Civil legal aid deserts
The Harwich and Manningtree Standard, Sussex Express, Lincolnshire World, Cornish & Devon Post, Liverpool World, Wirral Globe, Lancashire Telegraph, Newcastle World, Barnet Post, Monmouthshire Beacon, Shields Gazette, the Gazette, Law360 (£) and 140 further regional news outlets have covered our maps showing extensive civil legal aid deserts across England and Wales.
1 April marked 10 years since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Publishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) came into force, devastating the legal aid system.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “For rights to be real, everyone who qualifies for state-funded legal advice must be able to get that advice when they need it, so that they can uphold and enforce their rights.
“The survival of these services is in the balance. People can’t get the legal support they need, when they need it.”
Lubna also writes in the Gazette about the devastating effect the cuts have had on the sector and how our 21st Century Justice project seeks to ensure the legal system can meet current and future access to justice challenges.
Court disrepair and backlogs
Law Society President Lubna Shuja was on the Economist’s The Intelligence podcast (from 13:25) discussing the state of the courts across England and Wales and the backlogs which are delaying justice for victims and defendants.
Court reform
Today’s Family Lawyer covers HM Courts and Tribunals Service’s update on the court reform programme.
“We are reassured to see HMCTS has listened to our and other stakeholders’ concerns in their work to modernise and redesign court services,” Law Society President Lubna Shuja said.
“Mistakes were made early on and HMCTS’ acknowledgement that it tried to ‘change too much, too quickly’ should help restore some confidence in the next steps of the reform.”
Economic Crime Plan 2
The Negotiator examines the government’s Economic Crime Plan 2, which aims to tackle illicit finance.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Solicitors continue to play an important role in the public-private partnership in tackling economic crime.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the government to deliver the plan through a new approach to public-private prioritisation.”
India opens legal services sector
J News and World Breaking Press report the Bar Council of India has published regulations to allow the establishment of foreign lawyers and law firms in India.
It notes some partners from international law firms who specialise in India are waiting for the Law Society and Bar Council of India to clarify and give more details about the rules in the coming months, including whether they can work with Indian clients in India as well as internationally.
Family court delays
Family Lore examines the latest family court statistics, which show the courts are still mired with delays.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We are concerned these continuing delays will have a detrimental impact on families seeking justice.
“By delaying cases, the courts are exacerbating the uncertainty facing families. This must be addressed before the family court system collapses.
“Private children’s law cases – where families apply for custody or decide a child’s residence – were taking on average 47 weeks during October to December 2022, up five weeks on the same period last year.”
Also worth a read:
- Manchester Arena survivors take conspiracy theorist to court – BBC News
- Higher rights of audience and CILEX – Solicitors Journal
- Cost of Metamorph closures reaches £1.4m – Legal Futures
- LSB publishes business plan, including 9% budget rise – Gazette