More than 18,000 orders for eviction as legal aid remains elusive
The UK government must act now to expand access to legal aid, warns the Law Society of England and Wales has warned that ‘the UK government must act now to expand access to legal aid’ as repossessions and evictions increase. New figures published by the Ministry of Justice, show that mortgage possession claims increased 28% […]
Legal Services Board publishes research into litigation funding and access to justice
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published research into litigation funding and its potential to improve access to justice. The research also considers issues related to consumer protection and regulation. Led by Professor Rachael Mulheron KC (Hon), Professor of Tort Law and Civil Justice at Queen Mary University of London, the report’s findings include that […]
New police training in sexual offences as more offenders convicted
Victims of sexual violence will be better protected as thousands more police officers are now specially equipped to investigate rape and sexual offences following the roll out of Operation Soteria to all forces in England and Wales. Over 4,500 officers have completed the new in-depth training, known as the rape and serious sexual offences investigative […]
LSB bolsters requirements on how lawyers handle consumer complaints
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has issued Requirements, Guidance, and a statement of policy to regulators to improve the way in which first tier complaints are handled. First tier complaints are the initial complaints that consumers make to their legal provider about the service they have received. These measures aim to drive significant improvement in […]
Couples are taking four weeks longer to divorce due to ‘cost of living’
Last year, it has been reported that couples in the UK took four weeks longer to divorce, with solicitors suggesting ‘periods of financial instability’ could be to blame. Figures from research by TWM Solicitors show the average waiting time for divorce, despite the implementation of the ‘no-fault’ divorce, has increased by four weeks in the […]
Salaries for lawyers have stabilised over the last 12 months, signalling the end of the post-pandemic boom
Lawyers salaries have become stable over the last year, marking the end of the post pandemic salary boom, according to the latest data by legal recruitment company Realm Recruit. As part of its annual salary research, Realm Recruit found that on average, pay for legal professionals has been outpaced by inflation and has increased by […]
How to deal with pensions on divorce
A sometimes overlooked and undervalued element of divorce proceedings is dealing with pensions which can have significant repercussions for those divorcing and places family practitioners in an important position of ensuring that both parties are adequately provided for both now and in the future. To discuss this thorny issue, Natalie Lester, a partner in the […]
