Family lawyers face long wait for further divorce reform
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (4 December 2024) The wait is nearly over for family lawyers waiting to see the outcome of Law Commission work to review the laws governing finances on divorce. However, they will have to wait a long time before they see any actual reforms – law commissioner Professor Nick Hopkins told a Westminster […]
‘Immovables rule’ has not moved, Supreme Court rules
By Michael Cross >> (20 November 2024) The long established principle that questions of rights to and interests in land and real estate are subject to the law of the country where the property is situated has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In Kireeva v Bedzhamov, five justices, led by Lord Lloyd-Jones and Lord Richards, agreed […]
Justice secretary finds extra cash for criminal legal aid
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (14 November 2024) Criminal legal aid lawyers will finally see movement on pay after the government today announced a £24m injection into police station and youth court fees – £3m more than what the previous administration proposed. In January then justice secretary Alex Chalk consulted on £21m for criminal legal aid – […]
Courtroom closures prompt fresh criminal justice despair
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (11 November 2024) Reports that a London Crown court is closing a third of its courtrooms due to cuts are incorrect, the Ministry of Justice has said. However, this will do little to allay fears about the state of the criminal justice system after it emerged that a Crown court in Cornwall […]
Law Society extends period for using different TA6 property information forms
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (7 November 2024) Conveyancers will be allowed to use different versions of the TA6 property information form for longer than originally timetabled, the Law Society has announced, as it continues to work through feedback on the latest edition. The TA6 form was updated to support National Trading Standards guidance on ‘material information’ required for […]
Family Court transparency pilot extends to magistrates cases
By Bianca Castro >> (4 November 2024) Reporting of proceedings in the family courts through the transparency pilots has been extended to include public and private law cases before magistrates. From Friday, the pilot was extended to magistrates in all 19 of the current pilot areas. From today (11 November), the pilot scheme for the reporting […]
More judges to sit alone under employment tribunal reforms
By Bianca Castro >> (31 October 2024) Employment judges will be able to sit alone in cases unless it is not in the interests of justice to do so, according to a new practice direction issued by Sir Keith Lindblom. The senior president of tribunals’ direction means fewer cases will be heard before the usual three-person […]
Go prosecute! CPS offers ‘launchpad’ for new lawyers
By Bianca Castro >> (29 October 2024) The Crown Prosecution Service has launched a programme for newly qualified practitioners which the organisation hopes will serve as a ‘launchpad’ for new lawyers. Go Prosecute aims to help barristers ‘forge a strong relationship’ with the CPS at the start of their career. Inspired by similar schemes in other […]
Society seeks conveyancers’ views for climate risk practice note
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (20 September 2024) The Law Society wants to know how conveyancers handle climate risks to inform new guidance on the expanding legal risks around climate change and solicitors’ duties. After issuing guidance on climate change last year, Chancery Lane is drafting a further practice note that would provide practical details for conveyancers on what […]
‘No fault’ evictions back on parliamentary agenda
By Monidipa Fouzder >> (11 September 2024) ‘No fault’ evictions will be banned under proposed legislation being introduced by the government today to ‘level the playing field’ between tenants and landlords. The government said today that the Renters’ Rights Bill will go further than ever before in strengthening tenants’ rights. As well as banning section 21 […]
