PROFESSIONAL UPDATE FROM THE LAW SOCIETY
25/03/09
New TransAction forms available now
The Society has updated its TransAction forms which are used in residential conveyancing and Law Society home information pack products. The changes reflect feedback from the profession and changes to the law, including the introduction of Property Information Questionnaires from 6 April 2009. The forms are available to order now from the usual suppliers.
More information on the new TransAction forms <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384740092375600156372>
Read about home information packs: www.lawsociety.org.uk/hips <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384750092375600156372>
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Lord Hunt seeks your views on future regulation
Lord Hunt has written an open letter to all solicitors asking for help to inform his regulatory review. Please send your personal thoughts, and those of your firm on the best way forward for legal regulation. This review is a vital opportunity to influence how the Legal Services Act affects the regulation of solicitors, and therefore your legal business in the near future. Meetings with stakeholders are underway, and regional meetings for solicitors will begin in May.
Read a personal letter to solicitors from Lord Hunt <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384760092375600156372>
(PDF, 150k)
To get involved, read Lord Hunt's call to evidence <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384770092375600156372>
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Debt relief orders: important changes for solicitors
The Law Society has issued a practice note to advise on a new form of debt relief called a Debt Relief Order (DRO), which is due to come into force on
6 April 2009. Practitioners must apply to a competent authority to become an approved intermediary and be able to assist debtors in making their DRO applications to the Insolvency Service. Registration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority is not sufficient to act as an approved intermediary.
Read our advice at: www.lawsociety.org.uk/debtrelief <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384780092375600156372>
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Support during the downturn
Law Society calls for tax concession
The Law Society has warned that taxing law firms on work before they have received payment for their services could result in practices getting into financial difficulties, particularly those carrying out publicly- funded work.
Read about our actions on this issue
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384790092375600156372>
Society alerts banks to possible legal aid payment disruption
The Society has alerted the UK's major banks that there may be short term disruption to legal aid payments made to firms by the Legal Services Commission (LSC).
Read more
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384800092375600156372>
Seminar: how to successfully manage a small firm in the downturn
Birmingham - 26 March
Sessions will cover strategic business planning; how to get the best out of IT; financial and banking advice; and information on effective succession planning for retirement.
Find out more and book
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384810092375600156372>
More on support for solicitors during the downturn:
www.lawsociety.org.uk/survivingthedownturn
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384820092375600156372>
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Concerns as Abbey cuts solicitor panel members
The Law Society is meeting with Abbey next week, following reports that it has removed many firms without notice from its approved panel of solicitors.
This has affected new start ups, sole practices or firms not instructed by Abbey for a specific period of time. The Society is particularly concerned about the impact of these actions on small firms and the potentially disproportionate impact on black and minority ethnic solicitors. If you have been affected, let us know at: president@lawsociety.org.uk.
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Gazette online - new features
Several exciting new features are now available on the Law Society Gazette's website, allowing you to get involved, post your own content, and receive updates.
* comment on online stories
* daily news
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384830092375600156372>
* a news blog
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384840092375600156372> , and In Business blog <http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384850092375600156372>
* Moving On
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384860092375600156372> - a page where you can post your legal moves
* sign up for RSS feeds
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384870092375600156372> - receive news, legal updates and other website content the moment it's published
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Employment tribunals: complete our survey
The Law Society is seeking your views on employment tribunals, in particular the £25,000 cap for breach of contract and the need to deliver judgments on the day. Your responses will inform our discussions with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and the President of the Employment Tribunals.
Complete the survey
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384880092375600156372> - closing date: 2 April
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Improve your chances of judicial selection
The Judicial Appointments Commission is running a free practical session in association with the Black Solicitors Network on how to improve your chances of judicial selection. The session will take place in Birmingham on Monday 6 April. It will cover the selection and application process, the roles available and top tips and pitfalls to avoid.
Booking details
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384890092375600156372>
More information on judicial appointment:
www.lawsociety.org.uk/judicialappointment
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384900092375600156372>
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Excellence Awards 2009: new categories unveiled
Following the outstanding success of last year's Excellence Awards, new categories have been introduced to recognise outstanding achievement in areas that are central to today's legal profession. Nominations will open in June.
Full details
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384910092375600156372>
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Legal prints sale: perfect gifts for the office
Buy one of our quality legal prints online by 14 April 2009 and receive a £10 discount. The humorous prints are ideal for your office or study, and also make an an excellent gift.
Find out more and order a print
<http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008384920092375600156372>
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