New trade deals with Australia and New Zealand
Global Legal Post covers our response to the UK’s Free Trade Agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The ratifications of the UK trade deals with Australia and New Zealand are a positive development for legal services. Both agreements lock in the existing right for UK lawyers to advise clients on home-country law and to provide arbitration, mediation and conciliation services in the other jurisdiction using their home-country qualifications and title.
“The creation of a legal services regulatory dialogue in the Australia agreement is especially welcome and brings together legal associations from the UK and Australia to work towards greater liberalisation of legal services trade.”
Professional ethics
The Gazette details a blog by Nick Vineall KC, Chair of the Bar Council, about the efforts to impose a public interest element into lawyers’ professional obligations.
It cites our Climate Change guidance, which advises firms to assess the impact on staff of their own stance on climate change and they may want to consider accommodating employees who identify commitment to the climate as a ‘recognised philosophical belief’ – and therefore a protected characteristic – under the Equalities Act.
Read our Climate Change guidance
Climate change and the law
Radio 4’s Law in Action programme looks at climate change and challenging the law. Our guidance is mentioned.
Hear Caroline May, our climate change working group chair, discuss these issues from 23:40.
Inheritance tax
The Times (£) examines that the number of disputes over wills may have been caused by vulnerable adults being coerced into changing their wills during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
It provides helpful advice for those seeking to change a will, including witness in person versus witnessing remotely.
We said that the use of video technology should remain a last resort, and people must continue to arrange physical witnessing of wills where it is safe to do so.
Central England Law Centre on cliff edge
Coventry Telegraph reports that the Central England Law Centre is on a “cliff edge” due to lack of funding. The centre provides free legal advice on social welfare law, including housing, social care, immigration and asylum, employment and children and family.
The piece cites our assertion that civil legal aid fees were last increased in 1996, and fees were further slashed by 10% in 2011.
LGB lawyers’ workplace experiences
Law.com (£) the survey released by the Law Society which sheds light on the experiences of lesbian, gay and bi identifying lawyers in the profession.
The Practice Certificate (PC) Holders Survey shows that Seven in 10 (69%) of LGB solicitors felt comfortable to express themselves at work.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Like all solicitors, LGBTQ+ solicitors play an important role in upholding the rule of law, helping shape the justice system and fighting for their clients’ rights. But there is still work to be done.
“We know that solicitors entering the profession may need to make decisions about whether to come out or identify as trans or non-binary in the workplace and with clients.
We continue to support our LGBTQ+ members and advocate for inclusive workplaces where our LGBTQ+ colleagues are able to be their authentic selves at work.”
Also worth a read:
- Homelessness cases: A solicitor fights for change – Gazette
- Prince Harry will give evidence in High Court today – Times (£)
- LSB looks to change consumer complaints – Legal Futures
- 185,000 young adults not working due to mental ill health – Telegraph (£)