Criminal courts backlog
The Financial Times (£) covers the news that an exodus of barristers from the legal profession is hampering the UK government's attempts to reduce the spiralling backlog in criminal cases.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce told the FT attempts to run the criminal courts at capacity were being hampered "by a lack of judges, court staff, prosecutors and defence lawyers".
She added: "Years of underfunding and cuts including court closures, caps on judicial sitting days and a lack of investment in legal aid have hit the criminal justice system hard, stretching it to breaking point."
Lunch with I. Stephanie Boyce
Stephanie Boyce featured on BBC Radio Derby's "Lunch with ..." (from 2:41:24) where she discussed her role and career journey. This particular broadcast is one of a number of items to mark Black History Month.
Lexology also trails an upcoming event at Squire Patton Boggs on 12 October, where the firm's global co-chair of inclusion and diversity committee, Alison Treliving will speak with I. Stephanie Boyce about her drive for a more diverse and inclusive profession and her own career.
Fire and pestilence
Law Society chief executive Paul Tennant talks to Gazette editor Paul Rogerson about his eventful tenure heading up the organisation.
Law Society Awards
The Gazette, Practice Source, Legal Futures and SW Londoner report that we have celebrated solicitors who champion some of the most vulnerable people in the society at our Law Society Awards 2021.
The winners included: Wilson Solicitors, Thursfield Legal Limited, Baker McKenzie, The Family Law Company, DAC Beachcorft, Rook Irwin Sweeney, among many others.
Excellence was recognised across 20 categories at the most prestigious awards ceremony for solicitors in England and Wales.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Congratulations to all the winners, commended and shortlisted in this year's awards.
"Solicitors help so many people – including the most vulnerable in society – in so many ways and it is a great pleasure to be able to recognise the efforts of our outstanding winners."
Read our press release and view our award winners
Legal aid deserts
Public Law Today and Brinkwire give their take on our legal aids deserts research.
Stephanie Boyce said: "Our analysis shows people on lower incomes who face terrifying legal issues from domestic abuse to homelessness or who need to challenge inadequate care or education from their local authority increasingly can't get the expert legal advice to which they are entitled."
Read about our legal aid deserts campaign
HMCTS invests in green tech and solar panels
The Ministry of Justice has spent £40m on solar panels, electric car charging points, and other green measures, to ensure the justice system 'is playing its part to tackle climate change,' reports the Gazette.
It also cites our spending review submission, where we recommended targeted investments, including reopening certain courts which have been closed but not yet sold, fully implementing the recommendations of the criminal legal aid review and reinstating legal aid for early advice from a lawyer in some areas of law.
SDT support for junior lawyers
We are exploring ways to support lawyers appearing before the solicitors disciplinary tribunal (SDT), amid claims that young solicitors face an inequality of arms during proceedings.
A Law Society spokesperson told the Gazette that it is aware that members are concerned about of the cost of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and its impact on junior lawyers. "It's true there is an inequality of arms between the individual solicitor and the prosecution in the tribunal, which is why the Law Society has consistently advocated that the higher (criminal) burden of proof applies at the SDT."
"We are looking at ways to offer more support to members appearing in the SDT, within the limits of what we are able to do under the regulatory regime."
Financial planning for the future
John Clarke, head of professions at Wesleyan Bank writes in the Gazette about how rigorous financial planning is vital to enabling firms to deal better with uncertainty and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
He cites our 2021 Financial Benchmarking survey, which found that over three-quarters of law firms turned to the various UK government support schemes to protect their cash positions at the outset of the pandemic.
One week until London Legal Walk
After a two-year absence, the London Legal Walk will be back on 18 October. We outline details about the event and legal advice charities supported by the initiative.
"Over the intervening two years, the number of people needing legal help, particularly with debt and benefits, has risen dramatically. So, may I urge everyone to raise as much as possible on their fundraising web pages to support the charities that help people in crisis," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
Find out more about the London Legal Walk 2021
Also worth a read:
- Investigation into Prince Andrew dropped by Met police – Guardian
- 750 sexual misconduct allegations made against police officers – BBC
- Migrants: Patel urged to 'come clean' on Channel crossing strategy – Times (£)
- Kraft Heinz boss warns higher food prices set to stay – Independent
- Long-haul destinations open up for UK citizens – Evening Standard