Lasting power of attorney
Coverage continues of the government's modernisation plans for the process of making a lasting power of attorney (LPA). Today's Wills and Probate and Today's Conveyancer pick up the story.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We welcome the MoJ's commitment to improve the speed and accuracy of making an LPA, as well as to continue to provide a paper service. Many people – such as those in care homes or people with learning difficulties – will continue to need to make an LPA via a paper process.
"We are pleased the government is looking at proposals to improve support for those who will struggle with using digital channels, as more needs to be done to ensure the reforms do not negatively impact vulnerable, disabled or older people."
In-house lawyers and climate change
Will Morris, chief council for civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce, and Adam Woodhall, chief executive of Lawyers for Net Zero, told solicitors at our in-house lawyers conference that in-house lawyers are uniquely placed to influence their organisation's response to the climate crisis. The Gazette picks up the story.
The article also mentions our climate change resolution which can support solicitors to develop a climate-conscious approach to legal practice.
Read our climate change resolution
Helping Ukraine
Jonathan Goldsmith, interim chair of PRAC and a council member, writes in the Gazette about the many ways lawyers can help the people of Ukraine, pointing to many Law Society web pages as well as to other initiatives.
Read how you can help support Ukraine
IT gaps
Global Security Mag and Financial IT report new polling shows gaps in training and preparation for cyber-attacks among legal professionals. The articles mention our guidance on cyber security.
The survey revealed a minority (45%) of the law firms who responded had updated their cybersecurity training to adapt to home and hybrid working.
Check out our cybersecurity resources
Home-working
Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, responds to a reader in World Wide News whose employer wants to cut their pay because they want to work from home.
Immigration solicitors
Mark Meets answers the question – what is a UK immigration solicitor and when do you need one? The article mentions that most qualified solicitors are members of the Law Society of England and Wales.
See our Find a Solicitor search
Rip Off Britain
Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, spoke to BBC's Rip Off Britain about what happens to your online data after you die.
Also worth a read:
- 'Reverse civil legal aid cuts' – think tank – Gazette
- Professional services seek Russia ban exemptions – FT (£)
- Met faces questions about credibility of Partygate inquiry after photos emerge – Guardian
- Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe says forced confession was condition of release – BBC
- What is the UK's inflation rate and why is the cost of living going up? – BBC