Renters Reform Bill
Today’s Conveyancer, LandlordZONE, and Lexis Nexis (£) cover the Law Society’s response to the second reading of the Renters Reform Bill, as the government continues to delay a ban on Section 21 (‘no-fault’) evictions.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We are disappointed in the government’s decision to further delay the key reform in the Renters Reform Bill.
“A ban on ‘no-fault’ evictions is a critical step in reforming the rental market and strengthening renters’ rights.
“This delay is yet another consequence of the government’s longstanding failure to invest adequately in the justice system, including courts, judges and legal aid.”
Criminal solicitors urged to join union
Legal Futures reports that Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA) and London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA) have urged criminal solicitors to join the trade union Unite to fight for their pay and treatment.
The article mentions the Law Society’s work in urging the government to increase legal aid and expand access to justice.
AML regime
Legal Futures covers the SRA’s pitch to be sole anti-money laundering (AML) supervisor, and mentions the Law Society’s position on the subject including opposition to Scottish solicitors being subject to an AML supervisor from south of the border.
ESG issues
Legal Futures reports that law firms are screening clients against environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and mentions that the Law Society’s milestone guidance on climate change makes clear environmental issues are valid reasons to refuse to act for clients.
ESG activities by law firms were also discussed at the Law Society’s Future of Work conference.
Cab-rank rule
Jonathan Goldsmith, a member of the Law Society’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Committee, writes in the Gazette about the LSB’s recent board meeting, which discussed the barrister’s cab-rank rule.
Also worth a read:
- Exploitative costs of court transcripts for victims who can’t afford them – BBC
- Post Office campaigner is considering private criminal prosecution against their former boss – Times (£)
- Home Office to end contracts with 50 hotels housing asylum seekers – BBC
- Shamima Begum’s deprivation of citizenship was unlawful, argue lawyers before the court of appeal – Guardian
- Estatesearch launches new will search – Today’s Wills & Probate
- Only 42% of law firms are fully complying by SRA transparency rules – Gazette