Signing of Memorandum of Understanding
The Global Legal Post report on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Bar Council of India to secure legal exchange between the UK and India.
President of Law Society, Lubna Shuja, said: “We are delighted to have signed the MoU with the BCI.
“The BCI’s decision is a significant step forward in this much anticipated development 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.”
SLAPPs and economic crime
Gazette Ireland, Solicitors Journal and Law 360 (£) continue coverage of the Ministry of Justice’s announcement that additions to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will help end SLAPPs connected to financial crime and corruption.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We understand why the government is implementing these measures.
“However, as only cases related to economic crime are covered, this means that some claimants may still use SLAPPs to stifle scrutiny.”
UK-Swiss deal
Gazette and Business Mayor report that an agreement will be signed today between the UK and Switzerland to mutually recognise professional qualifications, including those in the legal services market.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “Switzerland is the third largest UK legal services export market in Europe, so this deal will benefit not only our members but also the wider economy. Legal services facilitate all international business transactions and provide crucial support to UK and multinational firms wanting to export.”
London Legal Walk
The Gazette covers the Law Society’s role in yesterday’s London Legal Walk, which raises money for charities that provide free legal advice.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in the London Legal Walk with many others from the legal profession to help raise funds for free legal advice charities. The legal help these charities provide to those in need is more important than ever given the cost-of-living crisis. I encourage everyone who can to join the walk and help raise as much money as possible for access to justice.”
Strategic partnership
Legal IT Insider and Law 360 (£) report that Dye & Durham has been appointed as a strategic partner of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Head of partnerships & commercial at the Law Society Fiona O’Mahony said: “We are delighted to welcome Dye & Durham as a strategic partner. It is a global organisation with much to offer our members in helping streamline processes, providing certainty on transactions, and working efficiently with highly accurate data. The Law Society looks forward to working together to benefit the membership.”
Chair of Law Society’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Committee, Jonathan Goldsmith, writes in the Gazette about the role of lawyers and legal procedures in political scandals.
Also worth a read:
- First female Lord Chief Justice will choose own title – Telegraph (£)
- Calls for abortion to be decriminalised across the UK - Guardian
- Alex Chalk reacts to SLAPPs – Telegraph (£)
- Top 20 law schools in the UK – Legal Cheek
- Updates on the Covid Inquiry – BBC