Legal executives to get ‘same status’ as solicitors, SRA suggests
A Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) document suggests that legal executives should get the “same status” as solicitors and become aligned in the standards that apply to them, according to reports. After carefully evaluating both regulators’ comments to CILEX’s “case for change”, CILEX declared that it would move through with its plans to transfer regulation of […]
LSB to review enforcement tools available to regulators
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced that it plans to review the enforcement and investigative tools available to legal services regulators, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This could include increasing financial penalties available to regulators, as well as enabling regulators to proactively gather information and share intelligence to help them detect and address […]
Law Society recommends rise in salary for trainee solicitors
Aspiring solicitors should be paid £23,122 outside of London and £26,068 in London for qualifying work experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or during their training contract, the Law Society of England and Wales has suggested. “We consider the increase in the recommended salary for aspiring solicitors to be appropriate at this time,” […]
Practice Direction Update No 4 of 2023
Ministry of Justice: This Practice Direction (PD) Update No.4 of 2023 makes amendments to two existing Practice Directions underpinning HMCTS’s online systems for certain types of family proceedings. PD36G: This pilot PD underpins HMCTS’s online system whereby applications for certain orders in relation to children, such as for a child arrangements order, can be generated […]
CMA launches review of ‘quickie’ online divorces
So-called “quickie” online divorces are one of the focuses of a new review into unregulated legal services, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced. The review comes amidst concerns that not all providers are complying with consumer protection law. The CMA noted that “customers now have many alternatives to the conventional law firms on […]
Practice Guidance: Non-Molestation Injunctions
The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has issued Practice Guidance to address some of the practical and procedural aspects of applications under s42 of the Family Law Act 1996, commonly known as Non-Molestation Injunctions. The Practice Guidance, and Annex 1 – a simplified Non-Molestation Order, can be read below. Practice Guidance: Non-Molestation […]
Ofsted launches consultation for inspecting supported accommodation
We are seeking views on proposals for how we will inspect supported accommodation for looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 17. The consultation will provide the sector with the opportunity to share its views on how supported accommodation should be inspected. The consultation runs from 10th July to 8th September 2023 and […]
HMCTS launches latest Communications and Engagement Survey
HMCTS has launched its latest survey to gather feedback on how it communicates and engages with court and tribunal users including legal professionals, the advice sector, contractors and criminal justice partner. With the justice system playing a crucial role in society, effective communication and engagement are essential to ensure transparency, accessibility, and trust. From social […]
Lord Chancellor approves appointment of new Chairman of the Law Commission
The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of a new Chairman of the Law Commission of England and Wales, according to the Ministry of Justice. The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice (Peter) Fraser as the Chairman of the Law Commission for England and Wales for three years commencing 1st […]
Nearly half of law firms encourage existing clients to post reviews to third party sites – SRA
While the public finds customer reviews and comparison websites helpful in choosing a legal services provider, barriers remain to making factual information on services and performance more readily available. These are among the findings from a year-long pilot run by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), and CILEx Regulation exploring the […]
SRA proposed budget increase ‘could impact firms’
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) 2023-2024 business plan and budget consultation proposes a 12% budget increase, which could impact firms who are already facing inflationary pressures, the Law Society of England and Wales has suggested. In response to the consultation, launched in May, the Law Society welcomes a continued focus on: Equality, diversity and inclusion […]
Law Society sets out its vision for legal sector’s role in AI advancement
The Law Society of England and Wales has set out its vision for the “important role” that the legal profession must play in the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), including the implementation of standards and regulation. “We encourage the Government to adopt a nuanced, balanced approach to the development and use of AI with the […]
Legal Aid Agency publishes new version of CW1 form
CW1: financial eligibility for legal aid clients Page summary: Controlled work form: client seeking legal help, help at court or family help (lower). Change made: Published new version of the CW1. Changes have been made to accommodate existing non means tested areas of work and the new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) which commences […]
LSB annual report shows progress in ensuring regulation drives better legal services
The Legal Services Board (LSB) published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. It describes the work completed and the LSB’s impact, focused on ensuring legal services are accessible and better meet the needs of society. The report covers the second year of the LSB’s Reshaping Legal Services strategy. Some […]
Ofsted launches consultation on proposed changes to post-inspection arrangements
Ofsted have published a consultation on proposed changes to their post-inspection arrangements, including how they handle complaints about their work. Ofsted propose to: enhance on-site professional dialogue during inspections to help address any issues before the end of the inspection visit introduce a new opportunity for providers to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection […]
Practice Direction Update No 3 of 2023
This Practice Direction (PD) Update No.3 of 2023 will introduce one new PD revoke one existing PD and make amendments to various existing PDs. The following PDs are amended in order to ensure that their content matches the operational reality of various of HMCTS’s online application processes: PD36P (Pilot Scheme: placement proceedings: procedure for specified […]
LSB study suggests unethical barriers limiting progress on EDI
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published a qualitative study on the experiences of 30 legal professionals from underrepresented groups trying to get into, feel part of, and succeed in the legal profession. While not designed to be statistically representative, the sample included a mix of gender identities, sexualities, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic backgrounds, […]
Law Society comment: LSB approves SRA rule changes on SIF
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published their decision on the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) rule change application to bring the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF) under the regulator’s direct managerial control. Law Society of England and Wales President Lubna Shuja said: We are pleased that the changes have been approved. This comes after significant campaigning […]
Legal Services Board appoints new policy and regulation director
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has appointed Richard Orpin as its new Director, Regulation & Policy. He will lead the LSB’s policy, research and regulatory teams from June 2023. Richard joins from Ofcom, where he led the communications regulator’s engagement with Government and Parliament on all broadcasting and media matters. Commenting on the appointment, Matthew […]
Family Reporting Pilot extended to private law
On 31st January 2023, the reporting pilot launched in Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle. The pilot launched initially in public law cases only. As of Monday 15th May 2023, the pilot has been extended to private law. This bulletin sets out some further guidance on issues that have been raised so far, and dealt with as […]