Professional Update – 18th April 2013

PCT proposals: Law Society statement

We think that government plans to introduce price-competitive tendering (PCT) for criminal legal aid are unworkable.

We do not rule out more serious action later on but, at this stage, we believe that it is in the interests of our members and of the criminal justice system to engage with the proposals and provide evidence and reasoned alternatives to government.

Read our full statement
Download our campaigner pack
Have your say in our consultation on PCT alternatives

Walk for legal charities on 20 May

Olympic rowing gold medallist Katherine Grainger will join over 6,000 members of the legal profession for next month’s London Legal Walk to raise much-needed funds for free legal advice providers.
Find out how you can get involved
Read our press release

Society demands fair hearing on personal injury

We have warned the government’s Transport Select Committee that hearing only one side of the argument on whiplash claims will penalise genuine accident victims.
Find out more

Annual results show drop in practising members

Pressures on practising solicitors in England and Wales are beginning to show in our latest annual statistical report. The number of firms and private practitioners has decreased for the first time ever, while the number of admissions and training contracts is down to the lowest levels since 1999.
Read the executive summary (PDF 295 kb)
Buy the full report

New deputy vice president announced

The next deputy vice president of the Law Society will be property law expert Jonathan Smithers.
Find out more about the appointment

Society joins call to suspend Sri Lanka from Commonwealth

The Law Society has added its voice to those calling for the suspension of Sri Lanka from the councils of the Commonwealth, following reports of serious breaches of the rule of law and judicial independence.
Find out more about this issue

Human rights event:
Prize-giving of the 2013 Graham Turnbull essay competition

Judicial vacancy: specialist circuit judge

The Judicial Appointments Commisson has been asked to recommend one candidate for immediate appointment to the role of specialist circuit judge (Chancery). The lord chancellor expects applicants to have completed at least two years or 30 sitting days as a fee-paid judicial office holder.
Application details – deadline: 2 May

Need a precedent pronto?

Don’t want to pay a fortune for online information subscriptions that you may never use in full? You need the library research service. Our expert librarians help hundreds of solicitors each month to find the legal information they need. The first 10 minutes of research are free.
Find out more about the service

A cost-effective way to manage compliance

Managing compliance can be time-consuming. Cut down the time and effort involved with Riliance. Endorsed by the Law Society, this web-based management system helps you to plan, delegate and report on compliance. Once set up, it will send you alerts so you log in only when needed and don’t miss any important dates or actions. Find out more and request a demo today Join the Risk and Compliance Service

Training and events

International marketplace conference and reception This conference highlights the business opportunities in the financing, contracting and completion of international projects in emerging markets. It examines the new markets and creates a platform for UK and international firms to forge collaborative business partnerships. Book today – 9 July

Law Management Section annual conference – 5.5 CPD hours The conference will address the core issues of successfully managing your firm and people through change. The conference features an opening keynote speech delivered by Anthony Hilton, business commentator for the Independent and the Evening Standard, as well as key presentations from expert speakers. Book today – 9 May Join the Law Management Section

Associate sponsors:

Lawyers with Disabilities Division evening – 2 CPD hours This free event is aimed at law students and trainee solicitors with disabilities who want to know more about working in private practice. Reed Smith will give a presentation on its recruitment policies and work opportunities, and trainees will share their experiences of working at Reed Smith. Book today – 30 April

Supported by :

Costs management in the post-Jackson world In this webinar you will learn about what proportionality means, where costs management will apply, cost management orders and everything you need to know about Schedule H. Book today – 1 May

Making the most of your membership

	JLT Property Insurance in conjunction with the Law Society offers flexible unoccupied property insurance tailored specifically for solicitors. Find out more
	JLT Travel Insurance provides single or multi-trip cover for individuals, couples or families. Find out more

View all membership benefits