Government targeting ‘lefty lawyers’
Scottish Legal News and Irish Legal News report that legal professionals are bewildered that Keir Starmer KC has not said anything following the government’s targeted campaign against lawyers.
They cite the Law Society’s 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
Extradition laws
Anna Bradshaw, a member of the Law Society’s EU Law committee, spoke to BBC Radio Surrey (from 2:11:21) about extradition laws in relation to the murder of Sara Sharif, whose attackers have reportedly fled the country.
Anna is also mentioned in BBC News. She said: "That's an opportunity for the person to contest their extradition.
"Some countries do not extradite their own nationals. Most countries will insist on the prima facie case to be met, and almost all countries will have some variation of a human rights test."
Legal Heroes shortlist
Asian Sunday reports that South Asian solicitors are well-represented in the twenty-six shortlisted nominees that have been announced for our Legal Heroes Awards.
The list of nominees includes eight lawyers of South Asian heritage, making up 30% of the shortlist. 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.”
Role of technology in the profession
Legal Practice Management Magazine discusses the role of digital technology in transforming how the legal sector operates. It mentions the Law Society’s 2019 report on changes within the sector that will impact the profession’s workforce, including a decline in number of legal secretaries.
Also worth a read:
- New Home Office policy leaves refugees homeless, as migrants are given 7 days to find new accommodation - Guardian
- The government has earmarked RAF Wethersfield as a place to house 1,700 asylum seekers by the autumn - BBC
- Court backlogs force businesses to wait an average of 18 months for civil disputes to be heard – Times (£)
- Court backlogs also cost disabled people an estimated £24 million per month in benefits - Guardian
- LSB states the ‘one size fits all approach’ to professional indemnity insurance (PII) does not consider diversity of legal services sector – Legal Futures
- A document submitted by the SRA to CILEX suggests that solicitors and legal executives will move closer in status - Gazette