Remote witnessing of wills useful option but not game-changer
A survey we conducted about whether to extend remote witnessing of wills beyond January 2022 has found only a small proportion of solicitors have chosen to use it for their clients, the Daily Express, Today's Wills & Probate and Brinkwire report.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "While the availability of remote witnessing has not dramatically changed the legal profession's approach to will-writing, it has been a useful option in some circumstances. Solicitors have continued to exercise the highest standards of professional judgment in deciding what is in the best interests of their clients."
Read our press release and our report in full
WTO agreement will cut costs for solicitors
Wired Gov, Foreign Affairs, Mirage News and Law Society Gazette Ireland reports on the agreement between 67 members of the World Trade Organisation which aims to reduce barriers to accessing international markets.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Nearly all international commercial transactions require the services of lawyers from two or more jurisdictions, and this can be done most effectively where foreign and local firms can work smoothly together. This agreement will facilitate that cooperation."
Flexible working should begin with job offer
In our response to a government consultation, we have said that people should be able to make a flexible working request from the moment they are offered the job. Inside Conveyancing, Solicitors Journal and Property Industry Eye pick up the story.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Giving employees the right to request flexible working from day one of a new job is a positive development, but the government can do more. They should extend this right to the time someone is offered a position."
Diversity targets in recruitment
Paul Singh, a member of our employment law committee, was on Times Radio talking about diversity targets in recruitment after BT announced it wished to have a 25% Black, Asian and minority ethnic workforce by 2030.
Spotlight on the Diversity Access Scheme
The Gazette carries an in-depth piece looking at our Diversity Access Scheme (DAS). I. Stephanie Boyce said: "DAS has, to date, helped around 250 aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds to kickstart their legal career. I am hugely proud of and admire the achievements of our DAS alumni in the face of real challenges – with some awardees having escaped oppressive overseas regimes and some achieving professional success while dealing with serious disabilities."
Read about our Diversity Access Scheme
LSB must give frontline regulators room to understand consumer engagement
We have said the Legal Services Board must give frontline regulators room to understand consumer engagement and the challenges facing the public before introducing new measures, Today's Wills & Probate reports.
"Empowering consumers to engage more effectively with the legal market can help alleviate some of the underlying obstacles to obtaining professional legal advice," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
Also worth a read:
- Oxford jab creator says next pandemic could be more lethal – Guardian
- Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to four years in jail – BBC
- MPs to be given powers to strike out findings from judicial reviews – Times (£)
- Arthur Labinjo Hughes: National inquiry launched over six year-old's murder – Sky News
- Drug offenders' passports to be removed in crime crackdown – Evening Standard
- Human Rights Act: Raab shows his hand over revisions – Gazette