International Women’s Day
The Gazette, Today’s Wills & Probate, Today’s Conveyancer, Solicitors Journal and Law360 (£) cover the profession marking International Women’s Day, which took place on Friday.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “There are persistent issues regarding the pay, retention and promotion of women solicitors which impacts the careers of women within the profession. Work is not always fairly allocated with some women also experiencing a lack of employer support for a work-life balance. These issues are further compounded by the lack of visible senior women role models resulting in many women being held back from reaching their full potential.
“Firms and the profession are losing brilliant solicitors on the cusp of senior leadership. As a result, the profession and the public are not benefitting from the diversity of thought that women will bring into the roles and the rooms where decisions are being made and talent is lost.”
Chantal Davies and Neha Lugg, co vice-chair and a member of our Women Solicitors Network Committee write in the Gazette about International Women’s Day and a lecture hosted by the committee in the Carrie Morrison Lecture theatre at the University of Chester Law School. The lecture celebrated progress but challenged the sector to address the issues that continue to impact gender equality.
The Gazette runs a feature piece looking at the strides that have been made in the number of women entering the profession, but notes many struggle to move up its ranks.
Amandeep Khasriya, chair of our Women Solicitors Network, said that a clear pathway back following a career break is vital, as is having support in place before women even go on leave: “Motherhood is a stage in life where you step away from your career. There needs to be a lot of support in place.
“Part of the battle is that some women fear coming back to a demanding environment, which has traditionally shown no flexibility, even though that has changed now. So, we look at how on their return we can make things as smooth as possible.”
Legal Cheek also looks at nine influential women lawyers who shaped the industry. Two former Law Society presidents – I. Stephanie Boyce and Lubna Shuja – are featured.
Meanwhile, Global Legal Post cites our research which found that 53% of practising solicitors are women and 35% are partners.
Law firms offering autism tests
The Telegraph (£) reports that in a bid to combat NHS waiting times, City law firms are offering to test employees for neurological conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It cites our guidance which states that lawyers with all forms of disability, including neural conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia, need support to prevent their conditions “becoming chronic” and leading to increased sick days.
Read our reasonable adjustments guidance
New initiative seeks to clear rape case backlog
The Gazette covers a new initiative, led by Lord Justice Edis, which states that 181 cases reached or passed their second anniversary on 31 December 2023 will be listed or heard by the end of July.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We agree with Lord Justice Edis that the long delays victims, witnesses and defendants are facing in accessing justice are unacceptable. Scant progress has been made in reducing the huge backlog of Crown court cases. Only increased funding across the entire justice system can reverse the negative impact of years of cuts and underinvestment.”
How to deal with conveyancers
The Telegraph (£) provides a useful guide on how home buyers and sellers can deal with conveyancers. Law Society guidance is cited.
Law Society 2023 pay gap report
Solicitors Journal and Law360 (£) report that we have published our 2023 pay gap report.
Ian Jeffery, chief executive officer of the Law Society said: "Reducing pay gaps is a priority for the Law Society, and we are committed to achieving this by focusing on impactful actions.”
Spring Budget: Property Taxation
Inside Conveyancing covers our assessment of what the Spring Budget means for property taxation.
Also worth a read:
- Post Office: Government should impose time limits for making compensation payments – Gazette
- Post Office: MPs say organisation ‘not fit’ to oversee compensation for Horizon victims – ITV News
- LSB conference examines legal ethics and misconduct – Gazette
- Spring Budget digested – Guardian
- Ex-borders watchdog says Home Office is dysfunctional – BBC News, Independent & LBC
- Former Prime Ministers call for reform of UK government – FT (£)
- SRA ramps up AML sanctions in past six months – Gazette
- Obituary: Former Law Society president Sir Jonathan Clarke dies age 94 – Gazette
- DAS alumni Ruth Mikka outlines her legal life – Gazette
- Oscars 2024: The winners and losers – Times (£) & BBC News