South Asian Heritage Month
Gazette reports that six in 10 South Asian partners experience microaggressions at work, as we honour South Asian Heritage Month.
President Nick Emmerson said: “South Asian Heritage Month is important as it raises awareness of the richness of South Asia’s history and culture. It also recognises the diverse experiences and valuable contributions of South Asian communities in this country.
“This year the theme is ‘Free to be me.’ I encourage my South Asian colleagues and their allies to connect with each other this month, so we can celebrate the unique perspectives that make up our profession.”
King’s Speech
Solicitors Journal and Inside Conveyancing continue coverage of our reaction to the King’s speech.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Writing new laws is not a panacea in the absence of adequate funding of all facets of the criminal justice system and timely, expert advice and support.
"Immediate steps that should be taken are a real terms increase in criminal legal aid rates of 15% while wider reform takes place and, for civil legal aid, an immediate £11.3m investment in early advice to sustain the system while the ongoing review takes place."
New CILEX chair
Global Legal Post reports that CILEX has appointed a new chair, Eileen Milner who will become chair in January.
Chief executive Officer Ian Jeffrey said: “Seriously consider whether the time, resources and management focus required to integrate CILEX regulation into the SRA is wise, given the other priorities the SRA faces in light of the collapse of Axiom Ince.
“We are deeply concerned that the SRA Board has given the go-ahead to regulating CILEX members, despite its own regulated community, and CILEX’s members objecting to the idea of regulatory change, and the Legal Services Consumer Panel stating that the consumer case has not been made.”
Post Office inquiry
Gazette covers the impact that the Post Office scandal has had on in-house lawyers. Our in-house conference is mentioned.
Also worth a read:
- Andy Malkinson could have been freed after five years - report - BBC News
- CCRC chair rejects minister’s call to resign over Andrew Malkinson case – Guardian
- Crime victims let down by police who ‘fail to get basics right’ – Telegraph (£)
- MoJ cuts maximum time high-risk offenders spend in hostel supervision – Guardian
- Overhaul of workers’ rights raises alarm among employers – Financial Times (£)
- CLC ups financial pressure on firms to deal with complaints – Legal Futures
- Introduction of the Arbitration Bill aims to modernise UK arbitration laws – Solicitors Journal
- Government promotes ‘Hillsborough Law’ to address state failures and promote transparency – The Justice Gap
- Five Just Stop Oil activists receive record sentences for planning to block M25 - The Guardian
- UK wages grow at slowest pace in two years – Times (£)
- Judiciary moving at glacial pace on improving diversity – Times (£)