Reviewing the papers
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce was on GB News this morning reviewing the papers and discussing today’s news stories.
Solicitors protest legal aid rates
The Guardian and Yahoo! News run an in-depth piece discussing how criminal defence solicitors are refusing some cases – such as burglary cases – because the legal aid fees are too low.
The piece cites our position on the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) plan to provide extra legal aid funding to lawyers. We are calling for the full 15% increase for all legal aid fees – instead of the 9% it will actually be.
Our response to the Christopher Bellamy QC review said that in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cornwall and Worcestershire, there are no criminal legal law solicitors aged under 35 who’re practising. In 2019, 62% of duty solicitors were aged 45 or over.
MoJ to fast-track criminal legal aid fee increase
The MoJ’s plan to fast-track an increase in legal aid fees is covered by LawCareers.net.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “These first-stage changes are welcome, with some rate increases set to be in place as early as September. The next steps will be to ensure our members see the full 15% rate increase recommended by the independent review of criminal legal aid. We also hope to see the Crown court scheme reformed.”
Cartlidge weighs in on criminal legal aid
Writing in the Gazette, James Cartlidge MP, parliamentary under-secretary of state for justice weighs in on the UK government’s response to increasing criminal legal aid fees.
He says the government is hoping to make it “easier for CILEX professionals to become duty solicitors without having to achieve extra qualifications and finding ways for duty solicitors to work remotely – benefiting those with caring responsibilities.”
#LegalPride2022: Lawyers unite to celebrate 50 years of Pride
Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Wills & Probate and Today’s Family Lawyer report the Law Society marching alongside the Bar Council and CILEX at London Pride and Pride Cymru.
“2022 is a historic year for Pride and I am delighted to be marching alongside my colleagues,” said I. Stephanie Boyce.
“We stand alongside our LGBT+ colleagues and LGBT+ allies this Pride and we will continue to walk with them throughout their career.”
Read our joint press release and see Twitter for #LegalPride
SRA’s fining power increase approved
Law360 (£) reports on the increase in Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) fining powers from £2,000 to £25,000, which was approved by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) last week.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We remain concerned about the lack of independence within the SRA between decision makers and prosecutors, as well as the lack of transparency around SRA decisions. We do not think that the right of appeal to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) is an adequate safeguard.
“We staunchly opposed this increase in fining powers and lobbied the MoJ to reconsider its position, however, it has decided to forge ahead.”
The Gazette also ponders why Dominic Raab is so keen to hand extra powers to the SRA and points to our position on the matter.
Unregulated legal services
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has carried out research into unregulated legal services which suggests they may account for up to 9% of the legal consumer market, Today’s Wills & Probate reports.
Unregulated providers are generally cheaper though customers are more likely to report dissatisfaction, according to the research.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We are still concerned about the public’s confusion about the difference between regulated and unregulated providers. Consumers must be made aware of the limited redress available from unregulated providers compared to the substantial redress available from regulated providers.”
Also worth a read:
- Suspect charged in Copenhagen shooting – Guardian
- Zara Aleena: Vigil held for aspiring lawyer murdered in Ilford – ITV News
- Innocent people could go to jail if government does not raise legal aid fees, warn lawyers – Mirror
- Herbert Smith Freehills up NQ pay to £120k – Legal Cheek
- Linklaters not rushing to raise NQ pay to match rivals – Legal Cheek