Criminal defence funding pre-action protocol
The Independent, Evening Standard, Daily Mail, Gazette, Solicitors Journal, Law360 (£), Asian Image and around 400 regional publications cover our pre-action protocol letter that sets out our arguments for why the Lord Chancellor’s decision not to increase criminal legal aid rates for defence solicitors by the bare minimum recommended by an independent review is unlawful.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: “We argue the lord chancellor’s decision not to remunerate solicitors by the bare minimum 15%, which the independent review said was needed immediately over a year ago to prevent the collapse of the criminal defence sector, is unlawful, as is the decision not to take action to address the risk of local market failure.
“We are seeking a commitment by the government to withdraw both decisions and reconsider them within a mutually agreed timetable. If not, we will issue a judicial review seeking an order to quash them.”
Civil Legal Aid Review
New Law Journal covers our response to the government’s Civil Legal Aid Review announcement.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Law Society analysis suggests that the number of providers starting legal aid work could drop by a third by 2025, leaving many without access to a lawyer when they desperately need one.”
Our Head of Justice Richard Miller is featured again on BBC Shropshire (from 01:47:35) discussing the review announcement and the need to immediately fund civil legal aid.
Anti-strike laws
Max Winthrop, a member of our Employment Law Committee, spoke to LBC (00:38) about the government’s anti-strike plans. Solicitors Journal also covers the story.
Updated property forms published
The Negotiator covers the launch of updated property forms including the TA7 and LPE1.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The LPE1 and TA7 forms have been amended as part of efforts to ensure that those who want to buy or re-mortgage flats affected by building safety issues can access mortgage finance.”
Also worth a read:
- Sacked Twitter workers accuse firm of “unlawful” treatment - Guardian
- Research suggests law firm savings through digitisation – Legal Futures
- Plan to help tackle court backlog – Times (£)
- Pressure on BSB to improve performance – Legal Futures & Gazette