CLAR Judicial Review
The Gazette reports on the case management hearing held yesterday (28 November) ahead of the upcoming judicial review hearing over the government’s failure to implement the increase in criminal legal aid rates recommended in the independent review.
In the case management hearing, all our interim applications were granted, including that the Lord Chancellor provide the additional disclosure we requested for provider activity reports and scheme performance reports.
The Judge was not prepared to delay the final hearing to allow the Lord Chancellor more time to prepare the additional disclosure.
Rwanda asylum ruling
Jersey Evening Post mentions the Law Society’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling that the Rwanda asylum plan is unlawful.
We assert that the ruling is the “end of the line” for the Rwanda policy and challenges the Illegal Migration Bill as a whole.
OBR analysis of Autumn Statement
Lexis Nexis (£) reports the Law Society’s concerns over further cuts to the justice system, as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) analyses the Autumn Statement.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Chronic shortages of judges and lawyers mean there isn’t enough capacity to cover all the cases and some of the courtrooms they sit in are falling apart.
“The OBR’s report highlights the strain on public services including the Crown Court backlogs hitting a record high of 65,000 in August this year.
“There’s little hope of the government achieving its target of cutting the backlog to 53,000 by March 2025 unless it invests in justice now.”
HMCTS launch podcast
The Gazette covers the news that HM Courts and Tribunals Service has launched a podcast. The inaugural episode featured Karen Dovaston, chair of our Family Law Committee, where she spoke about the online divorce service.
Listen to the podcast here
Fall in number of conveyancing solicitors
Legal Futures reports that the number of conveyancing solicitors has declined as the property market suffers from a downturn. The piece cites the number of firms registered on our Conveyancing Quality Scheme.
Also worth a read:
- Conveyancing firms affected by cyber attack – Gazette
- Report on mental health while testifying at the ICC – Solicitors Journal
- Two law firms face “abusive litigation” charges – Gazette
- Changes to IPP sentences - Guardian
- Elgin marbles: Rishi Sunak cancels meeting with Greek PM – Times
- Increased support for trainees at Latham & Watkins - Legal Cheek