Under-representation in the judiciary
The Gazette, Legal Cheek, Law360 (£), Global Legal Post, Company Insight, Scottish Legal News and Irish Legal News cover our analysis that it will take more than 120 years before women, Asian and Black people are properly represented within the England and Wales judiciary at the current rate of progress.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We need a judiciary that truly reflects our diverse society.
“We must take action and make real, lasting change so our judges can represent the people who come before them in court.
“We urge the UK government to address the structural barriers that are holding back talented candidates.”
Judicial Appointments Commission
Law360 (£) covers the appointment of Solicitor judge the Honourable Mr Justice Adam Johnson as a Judicial Commissioner of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for three years.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We are delighted to see that a solicitor judge has joined the JAC.
“In his role, he will be able to ensure the skills solicitors can bring to the judiciary are understood.
“The number of judges from a solicitor background has been falling since 2014. Last year, solicitors made up nearly half of candidates but only a quarter of recommendations.
“This is extremely disappointing as solicitors have a wide range of transferable skills that would be of use in the judiciary.”
Divorce spike
An FT Adviser (£) piece on the spike in the divorce rate increasing the risk of financial vulnerability mentions the Law Society.
Also worth a read:
- Concern over Online Safety Bill delay – Guardian
- Interview with Professor Michael Zander KC – New Law Journal
- Analysis shows nearly two-thirds of legal contracts were ‘gender biased’ – Legal Cheek
- Crucial costs recovery ruling – Gazette
- Police solving the lowest proportion of crime on record – Telegraph (£)