Deputy vice president
The Gazette, Legal Brief and the Solicitors Journal report the news that criminal legal aid solicitor Richard Akinson has won the Law Society of England and Wales 2022 election for deputy vice president of the solicitor profession.
He will take office in October, become vice president in 2023 and president in 2024-2025.
Richard Akinson said: “I stood for office because of my strong belief in our profession, its values and the work it does to support our clients and uphold the rule of law. As lawyers we need to be courageous and speak out on behalf of those less able, for the independence of the legal system and institutions that are key to a functioning democracy. Many of these are under threat, not least our criminal justice system.”
Criminal law recruitment
The Telegraph (£) examines the pay trainee barristers are being offered by chambers to attract legal talent.
It also cites our warning of a “looming crisis” in criminal law recruitment. Our data shows that between 2018 and 2021, the number of duty solicitors aged 35 plunged by almost 35%.
Legal risks of Don’t Pay UK
Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, speaks to the Big Issue and i News about the legal risks of the public cancelling their electricity bills amid the spiralling cost of living crisis.
Refusing to pay bills could have “dire consequences for the individuals concerned,” particularly those on low incomes, he said.
“In my view, an informed decision is understanding the potential risk to them… they’re going to be in breach of their contract with the energy companies. They could ultimately have their energy cut off or they could be put on a prepayment meter before that. And of course, any debt that accrues in their name is going have a negative impact on their credit report.
“There’s potential personal risk for people that go down this route. If people go down this route, fully informed, absolutely fine. If people aren’t fully informed and induced into doing it, thinking there is going to be safety in numbers, then I fear for them.”
Rise in recommended minimum salary
Legal Cheek reports about our 4% rise in recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors across England and Wales.
Law Society vice president Lubna Shuja said: “This increase in the recommended salary for aspiring solicitors is considered to be appropriate at this time.
“It is expected that the rise in inflation will continue. There are a range of factors which will have to be taken into account during our discussions around the minimum salary policy and uplift next year, including the rising cost-of-living expenses and the economic impact that has had, and will have, on solicitors’ businesses.”
Council seat elections
We are currently recruiting for a number of seats on our Council. Local Government Lawyer outlines that Philip Horsfield is standing for election to the Yorkshire and Humberside Seat.
Find out more about our Council elections
Also worth a read:
- Judicial Review: Leaked report shows Raab trying to curb judges’ powers – Guardian
- Sophie Khan struck off over behaving ‘dishonestly’ with clients – Times (£)
- Archie Battersbea: Parents call for inquiry into legal battle over withdrawal of life support – BBC News
- Digital assets reform proposals published by the Law Commission – Today’s Family Lawyer