Abuser sees sentenced increased after case referred to Court of Appeal
A man has seen his prison sentence increased after the original sentence was found to be too lenient after an appeal. Michael Jones was originally sentenced on the 6th June, 2022 to six years imprisonment for stabbing his partner. Jones pinned his partner down and forced her to play a “truth-or-dare” game whilst threatening her, […]
Domestic abuse victims to receive vital legal aid support under new reforms
The government has announced that thousands of domestic abuse victims will be able to access free legal advice and representation under new changes to the legal aid system introduced earlier this week. This comes in an effort to support the use of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, which were introduced under the […]
Top judge to lead review of issues connected to parental alienation cases
President of the Family Division Sir Andrew McFarlane is to lead a review of the regulation and legitimacy of court-appointed experts in particular where they are connected to allegations of parental alienation. This comes after a high-profile case – which was reported in national news – saw a mother lose custody of her child after […]
7 in 10 women blame menopause for divorce, research finds
New research from the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education has found that a striking seven in 10 women (73%) blame menopause for their divorce, despite its role and importance within the legal process remaining remote. The results of the ground-breaking research – the largest ever nationwide survey of women about […]
Top north west firm announces shift to employee-owned structure
A North West law firm that champions happiness and positivity among its employees has become employee owned. The 85 employees of Chester-based Oliver & Co Solicitors now own 100% of the business through an employee ownership trust and will gain an equal share of the firm’s profits. The former owners of Oliver & Co described […]
Law Society raises concerns over SRA’s additional powers to combat economic crime
Law Society urges government to consider the “proportionality of additional regulation” The Law Society of England and Wales has raised concerns at how effective the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) additional powers will be in combatting economic crime. Lubna Shuja, president of the Law Society, welcomed the second Economic Crime Bill’s intention of stopping money laundering […]
Conference reveals safeguarding concerns for child victims of coercive control
On Monday the 3rd of October Nagalro hosted an online conference on “Collateral damage – children as tools for abuse and as witnesses of coercive control” which revealed the problems with safeguarding procedures, and how these can improve. The talk involved experts in the impact of domestic abuse on families and explained how those in […]
UKLTA announces Student representative initiative
The UKLTA is looking for student representatives to become part of a growing community of top law and technology firms. With over 85 organisational members, the UKLTA is dedicated to building a community where legal professionals, technology providers and consumers of legal services can come together in order to help shape the future of legal […]
Webinar: Lessons from the pandemic
Family well-being, childcare and gender Mothers work less, earn less and dedicate more of their time to housework and childcare than fathers. Availability of and state support for childcare is particularly important for mothers and they are disproportionately affected when it is withdrawn or access to it is limited. These were the findings from research […]
Webinar: Submitting applications for contested financial remedy on MyHMCTS
MyHMCTS is our online case management system that allows legal professionals submit and pay for applications. Legal professionals can manage and track the progress of applications, ensuring that clients can be kept up to date in real time. These drop-in sessions will show attendees: – how to submit an application – how the service has […]
Law firm announces training scheme for graduates
A new training programme offering a different route to qualifying as a solicitor has been launched by a northern based law firm. Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which operates across Cumbria and Northumberland, say the new scheme will provide opportunities for new recruits to work while they study. The firm state the training programme offers law graduates […]
Legal aid: New Specialist Quality Mark contract now in force
New Specialist Quality Mark contract awarded to existing supplier Recognising Excellence comes into force A new Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) contract began on 2022 following a successful tender from Recognising Excellence, the existing supplier. Has anything changed for providers? An early booking discount is being introduced for SQM holders who apply for reaccreditation early. The […]
Lawcare asks legal community to “Tell Ten” for World Mental Health Day
10 reasons why you should contact LawCare Legal mental health charity LawCare is asking the legal community to tell ten friends or colleagues about their support service this World Mental Health Day. The charity, which offers free, confidential, emotional support to anyone working in the law including support staff and law students has supported over […]
Consultation on SIF replacement
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is consulting on the arrangements and rules of an SRA-run indemnity scheme to provide future consumer protection for post six year negligence in the form of post six year run-off cover (PSYROC). The Solicitors Indemnity Fund, operated by the Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited, was extended from 30th September 2021 for […]
Number of practising solicitors reaches all-time high
The number of solicitors on the roll reached an all-time high in 2021, while record numbers of students graduated with law degrees, a new Law Society of England and Wales report has revealed. Resulting from the report was a wide range of statistics all giving the impression of a legal sector which is busier than […]
Webinars on how to improve your firm’s rankings in legal directories announced
LexRex have announced two webinars to help firms looking to improve their rankings in legal directories. The two free webinars will talk to experts in the legal directory field who will aim to provide insight into how your firm can improve in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners ranking’s. Preparing for Legal Directories Season […]
Report condemns “systemic gatekeeping” of domestic abuse support by local councils
A new report published by the Public Law Interest Centre has laid bare the “systemic gatekeeping” of access to support for domestic abuse survivors by local councils across London. The report, “Abused twice: The ‘gatekeeping’ of housing support for domestic abuse survivors in every London borough”, begins by repeating a statement made by then Minister […]
Pre-recorded rape evidence made available for victims across the country
The government announced on Monday that the ability to submit pre-recorded rape evidence during a trial – saving victims the stress and trauma of live cross-examination – is now available at every Crown Court across England and Wales. The Ministry of Justice and HMCTS hope that the move, which will be welcomed across the board, […]
We will tackle “epidemic of violence” against women and girls, say Labour
Labour announces plans to introduce rape courts and a register those guilty of domestic violence Labour have announced plans to tackle the rising number violent crimes committed against women and girls. The plans, which were announced at Labour’s annual conference, include a register to tackle the rising cases of violence against women and girls. The […]
What are the “smoke and mirrors” surrounding domestic abuse?
In conversation with Olivia Piercy: an appraisal of family law, including the “smoke and mirrors” which surround domestic abuse Olivia Piercy, family lawyer and newly announced Partner at Hunters Law (Hunters), talks all things domestic abuse, Mr Justice Cobb’s Private Law Working Group, the areas of family law undergoing transformation, and more. Olivia, to begin […]