Government targeting ‘lefty lawyers’
The Guardian reports that legal professionals are bewildered that Keir Starmer KC has not said anything following the government’s targeted campaign against lawyers.
It cites our joint statement with the Bar Council, which we issued following the revelation that immigration solicitor Jacqueline McKenzie had a dossier of information about her in the national media, after it was shared by Conservative Central Headquarters.
Read our joint statement in full
Government hints at leaving the ECHR
Islam Channel reports our response to Robert Jenrick hinting that the UK government would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to solve the ‘small boats problem.’
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “If the government wants to address problems in the asylum system, it can do so by bringing down the case backlogs and addressing the issues with the Illegal Migration Act.
“These will not be tackled by leaving an extremely successful international agreement designed to protect individual rights and support political stability.
“Leaving the ECHR would mean the UK would sit as an outlier in Europe, alongside only Russia and Belarus who are already outside of the Convention.
“This would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, when the government already has a perfectly good nutcracker it can use.”
Critical need for investment in housing legal aid
House Ladder covers our response to the latest repossession and eviction statistics, which show a rise in landlord possession action.
Quarterly statistics from the Ministry of Justice for April to June 2023, show that mortgage possession claims increased by 15 per wand landlord possessions increased 24 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “We have long voiced our concern about the lack of housing legal aid.
“The increasing cost-of-living and rising interest rates have heavily impacted people’s ability to afford their homes, so it is critical people are able to access legal help for their housing issues.
“Yet our research has found that 25.3m people - 42 per cent - do not have a local legal aid provider for housing advice. More and more firms can no longer afford to offer this service, as legal aid rates have decreased by almost 50 per cent since 1996.”
Extradition laws
Tell Report covers the news that Japan will not extradite one suspect who robbed a jewellery store in Omotesando, Tokyo.
Anna Bradshaw, a member of our EU Law Committee, said: "In order for Japan to ensure the smooth extradition of foreign suspects, not just in the Omotesando case, it is necessary to accept an international independent monitoring body to clarify the circumstances of investigations, detentions, and trials, and to eliminate other countries' concerns about human rights.
“It is Japan up to the government to be prepared to face this issue or whether it is a point of non-negotiable conflict."
UK law firms practising in Luxembourg
Investment Officer covers the news that UK law firms are jumping at the chance to work in Luxembourg, following a change in law allowing English and Welsh solicitors the ability to practise in the country.
Legal Heroes shortlist
Twenty-six shortlisted nominees have been announced for our Legal Heroes 2023, reports Legal Cheek.
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
Legal Cheek continues coverage 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.”
Regulators’ enforcement tools to be reviewed
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has said it plans to review the enforcement and investigative tools available to legal services regulators, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), reports Today’s Family Lawyer.
The SRA’s power to “discipline and fine solicitors who commit misconduct was increased very recently,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
“More serious matters continue to be referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). There is no evidence that the SRA’s current fining powers are insufficient.
“The SRA does not exist on its own in the regulatory process. It sits alongside the SDT, which already has draconian powers to sanction any wrong-doing in the solicitors’ profession. These include not only fining powers but also the ability to remove a solicitor from the profession altogether.”
Rise in recommended minimum salary
Today’s Conveyancer continues coverage of 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.
CILEX consults on SRA regulation
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) have published a consultation paper, asking its member to consider switching from CILEX Regulation to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, according to the Gazette.
A Law Society spokesperson said: “We will read the consultation with interest and respond in due course. The consultation is an opportunity for CILEX's own members to have a say in what is being proposed as a big change to how they are regulated.”
Also covered by Legal Futures.
Also worth a read:
- MP Esther McVey on the role of solicitors in asylum claims – Daily Express
- Conservative Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson on immigration solicitors – Daily Express
- Bibby Stockholm: Sunak still has “confidence” in Suella Braverman despite Legionella discovery – Sky News
- EU rejects new migrant return deal – Times (£)
- NSPCC warns online grooming cases at record high – BBC