Duty contracts consultation: advice and support | New intestacy rules | Law Society manifesto 2015 | Human Rights Act
Criminal legal aid: duty contracts consultation
Support pack for member responses
The Law Society has put together a support pack to help members respond to the Ministry of Justice consultation on the Otterburn and KPMG reports. The consultation closes on 15 October.
View our support pack
Law Society calls on MPs to investigate consultation
The Law Society has called on MPs to publicly scrutinise the duty contract consultation. We have warned Alan Beith, chair of the Justice Select Committee, and Margaret Hodge, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, about the serious risk to the future availability of criminal defence services.
Stay up to date with our campaign on our Twitter channel and the hashtag #Access2Justice.
Expanding into international markets? Find out how the Law Society can help
 The Law Society’s International Division offers practical support, training and advice to help firms expand into international markets.
Paul Marmor, partner at Sherrards Solicitors LLP, shares his experience of how the Law Society promotes members internationally and why he values his International Division membership.
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New intestacy laws: implications for solicitors
The Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014 came into force on 1 October 2014. It makes various changes to the intestacy rules, to sections relating to family provision claims and to some trustee powers.
Read our summary of the changes
Law Society responds to Cameron’s call to scrap Human Rights Act
The Law Society has called for the Human Rights Act to be retained. We have warned the government that replacing it with a bill of rights would be an unnecessary duplication and complication in the protection of human rights.
Read our full reponse
Do you want to make a difference to the future of the legal profession?
The Junior Lawyers Division is looking for new candidates to represent over 75,000 students, trainees and solicitors from across England and Wales in a national and international forum.
Find out more about the roles and apply – deadline: 26 October
Law Society manifesto 2015
The Law Society has set out its policy recommendations for the next government. Between now and the 2015 general election, we will be using our manifesto to inform politicians about the part the law plays in making society fairer, strengthening our global standing and boosting our economy.
As we enter the final party conference this weekend – the Liberal Democrats – read our manifesto.
Legal Compliance Bulletin
 New changes in the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct and the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules will extend compliance obligations to include not just solicitors but all members of staff.
Keep up to date with the latest rules and regulations governing your staff with help from the Legal Compliance Bulletin. |
Difficulty getting PII cover?
If you have gone into the extended indemnity period (EIP) and need help with finding an insurer, call our PII helpline on 020 7320 9545.
Read our updated guide to see who is in the market (PDF)
Read our guide to the EIP
Ombudsman to launch online complaints portal
In October, the Legal Ombudsman will be launching a complaints portal. Solicitors will be able to handle complaints made to the ombudsman through an online account.
Find out more on the ombudsman’s website
Law Society provides evidence to investigatory powers review
The Law Society has called for a revision and clarification of the UK’s regulatory framework for investigatory powers.
Read more
Land Registry changes practice for restrictions on leasehold registered titles
From 20 October, Land Registry will be implementing practice changes to help prevent restrictions on leasehold registered titles creating problems, where the restriction calls for the consent of a particular named lessor or managing agent, and that lessor or managing agent has changed or been dissolved.
Read more
National media promotes solicitors
 BBC Breakfast News and the Daily Express covered our Use a Professional, Use a Solicitor campaign this week, reinforcing this key message to millions of consumers.
Order the campaign pack and customise the posters, ads and postcards with your logo and contact details.
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Training and events
| Small Firms Division conferences 2014 – 4 CPD hours
These half-day conferences in London and Leeds will help you to attract and retain clients, increase profitability and develop commercial channels to create a pipeline of new work. Topics covered include innovation for small firms, evaluation of future options, compliance, marketing and financial management. |
Sponsored by:  |
Commercial litigation: the post-Jackson world – 3 CPD hoursThis event assesses the impact of the first 18 months of the Jackson reforms. Litigators will learn about and share experiences of the latest developments, with a high-calibre lineup, including Lord Justice Jackson, litigation solicitors and barristers. Delegates will be given the opportunity to ask questions and join in debate from the floor. |
Employment law update 2014This webinar provides a comprehensive update on recent cases, and an overview and commentary on selected key EU and UK employment law developments over the past year. It will include future developments in holiday pay, shared parental leave and other family friendly developments, TUPE, whistleblowing and key procedural changes. |
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Law Management Section finance and business conference 2014 – 5 CPD hours
Pick up new ideas to help your firm thrive in the current challenging environment. This year’s programme features some excellent and inspirational speakers who will give practical and insightful guidance on achieving and managing success. Book your place by Monday 6 October 2014 and save £50. |
Associate sponsor:
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