Below is the Local Law Societies update as provided by the Law Society on 15 December 2021.
The issue of the future of SIF/PSYROC is live. As you may know, our position is that protection should be maintained. There is a fact sheet and further information about the issues following our latest virtual townhall with local law societies earlier this month.
How we are helping society’s most vulnerable access justice over the next 12 months
The national law society is focused on influencing the government to expand access to justice. Here, our head of justice Richard Miller discusses our plans to fight for improvements to the legal aid system over the next 12 months.
Introducing our new interim chief executive
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Gerry Walsh has been appointed as the new interim chief executive officer (CEO) of the Law Society of England and Wales. Chief executive Paul Tennant will be leaving the organisation at the end of the year to take up a new role as chief executive of the Abbeyfield Society. |
Proposal for housing legal advice a step in the right direction
Tenants facing repossession proceedings – and potential homelessness – could be in line for enhanced legal support under new proposals by the Ministry of Justice. Under the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme (HLPAS), which replaces the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme, non-means tested legal advice would be available to those facing repossession of their homes.
Is the general damages small claims track limit being increased?
The Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) plans to increase the general damages small claims track limit for employers’ liability and public liability claims has been deferred until April 2022.
The proposed increase from the current limit of £1,000 has also been amended to £1,500 – a reduction from the initial proposal of £2,000.
Three trends that will shape law firms in 2022
Colin Bohanna, general manager at Clio, summarises important findings from Clio’s Legal Trends Report. He also provides insight into issues that law firms should deal with over the next twelve months.
Gazette to become fully digital magazine
The Law Society Gazette will move online and become a fully digital magazine from January 2022. The final version of the print magazine will be published on 13 December. The digital magazine will continue from January 2022 and be delivered direct to your inbox each Friday. Visit the gazette website here.
Joint initiative to introduce part-time training into the legal sector
A cross-firm scheme initiated by our Lawyers with Disabilities Division (LDD) is seeking to encourage more part-time qualifying opportunities to be offered as a matter of course in the legal sector. ‘Project Rise’ is supported by Aspiring Solicitors and has been created as a direct result of the findings in the Legally Disabled? – The career experiences of disabled people in the legal profession. Eversheds Sutherland and Osborne Clarke are participating in the project and have committed to offering all successful candidates the opportunity to train on a part-time basis, starting from their next recruitment intake in September 2024.
LSB consultation on empowering consumers – Law Society Response
The Legal Services Board (LSB) consulted on a draft policy statement on empowering consumers which aims to support consumers to better understand and engage with the legal services market. The statement sets expectations for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and other frontline regulators around:
- • information about price, quality, service, redress and regulation
- • public legal education, and
- • engagement with online reviews and price comparison sites.
HMCTS Safety Measures in light of the new variant
HMCTS have updated their guidance in light of Plan B which can be found by clicking the link above.
Please also consider our guidance and best practice for member safety in court and tribunal buildings.
Reflecting on COP26: what were the key outcomes?
COP26 ended on Saturday 13 November after negotiations overran into the weekend. We’ve set out outcomes from the conference, its successes and shortcomings.