Compulsory mediation
The Gazette and Legal Futures cover news that mediation will become compulsory for civil claims valued up to £10,000.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “It is encouraging to see the government is pressing forward with ways to decrease the court backlog and ensure disputes are solved quickly and at minimal cost.
“We are concerned that by not allowing exemptions to this new process, the government may be increasing unnecessary bureaucracy and cost, ultimately hindering the ability of some parties to access justice. This must be closely monitored.
“Adequate resourcing and funding of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service Small Claims Mediation Service will be vital.”
Fall in duty solicitors
Research from the Law Society which shows a fall in duty solicitors across the country, projected to have a huge knock-on effect on the criminal justice system, continues to be covered in regional news such as Bedford Today, Leighton Buzzard Observer, Luton Today and Biggleswade Today.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “"Across the country, duty solicitors are working day and night providing legal advice at the crucial earliest stage of cases at police stations, ensuring access to justice for all. But there simply aren’t enough of them to go around because the work is not financially viable.
"The Government sees itself as the party of law and order, but the evidence points to the contrary as its decisions continue to put the future of our criminal justice system at risk."
Read our national press release
No fault divorce
Karen Dovaston, chair of the Law Society family law committee, speaks to BBC Radio London (from 15:40) about no fault divorce in the UK.
Also worth a read:
- Lawyers reportedly submitting false asylum claims – Mail
- Bar Council under fire after attacking PM for criticising migration lawyers – Mail
- Opinion by Sarah Vine on “corrupt immigration lawyers” following the Daily Mail’s investigation - Mail
- Opinion by Jerry Hayes on the Mail’s investigation saying that legal advisors gaming the system only make it harder for REAL asylum seekers - Mail
- Post office scandal – Gazette
- Climate change policy – Guardian
- High Court rejects attempt to make oil giant directors accountable for environmental policies – Gazette