Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
Government plans to speed-up changes to controversial Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) continue to get coverage including in the Gazette, News-24 France, Yahoo News and many other publications.
Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce described the use of SLAPPs as 'controversial'.
She added: "It is in the public interest that our justice system works for all people regardless of their means and produces fair outcomes."
Overhaul of legal aid system
The Law Society's response to news the ministry of justice has proposed landmark changes to the legal aid system also continues to be reported including in New Law Journal and Today's Wills and Probate. The government has committed to increase criminal defence rates and to make welcome changes to the means test, which should improve access to legal aid.
"After decades of decline, it's a welcome relief to see the government commit to increase legal aid rates by the 15% that Sir Christopher Bellamy recommended – including for magistrates' court and police station work," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
"The Law Society and many others have been calling for investment for many years, and finally our concerns are being heard. This investment represents a welcome first step towards repairing our criminal justice system and ensuring defence solicitors are available when any of us may need them."
Read our press release
P&O sackings
Max Winthrop of our employment law committee hit the airwaves yesterday to give his take on the sackings of P&O staff. He was on BBC Radio Wales drivetime programme from 43:47 as well as on BBC Radio Berkshire, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Humberside, BBC Hereford & Worcestershire and BBC Essex.
Jodie Hill, also a member of the employment law committee, spoke about the same issues with Times Radio.
Rethinking Ageism
The FT looks at how law firms are rethinking ageism, mentioning Law Society data from 2020 that shows solicitors aged over 70 make up just 3 per cent of partners.
Human Rights Act
Our opposition to reforms of the Human Rights Act is reported on by the New Law Journal, which also features our views on the government response to the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid.
Local Government Lawyer notes that, like the Law Society, local government lawyers are concerned about many aspects of the proposed Human Rights Act reforms.
Also worth a read: