Law Society issues legal challenge to criminal legal aid decision
The Guardian, Politico, Independent, Gazette, Law360 (£) and others report the Law Society has sought permission from the High Court for a judicial review of the government’s criminal legal aid reform in court.
The decision to judicially review the government comes after the MoJ refused to increase criminal legal aid fees by the minimum 15% recommended by Lord Bellamy’s independent review.
President Lubna Shuja said: “We believe UK government’s decision not to increase criminal defence solicitors’ legal aid rates by the recommended minimum 15% is both unlawful and irrational. It has had, and will continue to have, dire consequences for access to justice and puts the future of the criminal justice system in jeopardy.
“The criminal justice system is collapsing around us due to wholly inadequate government investment and irrational policymaking. The Law Society will do everything in our power to get a fair deal for defence solicitors and ensure access to justice for all.”
The judicial review is covered by around 300 regional outlets, including the Sunday Post, Northern Times, National, Western Telegraph, South Wales Argus, Bournemouth Echo, Hereford Times, and Telegraph & Argus.
Spotlight on Chief Executive Ian Jeffrey
The Gazette profiles Law Society Chief Executive Ian Jeffrey.
Ian is quoted: “A properly resourced and functioning criminal justice system is a very important part, not just of the wider profession all solicitors join, but society as a whole.”
Change to age at which couples can marry
Karen Dovaston, Chair of our Family Law Committee, spoke to BBC Cornwall (from 01:26:30) about the marriage age rising from 16 to 18 in England and Wales, and how this change should help stop children entering into forced marriages.
Law Society regional ceremonies
LawCareers.Net reports that the Law Society will begin regional admission ceremonies for qualifying solicitors.
A Law Society spokesperson is quoted: “Qualifying as a solicitor is a huge achievement and the Law Society is looking for viable ways for more people to attend admission ceremonies and celebrate this milestone with friends and family.”
British Airways customer legal case
Law Society Council Membership Committee member Gary Rycroft speaks to BBC News & Current Affairs, Sunday Express, UK Daily News and multiple regional, national and international outlets about the case of a woman with no legal training who won a legal case against British Airways.
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