Response to government targeting ‘lefty lawyers’
The Guardian speaks to our President Lubna Shuja about the continued use of “lefty lawyer” rhetoric by the government.
The language of Conservative politicians and some in the media is “undermining confidence in the legal profession and it’s undermining the justice system,” as well as distracting from the real problem of a huge asylum case backlog.
“We have been contacted by other solicitors who are concerned for their own safety on the back of what’s going on. Jacqueline McKenzie has been picked up as one of the cases but she’s not the only one. That’s a real, real concern.
“Unfortunately, it is very senior politicians making these comments. They need to reflect really seriously on the consequences of the words they are using because how long is it going to be? We’ve already had one attempted attack … I am really worried we are going to find ourselves in a position where there’s another incident. We don’t want that to happen. Solicitors and lawyers should not be associated with the causes of the clients they are acting for. They should not be put at risk for doing a job.”
The Voice and View Digital also continue coverage of our joint statement with the Bar Council, in defence of immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie.
Lubna Shuja, the President of the Law Society and Nick Vineall KC, the Chair of the Bar Council, condemned the Tories’ behaviour in sending out the document, saying: “Political leaders know that lawyers represent their clients within the legal framework that parliament creates and CCHQ [Conservative central headquarters] should seriously reflect on what has happened in this case.
“Language and actions that unfairly undermine confidence in the independence of the legal professions, and potentially risk the safety of lawyers, will ultimately undermine confidence in our entire justice system and the rule of law.
“No lawyer should be criticised, or made the subject of a targeted campaign, for doing their job. Everyone is entitled to legal representation, and it is a United Nations basic principle that lawyers should not be identified with the causes of their clients as a result of representing them.
“That is why, as we have said repeatedly, it is wrong to describe lawyers as ‘lefty’ or ‘activist’ simply on the basis of the causes they advocate on behalf of their clients.”
Read our joint statement in full
Government hints at leaving ECHR
The Guardian, Pink News, the Mirror and Impakter report that the UK could withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: “Leaving the ECHR would mean the UK would sit as an outlier in Europe, alongside only Russia and Belarus, who are already outside the convention.
“This would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, when the government already has a perfectly good nutcracker it can use.”
BBC Radio Five Live (from 10:35) also picks up our reaction to this news.
More action and investment needed for Crown Court delays
The Gazette and Solicitors Journal (£) cover Alex Chalk KC announcement of the government’s investment in the court estate and the lifting of the cap on judicial sitting days being extended.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said this is “a small step in the right direction to tackle the backlogs. However much more needs to be done.
“The latest figures show that the backlogs of outstanding cases in the magistrates’ court and Crown court continue to get worse. Victims and defendants are facing unacceptable delays with years spent in limbo as they wait for justice.”
Swindon Link also reports about our projected fall in duty solicitors in Wiltshire, which will cause a “perfect storm” in criminal justice.
"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,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
Critical need for investment in housing legal aid
The Gazette, Property Industry Eye, Today’s Conveyancer and Letting Agent Today cover our response to the latest repossession and eviction statistics, which show a rise in landlord possession action.
We also noted the importance of the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, which offers early legal advice on social welfare matters and on-the-day advice and representation in court, which is also covered by Today’s Conveyancer.
101 HLPAS contracts have been awarded, but even when providers are available, they’re not necessarily always close by.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Without easy access to providers, the scheme does little to help people at risk of losing their homes. And with increasing demand, the few providers remaining will not have the capacity to take on new clients.”
Conditional selling
Sarah Dwight, a member of our Conveyancing and Land Law Committee, speaks to the i about conditional selling.
She said: “Conditional selling is against the rules in the Property Ombudsman’s Code of Practice and furthermore, the Estate Agents Act 1979 states that every offer must be put forward to a seller regardless of which mortgage broker the buyer instructs.
“The difficulty is that in a slowing market, brokers and agents are more reliant on up selling other services.”
Legal Heroes shortlist
Twenty-six shortlisted nominees have been announced for our Legal Heroes 2023, reports the Gazette.
They have been shortlisted for making a lasting, tangible difference to society and bringing distinction to the profession.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Congratulations to all our nominees. It has been inspiring to read so many entries which all showed the fantastic work done by many of our members. They are a testament to the profession. Solicitors are vitally important in the justice system. They provide valuable support and advice to people, businesses, and the government. It’s important that we take time to recognise and commend their hard work and achievements.
“We are proud to announce a shortlist of amazing solicitors who have consistently gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on colleagues and communities.”
Regional admissions ceremony
Jurist and the Gazette cover the news that our first regional admissions ceremony will take place in Leeds on 11 September.
“We are delighted to be introducing regional admissions ceremonies for our members. We hope the event in Leeds will be a step towards ensuring all lawyers, no matter where they are based, can attend, and celebrate their achievements.
“This has long been a Law Society goal, as well as being part of my presidential priorities to support members and address the barriers to entering the profession. It has been great to work alongside James Joseph and Emma Lilley, who have tirelessly campaigned for ‘Mission Admission‘ to realise this goal.
“Not all qualified solicitors can make it to the London ceremony. We want everyone to have the chance to be cheered on by their peers and loved ones in recognition of their accomplishments. We hope that holding regional ceremonies will help achieve this.”
Rise in recommended minimum salary
Today’s Family Lawyer reports about our recommended rise in minimum salary for trainee solicitors in the Capital and outside of London.
“We consider the increase in the recommended salary for aspiring solicitors to be appropriate at this time,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
Also worth a read:
- Lord Falconer on “lefty lawyer” rhetoric – Observer
- SRA denies Mail sting put it under pressure to act – Gazette & Legal Futures
- SRA’s thematic review shows the risks of NDAs are underestimated by solicitors – Legal Futures
- Costs of failed legal action against Boris Johnson will not be revealed by government – Mirror