Barrister appointed shadow justice secretary
Barrister Shabana Mahmood MP has been named as shadow justice secretary in the Labour party reshuffle, according to Gazette.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “Her background in the legal sector stands her in good stead to grapple with the many complex and urgent issues we face across the justice system.”
“We look forward to discussing these further with her very soon.”
Change to the national conditions of sale
The Guardian looks at what to do if the new house you’ve bought gets wrecked before you move in. It cites that following a change to the national conditions of sale – the most commonly used conveyancing contract drawn up by the Law Society – the buyer becomes legally responsible for the property once contracts have been exchanged, even though the seller remains the legal owner and in charge of its upkeep.
The Law Society told the Observer that buyers were unable to comply with insurer’s requirements to take reasonable care of the property while the seller remained in control. However, our statement added that the old rules were out of step with common law principles and unpopular with sellers.
We said: “Ultimately, the parties are free to negotiate any contract terms they may agree. The standard conditions of sale are just a base line of suggested provisions.”
Russian sanctions
The Gazette reports that government lawyers are expecting nine legal challenges to sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The piece quotes the Law Society’s position on the regime, which we described as “only a sticking plaster.” We have called for “significant amendments” to the legislation.
SRA consultation on CILEX
Today’s Family Lawyer and Today’s Conveyancer cover our reaction to the SRA’s consultation on regulating CILEX members. The SRA board concluded that taking on the regulation of authorised CILEX members “has potential to deliver tangible benefits to consumers of legal services and the wider public.”
However, President Lubna Shuja responded: “While the SRA and CILEX have said they believe that the proposals will benefit consumers, our view is that there is a higher risk of causing greater confusion for when they are choosing the appropriate legal provider to meet their needs.”
Society created ethics hub
The Law Society has launched a three-year professional ethics programme, called Changing Ethical Landscapes, and a web hub to support members balance their obligations to their clients and to wider society. Gazette reports.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: “Professional ethics is a topic that I have a keen interest in. It has been one of the pillars of my presidential plan. Our profession is defined by the highest ethical standards, which are underpinned by a robust regulatory framework. Solicitors uphold the rule of law and work in the best interests of their clients.”
Also worth a read:
- Mothers dying after ‘abusers’ claim access to children – BBC
- Tesco CEO calls for retail workers protections – Evening Standard
- South West London Law Centre loses contract under HLPAS – Gazette
- OUT@work programme launched by General Counsel for D&I – Gazette
- UK court conditions block extradition - Guardian