British judges resign from Hong Kong's top court
City AM, Global Legal Post and Daily Advent cover our support for two British judges who have resigned from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Judicial independence is paramount and we respect this decision. It is a matter for the UK Supreme Court judges, as well as UK and foreign retired judges to make their own decisions about whether to continue sitting in the HKFCA.
"Lord Reed referenced the adoption of the National Security Law in 2020 and that the position has been increasingly finely balanced ever since.
"This is an assessment which we share, and we have previously expressed our own concerns on the adoption and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong."
Legal aid promises fall short
The Times (£) and New Law Journal report our critique of the government's criminal legal aid package, which falls far short of what was billed.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "The government response sends a clear message that the Ministry of Justice is simply not serious about tackling that crisis."
The Gazette covers the response from the Ministry of Justice.
Read our press release
Being queer in the legal profession
LawCareers.Net speaks to Anna Casey-Woodward and Bridget Garrood, from our LGBT+ lawyers division committee, about their experience of being queer in the legal profession.
Ukrainian refugees
Danielle Cohen, a member of our women lawyers division, was on BBC Radio Cornwall (from 43:27) talking about the process Ukrainian refugees need to follow to get to the UK.
Family voucher scheme
The Ministry of Justice is being urged to extend the family voucher scheme, the Gazette, Business Mayor and Business Fast report with quotes from a member of our family law committee, Jo O'Sullivan.
Divorce fee criticised
Solicitors are criticising the £593 fee for divorce, according to Today's Family Lawyer which quotes David Hodson, another member of our family law committee.
Legal Services Board's business plan
Today's Wills and Probate covers our response to the Legal Services Board's business plan for 2022/23.
"We welcome the LSB's continued focus on D&I and technology and innovation, which align with the Law Society's priorities," said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
"We are also pleased to see a focus on addressing the Legal Ombudsman's (LeO) performance failures.
Read our release
Also worth a read:
- House price boom – Guardian
- Wrongful covid prosecutions – Independent
- Raab to appeal against release of Baby P's mother - Guardian