Civil legal aid deserts
The Gazette runs an in-depth piece looking at the state of civil legal aid, 10 years since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Publishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) – which devastated the legal aid system – came into force.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “A decade on from LASPO, civil legal aid is facing an existential crisis. The survival of these services is in the balance. People can’t get the legal support they need when they need it.”
Consumer advice
Gary Rycroft, a member of our Council Membership Committee, gave consumer advice to the Telegraph (£) and the Guardian.
Criminal courts backlog
Business Mayor reports on the Law Society’s response to the latest publication of court data.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The data cuts through the rhetoric and clearly shows that delays in the criminal justice system aren’t coming down anytime soon. The public need to know they can rely on a functioning criminal justice system.
She adds: “A real commitment from government to proper investment in the criminal justice system is urgently needed to deal with these issues. The Law Society’s five-point plan sets out how the courts backlog can be tackled.”
The Probate Network
Today’s Wills & Probate reports that a new network of solicitors – The Probate Network – has been launched to provide free legal advice to people dealing with estate and probate administration.
All the solicitors are our members and are overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Student Pro Bono Awards
LawCareers.Net reports that the shortlist of law schools and students nominated for the 2023 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards has been announced.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja is one of the judges for the awards.
Also worth a read:
- Dominic Raab bullying report due this week: what will Rishi do? – Independent (£)
- Raab investigation won’t deliver verdict, say sources – Telegraph (£)
- SRA must pay £15k for disclosure failings – Gazette
- Attwells Solicitors finds TikTok fame – Legal Cheek
- SQE holds up well in ChatGPT era, says SRA chief – Legal Futures