Barristers on AG panels “should consider resigning”, says top QC – Legal Futures

‘One of the country’s leading QCs has suggested that barristers on the Attorney General’s panels should consider resigning in protest at the government’s hostility to the law and lawyers.’

Full Story

Legal Futures, 13th October 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

David Greene: Condemning lawyers for doing their jobs is inherently dangerous – The Guardian

‘The new president of the Law Society on why it’s crucial to defend the rule of law in these febrile times.’

Full Story

The Guardian, 14th October 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Letter from the Chair of the Bar to the Prime Minister – The Bar Council

Full Story

The Bar Council, 9th October 2020

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Lawyers claim knife attack at law firm was inspired by Priti Patel’s rhetoric – The Guardian

‘Britain’s top lawyers have written to Priti Patel to express their concern after a knifeman threatened to kill an immigration solicitor last month in an attack colleagues say was directly motivated by comments made by the home secretary.’

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The Guardian, 10th October 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Legal profession hits back at Johnson over ‘lefty lawyers’ speech – The Guardian

“Lawyers say government’s hostility risks stirring up hatred and undermining rule of law.’

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The Guardian, 6th October 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Boris Johnson undermining courts to consolidate power, retired Supreme Court judge warns – The Independent

‘A former Supreme Court judge has accused Boris Johnson of trying to undermine the courts and legal system in a bid to solidify government power and push through his programme. Lord Sumption, who retired from the court in 2018, told at parliamentary select committee that the government was intent on “doing down the courts as potential sources of impediments for the government’s programme”.’

Full Story

The Independent, 6th October 2020

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Vos: ‘lawyers face steep learning curve on tech’ – Law Society’s Gazette

‘All lawyers will need to become familiar with the concepts and workings of distributed ledger technology, smart legal contracts and cryptoassets, according to the next master of the rolls. In a foreword to a landmark report on the regulation of blockchain technology, Sir Geoffrey Vos says that the pandemic “has only emphasised our need to understand the ways in which technology is affecting our professional lives. Lawyers face a steep learning curve.” ’

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Law Society's Gazette, 5th October 2020

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Supreme Court President Lord Reed wants more diversity in Supreme Court – BBC News

‘The new Supreme Court president says he hopes a justice from an ethnic minority background will be appointed before his retirement in six years’ time. Lord Reed said the lack of diversity among the 12 Supreme Court justices was a situation “which cannot be allowed to become shameful if it persists”.’

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BBC News, 5th October 2020

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Lord Chancellor’s Speech: Opening of the Legal Year Service – Ministry of Justice

‘Speech delivered by the Lord Chancellor at Temple Church for the Opening of the Legal Year Service.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 2nd October 2020

Disabled lawyers “benefit from homeworking during pandemic” – Legal Futures

‘The suspension of office working under lockdown has helped improve the mental and physical health of disabled lawyers, research has indicated.’

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Legal Futures, 2nd October 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

No fault divorce – why lawyers like me hope new law can end the bitter blame game – Family Law

Posted October 2nd, 2020 in bills, divorce, families, family courts, legal profession, news, solicitors by tracey

‘As a divorce lawyer, it is important to remember that you are the ultimate distress purchase. No-one starts their marriage thinking it will end in divorce. If the sad day does come when a marriage fails, emotions can run high. Parties can be quick to blame each other for the breakdown. They may think that in placing the blame at the door of the other spouse, they may achieve a better financial outcome, or more time with the kids. You may think “so far, so good” for divorce lawyers. Surely they will benefit from a “War of the Roses” style divorce battle with each party playing the blame game? After all, we all know the good Yorkshire saying: “Where there’s muck, there’s brass”.’

Full Story

Family Law, 30th September 2020

Source: www.familylaw.co.uk

Society alarmed by Covid-19 exemption for lawyers – Law Society’s Gazette

‘The Law Society has raised concerns about latest coronavirus regulations which allow lawyers to break self-isolation rules.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 2nd October 2020

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

UK barrister mistaken for defendant calls for compulsory anti-racism training – The Guardian

‘The barrister who was mistaken for a defendant three times in one day at court has called for compulsory anti-racism training at every level of the UK legal system.’

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The Guardian, 26th September 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Dozens of Asian lawyers say they have been mistaken for defendants – The Guardian

‘More than 20 Asian lawyers have come forward to say they have been mistaken for defendants in court, in the same week that the black barrister Alexandra Wilson said the same had happened to her three times in a day.’

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The Guardian, 25th September 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Family lawyers “losing connection” with colleagues since lockdown – Legal Futures

‘Family law specialist are feeling more isolated and less connected to their peers and colleagues within the legal community since the UK went into lockdown, a survey of Resolution members has found.’

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Legal Futures, 23rd September 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Message from the Lord Chief Justice: Diversity of the judiciary – 2020 statistics – Courts & Tribunals Judiciary

‘I welcome publication of the Judicial Diversity Forum’s combined statistical report. It brings together data on the diversity of the judiciary, judicial appointments and from the relevant professional bodies (the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).’

Full press release

Courts & Tribunals Judiciary, 17th September 2020

Source: www.judiciary.uk

Judicial diversity statistics show ‘significant disparity’ between solicitors and barristers – Law Society’s Gazette

‘Solicitors are significantly less likely to be appointed judges than barristers even though more solicitors than barristers are applying for posts, according to a landmark diversity report published today.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 17th September 2020

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Do black lives matter in the employment justice system? – Garden Court Chambers

‘Paper produced by Mukhtiar Singh of the Garden Court Employment and Discrimination Law Team.’

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Garden Court Chambers, 14th September 2020

Source: www.gardencourtchambers.co.uk

High Court rejects challenge to foreign in-house lawyers’ privilege – Legal Futures

Posted September 14th, 2020 in foreign jurisdictions, law firms, legal profession, legal services, news, privilege by tracey

‘Legal advice privilege extends to communications with foreign lawyers working in-house even if they are not recognised or regulated as “professional lawyers”, the High Court has ruled.’

Full Story

Legal Futures, 14th September 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Virtual hearings deny young lawyers “huge amount” of training – Litigation Futures

‘A High Court judge has voiced concerns that young solicitors and barristers are missing out on a “huge amount” of training because of virtual hearings.’

Full Story

Litigation Futures, 8th September 2020

Source: www.litigationfutures.com