Consumer protection review
The Gazette, Today’s Conveyancer and Today’s Family Lawyer report that the Solicitors Regulation Authority. has launched a consumer protection review, in light of shifting risks in the sector.
Law Society chief executive Ian Jeffery said: “We welcome the launch of this review which is timely in light of the serious consequences of the collapse of Axiom Ince. It is right that consumer protection and the Compensation Fund are the two main points of focus.
“The potentially far reaching changes under review require careful consideration and full and meaningful consultation with the profession, with an opportunity to consider a range of options that best serve the needs of consumers.”
Legal aid deserts
Euronews examines how more and more people in England and Wales are facing going to trial without representation due to cuts to legal aid. The piece focuses on family law which it describes as one of the hardest hit areas.
Our research showing the declining number of legal advice centres is included and Jenny Beck, a member of our family law committee, is quoted.
Judicial review
LexBlog and UK Human Rights Blog continue coverage of our landmark judicial review win against the government’s refusal to uplift criminal legal aid rates.
Crumbling courts
The Law Society is mentioned in an FT (£) piece in which the chair of the Bar Council warns that England’s position as a global hub for corporate litigation and legal services risks being undermined by ‘atrocious’ problems elsewhere in the justice system.
Video-witnessing of wills
The Law Society’s views on Law Commission proposals about a new Electronic Wills Act are included in a Legal Futures piece reporting that the pandemic measure to allow video witnessing of wills came to an end last week.
Generative AI
Our guidance note on generative AI is mentioned in a Gazette feature on the subject.
Also worth a read:
- Post Office Inquiry: Lawyers slammed – Gazette
- Rise in the number of lawyers seeking support for workplace bullying – Legal Cheek
- Crime victims die while waiting for justice – Guardian
- The Solicitor Apprenticeships Most List 2024 – Legal Cheek