Media Centre

Criminal procedure rules: updated practice note

This updated practice note defines the extent of the duties and burdens set out in the Criminal Procedure Rules 2011. It also identifies and addresses the ethical problems that are likely to arise from the rules.
View the updated practice note
Related event: Criminal law conference: fighting for justice

Advocacy: support, training and vacancies

Advocacy Section launch event

Why is good quality advocacy in the courts so important and what training and support is available? Hear the views of the lord chief justice, the chief operating officer of the Crown Prosecution Service and the chair of the Solicitors' Association of Higher Court Advocates.
Listen to the launch event podcast - you'll need to register at our CPD centre website
Advocacy Section application details

Applications invited for specialist regulatory advocates

The Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Office of Rail Regulation are looking to appoint a list of advocates to conduct their higher court prosecution work and other regulatory advocacy.
Application details - deadline: 12 March

Fusion of professions

What are the implications of barristers and solicitors practising together in partnership under the new regulatory regime?
Fusion or fission - watch a video interview
Solicitor advocates and barristers should merge - Guardian article

HSBC appeals process

HSBC’s panel manager Countrywide has confirmed that an appeals process is in place for firms whose application to join the bank’s residential conveyancing panel has been rejected. Discussions continue at a senior level between the Law Society and HSBC.
More information on conveyancing panels

Buildmark acceptance online

The National House-Building Council will introduce a new online system in 2012 to provide instant Buildmark cover information and access to associated documentation.
Find out more and register for updates

Family justice reforms

We have welcomed the government's commitment to overhauling the family justice system but have warned that proposed legal aid cuts threaten to derail the reforms. The cuts will lead to fewer family lawyers, more people going to court unrepresented and severe court delays. Read our latest press releases:

• Society disappointed by government refusal to remove fees for care proceedings
• Society welcomes government commitment to speed up care proceedings
• Society calls for changes in family courts to be resourced
• Society welcomes government commitment to children’s welfare - but accuses ministers of being disingenuous

Equality plan addresses changing legal landscape

The Law Society has set out its framework for equality and diversity for the next four years. The 2012-15 Equality and Diversity Framework outlines the measures needed to accelerate the rate of progress towards equality of opportunity, greater diversity of the profession and effective, inclusive working practices.
Download the framework (PDF, 258kb)
Details of our equality and diversity initiatives
Related resources:
Equality Act 2010 - a guide to the new law
Diversity League Table 2011

Training and events

What hinders career progression?

The deadline has been extended for the InterLaw Diversity Forum survey on career experiences in the legal sector, which aims to understand what drives or hinders career progression. The deadline for responses has been extended to the end of February.
Share your experiences - all responses will be anonymous
Related event: International Women in Law Summit 2012

Making the most of your membership

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