India opens up to foreign lawyers and law firms
The Gazette and Global Legal Post report our reaction to the Bar Council of India publishing regulations to allow the establishment of foreign lawyers and law firms in India.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We were pleased to meet and discuss this issue with the Bar Council of India and the Law Secretary of India recently.
“The Bar Council of India’s decision is a significant step forward in this long-standing issue and will create huge opportunities for solicitors and Indian advocates in both countries. It will also give a boost to India’s wider economic ambitions.”
Publications including the Irish Sun, Bihar Times and Chicago Chronicle also mention the Law Society in their coverage of the Bar Council of India announcement.
Spring Budget response
The Gazette and New Law Journal report our response to yesterday’s Spring Budget.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We are disappointed the government has once again failed to invest in our justice system.
“The Chancellor can find £63 million to invest in swimming pools but not our crumbling justice system.
“It would only take £30 million to bridge the gap between current government proposals and independent recommendations to increase solicitors’ criminal legal aid fees by 15%.”
Committee member on Martin Lewis Money Show
Melinda Giles, a member of our Wills and Equity Committee, was on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live (from 07:09), answering questions from the public about how you can make sure your loved ones are included in your will, Lasting Power of Attorney and probate.
Law Society response to the Illegal Migration Bill
The Times (£) covers our response to the new immigration bill, after it had its second reading in the House of Commons this week.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “There is a high chance this bill may not comply with international and domestic law. It could lead to the British state violating fundamental rights such as the right to life, to be protected from torture, trafficking and slavery, to liberty, to fair trial.
“The bill would also give the Home Secretary broad powers, drastically reduce oversight by British courts and diminish access to justice for those seeking asylum.”
Read our press release
Financial Benchmarking Survey
The Times (£) covers our Financial Benchmarking Survey, which showed resilient law firms reported a strong performance during the financial year 2021-2022.
Legal Cheek Awards
Legal Cheek covers its annual awards ceremony where Law Society President Lubna Shuja and Attorney General, Victoria Prentis, presented awards.
Court of Protection
Today’s Family Lawyer cites us in reporting that the Court of Protection’s new digital processes have reduced processing times from 24 weeks to two months for parents looking to access child savings accounts under the Mental Capacity Act.
Foreign law licences in Saudi Arabia
The Times (£) discusses the challenges for foreign firms to maintain their equality, diversity and inclusion standards in different cultures, in the context of firms being given licences to operate in Saudi Arabia.
A Law Society spokesperson told the Times we are aware of the challenges regarding LGBTQ rights, “as well as women’s and other human rights, in certain jurisdictions”, and support our members working in all countries.
Also worth a read:
- Budget reaction – BBC
- Network launched for barristers who have suffered mental illness – Legal Futures
- SRA research into in-house lawyers’ ethical challenges - Legal Futures, Gazette and Solicitors Journal