EU Retained Law Bill challenge to parliamentary sovereignty
The Gazette looks in-depth at the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce is quoted as saying: “The draft Retained EU Law Bill raises uncomfortable questions for parliamentary sovereignty, legal certainty and the rule of law in the UK. Provisions in the draft bill would enable government to effectively bypass the parliamentary scrutiny and stakeholder consultation that is inherent in good law-making.”
Black History Month call to action
Today’s Wills and Probate, Today’s Conveyancer and Today’s Family Lawyer cover Black History Month. This year’s theme is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: “This year’s Black History Month is especially personal to me, as it will be my last as president of the Law Society.
“Black people often experience racism and discrimination. Then they are expected to fix it. This must change. Our research discovered the challenges and obstacles Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors face due to their ethnicity.
“More work needs to be done in increasing representation of those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic, and low socio-economic backgrounds.”
The Guardian runs an in-depth piece looking at how law firms can improve diversity. It cites our Race for Inclusion report which said that ethnically diverse lawyers are still facing barriers including microaggressions, progression and the ethnicity pay gap.
Increase in number of law graduates
LawCareers.net reports on our Annual Statistics Report 2021, which found 19,000 students graduated with law degrees in England and Wales in 2021.
On the report findings more widely, I. Stephanie Boyce said she is encouraged 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.
“The decline in the number of firms also highlights the need for widespread investment in our justice system including legal aid rates to ensure lawyers are there when needed.”
Also worth a read:
- Modern Slavery Act reform – Mirror
- Benefits rise debate – Guardian (live)
- Covid inquiry begins – BBC
- Transactional legal services to Russia face restrictions - Legal Futures
- Court reporters spotlight - Gazette