Media Centre

Professional Update 10th November 2011

11.11.2011

10 November 2011

Read on Law Society website:
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/newsandevents/news/view=newsarticle.law?NEWSID=443961

BTE insurance: freedom to choose your own lawyer

The High Court has recently held that before-the-event (BTE) legal expenses insurers cannot reject a policyholder's choice of a non-panel solicitor on the sole basis of cost.
Find out more about the implications of the case

HMRC issues advice on SDLT returns

Following the introduction of the new SDLT 1 form in July, HM Revenue & Customs has issued advice for those submitting stamp duty land tax (SDLT) returns.
Read the advice
Related book: Stamp Duty Land Tax, 9th Edition

Society welcomes deferral of advocacy assurance scheme

Following our objections to the proposed quality assurance scheme for advocates, we welcome the SRA's deferral of the scheme to allow for more research on its impact. Solicitors who hold higher rights in crime or crime/civil will have an opportunity to give feedback on the scheme via an online survey.
More on the research
Read our latest consultation response on the scheme

Cohabitation - landmark decision

The Law Society has welcomed the decision in the Kernott vs Jones case, which highlights the need for clarity for cohabitees through legislation. We have warned that urgent reform is still required on cohabitation and property rights.
Read our reaction

Regional employment judge vacancies

The Judicial Appointments Commission is looking for two judges to lead a team of employment judges sitting at employment tribunals in East Anglia and the East Midlands. To be eligible you must currently be a salaried employment judge.
Application details - closing date: 24 November

Latest compliance news

Keep up to date with the latest rules and regulations governing your staff with help from the Legal Compliance Bulletin.
Find out more and subscribe

Speak at our first Law Conference

We are seeking expert speakers to present sessions on issues facing modern law firms, including business strategy, regulation, risk, globalisation, technological changes and much more.
Find out how to submit your proposal - deadline: 25 November

Law Society and SRA agree new governance arrangements

The Law Society and the SRA have announced new arrangements for the governance of the relationship between the two organisations.
Find out more about the arrangements

Do you use the Law Society library?

If you have recently contacted our library for help with a legal information query, please complete our survey to let us know how satisfied you were with the service. Respondents can also enter a draw to win a £20 Marks & Spencer voucher.
Take the survey – closing date: 24 November
More about our library services

Buy an ebook and get chance to win £150

The Society has launched nine ebooks, designed to be read on your desktop as well as dedicated e-readers and apps. Titles include:

Buy any of our ebooks before 30 November 2011 and you'll be entered into a prize draw to win £150 to spend in our online bookshop.
View the whole range of ebooks

Training and events

In-house counsel forum: surviving and thriving: up to 11.5 hours CPD

Hear experts speak on topics including the impact of regulatory changes, managing costs and resources, the global business outlook, and managing organisational risk and liability. Delegates confirmed from GE Capital Europe, Ryanair, Rothschild, Royal Hospital Chelsea, ABTA and more.
Book your place today - 29 - 30 November

Introduction to Lexcel: answering FAQs - 1 hour CPD

This webinar explains how Lexcel works and covers FAQs on the benefits of accreditation, how firms are assessed and much more.
Book your place - 13:00 on Thursday 1 December

Law and technology forum: up to 12 hours CPD

Technology is a driving force for many of the changes in the provision of legal services. This forum explores the future of online legal services in the age of recession, deregulation and globalisation.
Book your place - 20-21 March 2012 - early bird rates available

Capital markets in the 21st century: 7 hours CPD

Get insight from leading in-house counsel, bankers and regulators on how their deals have recently evolved. Delegates confirmed from Linklaters, Mizuho International, Allen & Overy, White & Case and many more.
Book your place - 7 December

Client care and complaints handling: 3 hours CPD

This online course helps you to understand the implications of recent legal and regulatory changes for client care and complaints handling, including the advent of the Legal Ombudsman and outcomes-focused regulation.
Book your place
Save 33 per cent when you purchase the course plus one year's individual Risk and Compliance Service membership

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