis with huge backlogs of cases, crumbling courts and overcrowded prisons.
There simply are not enough judges and lawyers to work on all the cases and we have heard concerning reports that court buildings are not being used to their full capacity.
It also rightly pointed to the dilapidated state of much of the court estate and the failure to deliver prisoners to court on time as factors which only add to the delays.
Sustained investment across the criminal justice system must be a priority for the next UK government.”
New TA forms
Inside Conveyancing, Todays Conveyancer, Property Industry Eye and Legal Futures report that around 30 law firms have chosen to adopt the new TA forms, ahead of the Law Society’s deadline on 25th June, using InfoTrack’s electronic onboarding solution.
QLR fees
Australasian Lawyer and Canadian Lawyer report on our response for the next government to closely monitor the impact of the 10 percent fee increase for lawyers appointed by the court to prevent domestic and abuse complainants, from being cross examined by their perpetrator.
President Nick Emmerson said: "The Law Society’s recent research by Frontier Economics suggests that more than a 10% increase would be needed to make legal aid fees sustainable and the same would apply to the QLR fees.
We will need to monitor this closely to understand if it is having the required impact. While this is a positive step in the right direction, we won’t know the impact it is having unless the scheme is properly evaluated.
"Our members often tell us about issues with the scheme and the lack of QLRs available across the country. A thorough examination would bring to light what else needs to be improved. We encourage the next UK government to closely monitor this change to ensure it makes the scheme sustainable and encourages sufficient practitioners to sign up to provide this vital service."
Law tech
Legal Reader reports on the usage of technology used by law firms, to carry out research, legal management and client communication. Our statistics are mentioned.
Legal Futures reports that the legal industry is at a crucial juncture, facing the dual priorities of integrating AI into their practices and addressing the impact of climate change. The article and mentions our milestone climate change guidance.
Fin Tech World Post reports that a range of support packages are now available as part of a £1.8 million accelerator project, Technology in Professional Services (TiPS). The Law Society is one of the TiPS project partners, advising on the design and delivery of the project.
UK-India immigration law award
Fernandes Vaz Solicitors has received the “Excellence in UK India Corridor Award 2024” in the immigration law category. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the president of the Law Society of England & Wales, Nick Emmerson.
Also worth a read:
- A YouGov survey for The Times finds backing for Nigel Farage’s party at 19 per cent – Times (£)
- Families have 'nowhere to go' as no-fault evictions rise - BBC
- Next UK government faces payouts to dozens of Rwanda flight detainees – Guardian
- Backlogs spiral across justice system – Gazette
- Keir Starmer sets out £8.6bn of tax rises at Labour manifesto launch – FT (£)
- ECJ to fine Hungary €1m a day until it complies with EU refugee laws – Guardian