Funding for criminal legal aid essential
The Financial Times (£) editorial board calls on the government to invest more in publicly funded criminal justice without delay, noting that low rates of pay are seeing criminal legal aid professionals leaving the sector in worrying numbers.
The board notes that while barristers striking may grab the headlines, it is criminal legal aid solicitors who are the most poorly paid and do much of the hard work attached to criminal defence.
Criminal investigation into Downing Street parties
Chair of the Law Society's criminal law committee Stuart Nolan spoke to inews about the criminal investigation into Downing Street parties and what kind of offence is being investigated.
Conveyancing stress
Inside Conveyancing features an article on whether conveyancers should focus more on guidance rather than compliance. The author recommends Law Society guidance and references Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce's comments on the pressure conveyancing solicitors were under during the countdown to the stamp duty holiday deadline.
Probate fee rise condemned
The Guardian reports a rise in probate fees has been widely condemned, noting the Law Society's concerns about a backlog caused by errors in the system and our demand for assurance that any increase in fees be used to improve the system.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We support the MoJ's aim to make a simpler, more streamlined process for users of the probate service, and we understand funds are needed to help this change and development."
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