Professional ethics in the legal sector
The Times (£), Solicitors Journal (£) and New Law Journal continue coverage of the launch of our professional ethics programme, called Changing Ethical Landscapes, and a web hub to support members balance their obligations to their clients and to wider society.
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.”
British prison conditions
Justice Gap, Irish Sun, Chicago Chronicle, Times of India and numerous other regional and international outlets continue coverage of British prison conditions, as a German court refuses extradition of an Albanian man to the UK.
Law Society Council member for EU & International, Jonathan Goldsmith, said: “This is an embarrassment for the UK. There have been similar court decisions before under the European arrest warrant framework, but in relation to member states whose records on prisons and human rights the UK would not wish to compare itself with.”
Barrister appointed shadow justice secretary
Barrister Shabana Mahmood MP has been named as shadow justice secretary in the Labour party reshuffle, reports New Law Journal.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “We warmly welcome Shabana Mahmood MP to her new post as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and look forward to working with her closely.
“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.”
The Gazette mentions Lubna welcoming the appointment in a piece about the evolution and future of legal regulation.
Legal Heroes
Multiple publications including 24-7 reporters, Business Vantage Views, KL Explore and The Daily Dispatcher cover Crystal Dias being one of 26 solicitors on our Legal Heroes shortlist.
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.
"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."
The Legal Heroes ceremony takes place today.
CILEX regulation
New Law Journal reports our reaction to the proposal to make CILEX lawyers regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “While the SRA and CILEX have said they believe 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.”
Targeting immigration lawyers
London Economic continues coverage of our reaction to the government’s targeted campaign against immigration lawyers.
Law Society Deputy Vice President Richard Atkinson said: “The government, regulators and law enforcement agencies already have the powers they need to deal with immigration advisers engaged in misconduct.
“The focus of the Home Office on a tiny minority of lawyers to which they are apparently applying considerable resources should not deflect from the fact that there remain significant backlogs in asylum claims or the unworkability of the Illegal Migration Act.”
Practising fees
Legal Futures and the Gazette report that the Legal Services Board has approved the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority raising £127.9m from practising fees in 2023/24.
Also worth a read:
- Law firm used law graduates with little to no professional qualifications to complete the first stage of the Post Office’s document review process – Legal Cheek
- New campaign to reduce court delays in the civil justice system – Gazette
- Hunt for escaped prisoner – BBC
- New survey reveals the 10 most important soft skills for a successful law career –Solicitors Journal and Legal Cheek