Today's rundown:
Afghan women judges 'in hiding'
Solicitors Qualifying Exam guidance
Law Society Awards
Afghan resettlement scheme urgently needed
Global Legal Post reports Afghan women judges are in hiding in the wake of the fall of the country to the Taliban. Comments from Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce that she fears the UK government's resettlement scheme will be insufficient to protect all those in danger are carried. Also covered by Lawyer Monthly.
The articles follow our joint call with the Bar Council and the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales earlier this week for the UK government to assist in the evacuation of Afghans working in the justice system, particularly female judges. This was also mentioned in parliament by Sir Bob Neil and subsequently picked up by LBC and BBC News Wales. You can view the parliament clip here (10:40:30).
Read our statement here.
Solicitors Qualifying Exam Guidance
Today's Wills and Probate reports on our guidance for firms ahead of the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) next month. Under the SQE, candidates must complete two years' Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) in order to qualify as a solicitor, as well as passing two sets of exams – SQE1 and SQE2.
Stephanie Boyce said "QWE has the potential to be far more flexible than the current arrangements, with candidates able to undertake up to four placements with different firms to build the required two years' experience."
Read our press release here.
Diversity Access Scheme scholars revealed
The Gazette, Business Mayor and the Law Society of Ireland Gazette report on news that 15 aspiring solicitors have been awarded a coveted scholarship by the Law Society of England and Wales' Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) to help them qualify.
DAS aims to improve social mobility in the profession by supporting those who face exceptional social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to become solicitors. To date, the scheme has helped nearly 250 aspiring solicitors start their legal careers.
Stephanie Boyce said: "In recognition of the increased need for funding we are thrilled to welcome 15 new students onto the Diversity Access Scheme and support them in becoming solicitors. I am grateful to our sponsors, the Legal Education Trust and others who have made this all possible."
Also worth a read:
- Biden: no American will be left behind – BBC
- Tributes to solicitor Julian Young - Gazette
- Solicitor 'facing SRA probe' over Taliban tweet – Legal Futures
- Raab under fire over Afghan translator call – Daily Mail