Government attacks immigration lawyers
The Sunday Express reports the UK government’s claim several firms are being monitored for ‘creating work for themselves by helping illegal immigrants avoid deportation’.
A government source said: “The abuse of the system is widespread and systematic. These lawyers know what they’re doing - it’s a gravy train and the aim of the game is to string it out as long as possible and put in the least amount of work so they can maximise the money they take from the taxpayer.”
We said it was “vital to avoid any perception of interference or intimidation” by the state, with Law Society President Lubna Shuja adding: “Law firms are rigorously regulated and rightly held to high standards.
“Any concerns about law firm practices should be reported to and investigated by authorities independent of government such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
“This is vital to avoid any perception of interference or intimidation by the state of those who ensure the Home Office is making lawful decisions.
“The independence between government and the legal system safeguards people’s right to hold public bodies and those in power to account.”
Politico also covers our response.
Court woes in the spotlight
Head Topics covers the Economist (£) discussion of Law Society survey findings on the state of the courts in England and Wales, and how disrepair and a lack of investment are fuelling the backlogs of cases waiting to be heard, now at an all-time high.
Problems reported included a judge losing a whole day because prisoners couldn’t get out of a van when the shutters of a loading bay were jammed, leading to the defendants being driven back to their cells.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “It all sounds very Fawlty Towers but actually, these things are not getting fixed.”
NAO report highlights criminal court failings
The Gazette runs an in-depth report into the National Audit Office’s (NAO) report, which found that hasty implementation of reforms by HM Courts and Tribunals Service has increased the burden on criminal courts which are already under pressure to reduce a huge backlog of cases.
“Our concern, reflected in the NAO’s report, is that delays in the courts are being exacerbated by ineffective reforms, which are costing more time and wasting money,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
Section 28 and the LGBTQ+ rights movement
Jacqui Rhule-Dagher, a member of our LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network, writes in Pink News about how Section 28 spurred the LGBTQ+ community into action.
She said: “Section 28 was a tragic stain on our British political history, but by choosing kindness, empathy and thinking rationally we can hopefully avoid making a mockery out of the needs of the trans community. This February, and beyond, let us remember the ‘T’ in ‘history’ and ‘equality’.”
Diversity Access Scheme
New Zealand Lawyer, Canadian Lawyer and Australasian Lawyer report we have opened our Diversity Access Scheme, which aims to improve social mobility and diversity in the legal profession.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Our profession needs talented, driven individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. I encourage any aspiring solicitor who is facing particular challenges on their way to qualification to consider applying for a place on the scheme.”
Also worth a read:
- Parliament must have vote on NI Brexit deal, says Theresa Villiers – Guardian
- NI protocol deal political analysis – BBC News
- Marriage age rises to 18 in England and Wales – Sky News & BBC News
- Bird & Bird introduces solicitor apprenticeship programme – Legal Cheek