Can cocaine be tested through hair? Detection windows and accuracy
The risks of cocaine in a family setting Cocaine is one of the UK’s most popular drugs and its use continues to grow. Last year, 20% of people entering treatment for drugs were attributed to cocaine, up from 19% the year before. The drug continues to be a concern for family law practitioners due to […]
Consultation responses make ‘compelling’ case for cohabitation reform
Family lawyers have shared more responses to the government’s A Fairer End to Relationships consultation, which closed last week. Jo Edwards, head of family at Forsters and chair of the Resolution Family Law Reform Committee, believes the law should “better reflect the way millions of people live their lives today”. She said: “The case for cohabitation reform is […]
Judge slams firm for ‘utterly extraordinary’ conduct in financial remedies claim
A judge has taken the unusual step of publishing a written judgment criticising the conduct of a firm of solicitors following an adjourned first appointment in a financial remedies hearing. Deputy District Judge Hales, sitting remotely at the Royal Courts of Justice, said what he heard during a hearing to investigate issues resulting in a […]
Cohabitation reform podcast – the big questions answered
The government’s long-awaited consultation on cohabitation reform has received a mixed reaction from professionals. To make sense of the proposals the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast welcomes partner and head of family at William Sturges, Graeme Fraser. Fraser is renowned for his campaigning and expertise in cohabitation reform and, alongside his many media appearances, is also […]
Barrister disbarred for secretly recording family proceedings
A barrister has been disbarred for making audio recordings of court hearings in family proceedings and harassing an employee with confidential mental health issues over WhatsApp. The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service heard three misconduct cases related to Mariam El-Sobky, who was called to the bar in 2001. The tribunal heard that Ms El-Sobky had […]
More than 14m people live in ‘legal aid desert’, new report reveals
Nearly a quarter of the population of England and Wales lives in an area classed as a ‘legal aid desert’, new research reveals. Analysis of local authority data by LexisNexis suggests that 14.49 million people, or 23% of the population, live in an area with a high need for legal aid and limited access to […]
‘Use existing data before introducing new reporting obligations’ Law Society tells SRA
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) should ensure proposals for new reporting requirements for firms are evidence-based, proportionate and do not create unnecessary administrative burdens, particularly for smaller firms, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned. In its response to the regulator’s latest client money consultation, the Law Society said it supports the SRA’s […]