I am part of the 93% of our society that attended state school, and the 63% who come from a non-professional background. When I joined the legal profession in 1996 as a trainee solicitor, I realised that the statistics were different in law firms. Even …
Recently, a case was put in my diary. It was a ‘good’ case to get – meaty and challenging, the sort of case that I should want. But my heart sank each time I thought of it looming, ominously, on the horizon. After months of back-to-back remote trials, just …
Our dean Penny Carey is dean of Hertfordshire Law School, and has held a number of senior school, faculty and institutional roles throughout her 28-year career in higher education. She has also taught on a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and …
Applications for the role of UK judge to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) are now open until 9 April 2024. Go to the judicial appointments website for more information, including the: candidate information pack expression of interest form ECtHR …
The event The event will take place on 9 April 2024 at their London offices. Senior judges and a representative from the Judicial Appointments Commission will discuss: their roles and the tribunal’s work give you a brief career history; and tips to …
The Judicial Appointments Commission is expected to launch recruitment for deputy High Court judges in early 2022. Watch the recording Who can apply? To apply for a deputy High Court judge role, you’ll need to: have seven years’ post qualification legal …
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) launched the civil damages claims service in May 2021. The pilot was supported by a new practice direction (PD 51ZB). From 4 April 2022, users wishing to issue a claim that is covered by PD 51ZB will be required to: …
More solicitors are needed on King’s Counsel (KC). Despite the perception that only barristers can apply, solicitors who are qualified to act as an advocate in the highest courts have been eligible for KC status since 1995. So far, 217 solicitors have …
We are holding a series of virtual roundtable discussions to support the consultation on proposed changes to civil legal aid, including an increase in fees for immigration and housing work. The proposals include: raising rates to a minimum of £65 per hour …
Practising certificate (PC) holders who are unaffiliated, meaning not registered as employed by a firm or other organisation, grew by 3,613 members to reach 26,242 as of July 2023. This segment now represents 16% of PC holders, compared to just 8% in 2014 …
For a typical 40-hour week, the average fee earner is achieving 50% to 63% chargeable time, which may be considered low. This could represent a missed opportunity to increase chargeable hours, ultimately boosting turnover and supporting firms’ growth …
Ministry of Justice (MoJ) funding for Immigration and Asylum accreditation extended There has been an extension to a deal saving immigration and asylum solicitors hundreds of pounds on accreditation. The funding contribution for members who are looking to …
Background We’ve been working with independent research agency 2CV to gather views on the new edition of the TA6 form. From August to December 2024, 2CV carried out surveys, interviews, focus groups and workshops with our conveyancing members. They also …
Do you remember your first encounter with the law? Engaging with the law and increasing knowledge of the legal system allows young people to develop skills that let them participate as active citizens in society. Yet all too often, these opportunities are …
Government announces increase to criminal legal aid rates The government has announced a 6% increase in criminal legal aid rates. Our president Richard Atkinson said: "This is a welcome step forward that gives solicitors hope that there is a future in …
Criminal legal aid rates will increase by an additional 12%, the lord chancellor has confirmed, fulfilling a key recommendation of Sir Christopher Bellamy’s independent review. An initial 6% rise will follow consultation in early 2025, with an additional …
In recent years, concern about workplace sexual harassment has surged, driven by the #MeToo movement. Countries like Australia, Romania, France and Denmark have implemented measures to tackle this issue. The UK’s Worker Protection Act (WPA) 2023, effective …
One thing you need to do According to our analysis, following new data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the value of UK legal services exports increased by nearly 40% from 2021 to 2023. What you need to know 1. Criminal courts review …
Of course, theft isn't new; cybercrime just makes it that much easier. If I had wanted to steal your money 300 years ago, I would have been riding my trusty steed and holding up your stage coach with my pistols. 40 years ago, it would have been a sawn- …
To some, age is just a number. For many, however, it’s a curse. Breaking into the legal sector has never been easy. Top grades and employee malleability are viewed as sacrosanct, but for mature entrants, this attitude is often career-breaking. Research by …
07 days 08:51:14
