Youth justice
The Times (£) covers a report on the state of legal representation for children in the youth justice system.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said that solicitors have a professional obligation not to take on work beyond their competence – but she added that youth court training or accreditation should not be mandatory.
Transparency over fees and services
The Times (£) looks at law firms and transparency over fees and services.
A Law Society spokesperson said that while clients should have “as much information as possible before engaging a solicitor, we also recognise that the legal services market is deeply complex. Often, the cost of the service cannot be provided in advance and not until a discussion between client and solicitor has taken place”.
UK lawyers to practise in Luxembourg
New Law Journal continues coverage of a new law passed by Luxembourg’s parliament that allows UK-qualified solicitors to practise law in Luxembourg.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We are pleased that the bill has been introduced following a series of productive conversations we have been having with representatives in Luxembourg, the UK government and the European Commission.
“The new law will benefit not only our members but also the wider economy and sets an important precedent for the TCA to be implemented in other EU member states.”
Lawtech usage
India Education Diary looks at the use of lawtech by legal professionals.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Partners and senior management within solicitor firms have a vital role to play to encourage and support individuals through change that greater use of technology inevitably involves.
“It’s essential that the legal sector capitalises on the potential benefits of lawtech, but also mitigates the risks involved by upskilling its leaders and managers in the art of change management.”
Solicitors Regulation Authority budget
The Gazette reveals that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed solicitors are expected to pay an extra £13.5m to be represented and regulated next year.
A Law Society spokesperson said that “alongside the SRA, we will make a formal application to LSB later in July which will propose a budget for 23/24 aligned to a 7% uplift within the 12% increase the SRA wants in the overall collection from the profession”.
Artificial intelligence regulation white paper
Legal Futures covers our response to the government’s recent white paper on AI regulation.
We urged the government to take a “balanced approach to the development and application of AI in our sector, maintaining clear delineation of the human role and accountability, and understanding of high-risk, dangerous capabilities, significant harms, to enable the profession to capitalise on the benefits of these technologies”.
Also worth a read:
- Vulnerable women being denied justice because of civil legal aid cuts – Guardian
- New members appointed to LawtechUK panel – Solicitors Journal
- Illegal Migration Bill standoff continues – Guardian
- New guidelines toughen the punishment for solicitors found guilty of perverting the course of justice – Gazette and Solicitors Journal