First female lord chief justice
The Guardian reports Dame Sue Carr was appointed the first female lord chief justice in England and Wales – the first woman in the history of the role dating back to the 13th century.
The article mentions that the judiciary is attempting to increase the diversity of the profession as women currently make up 35% of court judges. The Law Society’s projections are included as we estimate it will be another decade before women account for half of the judiciary.
Resolving family disputes
Family Lore, Divorce Magazine, Lexis Nexis (£) and Today’s Family Lawyer cover the Law Society’s response to a government consultation seeking views on supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We understand the value of mediation in resolving family disputes amicably without needing to go to court.
“We do not agree, however, with making mediation compulsory. No form of dispute resolution should be mandatory. Attendance must be voluntary for it to be effective.”
Social Mobility Awareness Day
Law Society President Lubna Shuja writes in the Gazette on Social Mobility Awareness Day, encouraging people to share stories and to support others who wish to join the legal profession.
Swiss-UK Mutual Recognition agreement
Startup Overseas covers our reaction to the new Swiss-UK Mutual Recognition agreement.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Switzerland is an important market for UK legal services exports. There is vigorous trade in legal services in both directions and Switzerland is the third largest UK legal services export market in Europe.
“This deal exactly reflects the Law Society’s recommendations. It confirms and extends indefinitely the current provisions for UK lawyers operating in Switzerland, giving them the permanent right to requalify in Switzerland after three years of registration and practice without having to complete a Swiss law degree or sit any local exams.
SRA report on unbundling
Legal Futures mentions the Law Society in an article about the SRA’s new report which looks to the potential of unbundling.
Broadband provider issues
Law Society Council Membership Committee member Gary Rycroft gives Guardian readers advice about broadband provider issues.
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