Invasion of Ukraine
The Times (£), Legal Futures, Teller Report, New Law Journal and Law360 all report that the Law Society has defended the role of lawyers during growing pressures for firms to cut ties with some Russian clients, while Kennedys are to close their Moscow office, reports Law.com.
Bloomberg and the Irish Law Society Gazette look at how law firms are responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Lawyers have tweeted in defence of law firms after MP Bob Seely 'named and shamed' a number of lawyers with connections to Russian oligarchs, reports Legal Cheek.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "The Law Society stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the Ukrainian Bar Association. We also stand with the Russian people who oppose their government's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and lawyers who are defending the rule of law in the region.
"We condemn the actions of the Russian Federation, which are in contravention of international law. There is no doubt that these actions are a direct threat to the rule of law.
"We continue to support our members in the region at this difficult time."
SQE results delay
Today's Wills & Probate covers delays in students receiving their results from the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE1) meaning they will not be able to sit the second part of the exam (SQE2) in October this year.
"We understand the SRA's measures to ensure standards as the SQE assessments are still new but sympathise with the aspiring solicitors who have been disappointed and will have to wait until next year to sit the SQE2," said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
"We hope the Solicitors Regulation Authority can take this feedback on board and make any necessary adjustments for future cycles to ensure that the process is smoother."
Public defenders
The Times (£) looks at the Public Defender Service and whether it could be expanded by the government, noting that the Law Society has called for an immediate increase in funding to secure the future of the legal aid system.
Also worth a read:
- Appeal over 'misleading evidence' case – Gazette
- Nightingale Court closures - BBC
- Mishcon withdraws from B Corporation initiative – Legal Futures
- Invasion of Ukraine: Could Putin face justice at the ICC? - Guardian