PROFESSIONAL UPDATE - HELP WITH TAX/LITIGATION FUNDING/PACE REFORM
22/12/08
Help for practices struggling to meet tax bills
Following discussions with the Law Society, HM Revenue and Customs have agreed arrangements for practices to defer paying tax during the economic downturn. The arrangements will be managed through their recently launched Business Support Service.
Read Law Society advice on applying for assistance <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227030090853000156372>
Complete our online survey
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227040090853000156372> on how you are affected by the downturn
More on support for solicitors during the downturn:
www.lawsociety.org.uk/survivingthedownturn
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227050090853000156372>
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Litigation funding - let us know your views
Costs, proportionality and contingency arrangements are key concerns for solicitors so the Society has decided to formally consult with its members on these issues. Please complete our online survey to let us know your views. Your responses will assist us in reviewing our policies on funding and costs, particularly contingency arrangements.
Complete the online survey - closing date: 31 March 2009 <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227060090853000156372>
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PACE: Society questions need for reform
The Law Society has responded to a Home Office consultation reviewing the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 which aims to reduce police bureaucracy. Our view is:
* This important legislation continues to effectively regulate the
relationship between the police and suspect, and provides an appropriate balance between the rights of individuals, while allowing the police to conduct criminal investigations. It needs little amendment.
* We oppose certain government proposals including an expansion of
post-charge questioning of defendants by the police, and that solicitors be excluded from video identification procedures.
Read our response in full
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227070090853000156372>
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Bookshop - new editions
Solicitors and Money Laundering - new edition
This fully updated edition takes account of developments in legislation and best practice, including the introduction of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, and the Law Society's anti-money laundering practice note.
It features a precedent for a basic money laundering manual that can be adapted to your needs to save you time in ensuring compliance.
Find out more and order your copies today <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227080090853000156372>
Criminal Procedure Rules - new edition
This practical and thorough book sets out the rules and explains the legislative and case law developments that give them their teeth. All key rulings including cases such as R v Musone and R (Kelly) v Warley Justices are explained in full.
Find out more and order your copies today <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227090090853000156372>
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Major pro-bono opportunity with the World Bank
The Society is working with the World Bank on the global pro-bono research project Doing Business and is seeking firms or individual lawyers who are interested in taking part. The project is looking for contributors to act as local partners. Contributors will be asked to complete short surveys in the areas of corporate, employment, commercial litigation, bankruptcy and real estate law. This is an exciting opportunity to use your expertise to improve business environments worldwide, establish contacts with the World Bank and the IFC and join a network of 6700 professionals worldwide.
Read more
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227100090853000156372>
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Anti-money laundering training seminars - new date
A new date has been added to our series of AML seminars. This will take place in Cambridge on 25 February 2009. The seminar will provide general training on anti-money laundering issues for MLRO's and compliance staff in the legal sector who are familiar with relevant legislation and have read our anti-money laundering practice note.
Details and booking form
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008227110090853000156372>
(PDF, 123kb)
www.lawsociety.org.uk/antimoneylaundering
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