Annual Statistics Report
Legal Cheek, the Gazette and Irish Legal News report on our Annual Statistics Report 2021.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “As an in-house lawyer myself, it is encouraging to see solicitors employed in-house by organisations, ranging from FTSE and private companies to local authorities, now make up a quarter of the profession.
“It is also encouraging to see the number of women working in the profession and people from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background.
“There is, however, more work to be done in increasing representation of those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic, and low socio-economic backgrounds, as well as increasing the number of women in the higher echelons of the profession.”
Law Commission proposes reforms to Arbitration Act
The Gazette, Today’s Family Lawyer and Today’s Wills & Probate cover the news that the Law Commission has published proposals to update the Arbitration Act 1996.
I. Stephanie Boyce said the Arbitration Act “enabled the growth and standing of our jurisdiction as an international destination for arbitration.
“However, the world is not standing still and it is important to review and update the provisions of the Act some 25 years after it was adopted.”
Criminal legal aid lawyers
Scottish Legal News reports there has been a fall in the number of firms and solicitors providing legal advice to people brought in for questioning at police stations.
We said many criminal lawyers are “voting with their feet” and leaving the profession.
Council elections
Legal News Wales and the Business Desk report the results of our Council elections.
Clive Thomas has been elected as our South Wales member and Karen Bexley has been elected to one of the five seats representing women lawyers.
Clive Thomas said: “I am looking forward to actively representing South Wales at Chancery Lane.”
Karen Bexley said: “I fully intend to do what I can to help ensure that others have the best possible opportunity to fully realise the potential of their own careers.”
President heads to Preston
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce visited Preston and Sheffield this week.
The Cumbria Times and Lancashire Times report on Stephanie’s visit to Forbes Solicitors.
Craig MacKenzie, a partner at Forbes Solicitors said: “It’s a privilege to be involved with the Preston Incorporated Law Society and to be able to discuss our plans with Stephanie Boyce – an inspiring and hugely experienced member of the legal profession.”
Also worth a read:
- Legal aid strikes: Four murder accused to be released on bail – Guardian
- Mini budget announcement: Watch live: BBC News (Live)
- SRA offered unlimited fining powers for economic crime – Gazette
- PM appoints MoJ ministers, including ex-crime solicitor – Legal Futures