The complexities of criminal law
Stuart Nolan, chair of our criminal law committee, was on BBC Breakfast where he explained the legal process in cases like that of the driver who hit a knife attacker with his car.
Probate fee increase
The Sun and the Scottish Sun reported on the probate fee hike which came into effect on 26 January with fees rising to a single, flat rate fee of £273.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We support the 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.
"However, we query why the UK government has decided to increase fees at this time, particularly as the probate service is still facing delays."
Funding for criminal legal aid essential
The Gazette publishes an in-depth piece examining the lack of funding of criminal legal aid solicitors. It follows the Sir Christopher Bellamy QC's recommendations in the Criminal Legal Aid Review – which the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) may not respond to until March.
I. Stephanie Boyce said the MoJ needs to respond quickly "and get the recommended investment to our members as soon as they can".
Waiting for justice
The Guardian runs an in-depth piece examining the criminal court backlog and the moves taken by justice secretary Dominic Raab to reduce the delays – by giving magistrates powers to send people to prison for up to a year, up from six months.
"Concerns include the effect that the new sentencing powers will have on defendants' decision-making. If longer sentences handed down by magistrates result in more appeals, then reduced waiting lists will not be achieved."
Solicitor profession
I. Stephanie Boyce tells Marie Claire: "Solicitors are held to the highest standards in their work and – though sometimes things do go wrong – the profession is perceived as highly trustworthy and reliable and you'd value that in any workplace."
The magazine examines the careers solicitors could enter should they want a career change.
She added: "Solicitors have valuable applicable skills in business. Not only do they advise businesses on the law, but they often work at companies in-house, or run businesses themselves if they are in practice."
Legal charity celebrates milestone
LawCare, which began life in its first employee's kitchen in 1997 with a grant from the Law Society, published its 2021 impact report, according to Today's Family Lawyer.
CEO Elizabeth Rimmer is quoted: "We are very proud that we have supported over 10,000 people in the legal community since we began 25 years ago."
The Gazette also reports the number of lawyers contacting LawCare fell by 10% last year. However, those experiencing stress rose by 24%.
Remote witnessing of wills
The challenges facing private client practitioners have changed since the pandemic, with solicitors having to navigate mental capacity issues remotely, making some practitioners nervous about the safeguards in place to stop people being financially abused.
Today's Wills & Probate cites our survey of 720 will practitioners in November 2021, which found that only 14% used video witnessing during the lockdowns.
Also worth a read:
- Sue Gray report: Tories demand full report – BBC
- Government plans to overhaul 'outdated' EU laws grandfathered over after Brexit – Independent
- Mason Greenwood arrested on suspicion of rape and assault – Guardian
- Crime: 5% of burglaries solved in 2021 – Times (£)
- Highway Code: Drivers & cyclists in war of words – Evening Standard
- Soophia Khan: SRA's intervention was fundamentally flawed – Gazette