SDLT – major changes for residential property

The calculation of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for residential properties will be changing from today, 4 December. The structure, rates and thresholds are being changed.
Read more

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Crime duty provider contract: Law Society response and seminar

The Law Society has throughout this year raised very serious concerns about the proposed tender process. We will make strong representations about the nature, timing and speed of the process and along with practitioner groups are considering what further steps can be taken. In the meantime, due to the very short timing of the process, we must suggest that our members urgently consider the documentation.

We will be holding a free seminar to explain the details, what they may mean to you and what the Law Society is saying and doing about it. A recording of the event will be made available online the next day.

Read our summary of the key issues raised by the documentation
Find our full response to the consultation
Book your place on the seminar – 15 December

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Law Commission report: Rights to Light

The Law Commission’s report, Rights to Light (2014) Law Com No 356, was published today. The report contains recommendations that will improve the law relating to rights to light.
Download the report

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Law Society granted permission to appeal in Deprivation of Liberty procedures case

The Court of Appeal has granted the Law Society permission to appeal in a case, Re X(Deprivation of Liberty) which will define the parameters of deprivation of liberty procedures in the Court of Protection, following the Supreme Court judgment in P v Cheshire West.
Read Stephen Cragg QC’s summary of the case

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Residential conveyancing FCA consultation

The Financial Conduct Authority is now consulting on its proposals for implementation of the Mortgage Credit Directive. We are seeking comments from conveyancing solicitors on the proposals for a new binding mortgage offer stage and reflection period for consumers by 12 December.
Read more

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SRA proposes consumer credit firms seek FCA authorisation

The SRA has issued a consultation proposing that the regulation of consumer credit activities is passed to the Financial Conduct Authority. The Law Society is seeking counsel’s opinion and engaging with the FCA, SRA, other professions and LawWorks. We will be responding to the consultation and urge members to do so by 15 December.
Find out more

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Judicial Review challenge to domestic violence gateway and demo

The judicial review challenge to the domestic violence gateway regulations will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday 12 December. Rights of Women, who have brought the case, will be holding a demonstration outside the court from 09:30.
Find out more (PDF)

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JLD early career work experience survey

The 2014 survey focuses on the experience of legal education and early work experiences of those who are new to the legal profession. Our survey highlights a trend of unpaid work experience, with some placements lasting up to two years.
Find out more and download the survey results

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Save 15 per cent on quality gifts

The gift sale is now open. Place your order by 17 December to ensure UK delivery in time for Christmas. You can choose from a range of gifts including cufflinks, the Law Society golf umbrella, business card holders and the Law Society tie. To claim your discount, enter promotion code XMAS14 when prompted. Sale ends 31 December. Visit the Bookshop website to buy gifts

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Training and events

Annual human rights conference – 5 CPD hours Timed to coincide with International Human Rights Day, this conference will showcase an impressive array of speakers covering a range of topics associated with business and human rights. As well as keynote addresses, the conference will also offer practical workshops and informal networking. Book your place – 10 December

Advocacy Section networking event – dos and don’ts in the court room – 1.5 CPD hours Calling all solicitor advocates – do you want to know what judges are really looking for in the court room? Hear those all-important tips from two top judges and get the opportunity to ask any burning questions you may have. Free for Advocacy Section members. Book your place – 15 December Join the Advocacy Section

In-house Division workshop: top tips for enhancing performance – 2 CPD hours This event forms part of a series of workshops developed to assist in-house solicitors. It will examine the challenges faced by in-house solicitors and provide practical top tips for enhanced performance, increased efficiency and greater effectiveness. Book your place – 17 December Find out more about the In-house Division

Survive and thrive – growing your law firm in a competitive market Financial stability has become an ever-more important issue to the SRA, banks, insurers and, above all, concerned partners. This webinar illustrates how you can assess and improve your firm’s financial stability to make it more sustainable and profitable in the longer term. Free to Law Management Section members. Book your place – 8 January 2015 Join the Law Management Section

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