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Council Members Report
Council Members Report June 2024
ADRIENNE EDGERLEY HARRIS, Council MemberYOUR VOICE AT THE LAW SOCIETY
Since I last wrote, there have been Council meetings in March and May 2024. Key matters discussed included:
1. Size of Council: In my last report I mentioned that there are proposals to reduce the size of Council from its current 97 seats, including the abolition of geographical seats – of which there are 42 constituencies. When I was elected to the Hampshire and IOW seat two years ago, the boundaries had been changed and our area become the South Constituency, incorporating the North Hampshire seat into Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Council members have several concerns about further reduction, including that it would result in a challenge to represent a larger constituency; more work for those who remained; a possible danger of not being able to attract some categories of people, (such as younger people, younger parents, and early-to-mid career solicitors) and not ensuring diversity of representation. If you have any comments, please let me know.
2. Junior Lawyers: Junior Lawyers have several representatives on Council. The representative for 0-6yrs PQE solicitors noted that her cohort want TLS to do more to combat bullying and harassment of junior lawyers. Please let me know if you would like to give any feedback on this and I will pass it on for you.
3. Support for solicitors in the SDT: Council has agreed that TLS is to provide assistance to solicitors appearing before the SDT. Council recognises that justice demands that members appearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal should have access to legal support to ensure equality of arms. To this end, the Council authorises the creation of a special committee of enquiry, serviced by staff, to enquire how equality of representation can be achieved. This committee should consist of six Council members who will take expert evidence from inside and outside The Law Society. Please let me know if you wish to contribute evidence.
4. 21st Century Justice Project: Last year, TLS launched this project with the aim of working in collaboration with members and stakeholders to develop policy to increase access to justice for small businesses and those on low incomes. Valuable comments were received following the issue of a green paper last October, after which further research and analysis is being undertaken. The starting point is that TLS will make a case for one trusted entry point (the “Solutions Explorer”) for those with a legal need and, as part of the project, work with civil legal aid providers to consider how early advice could link in with online information and guidance. There are sections on legal expense insurance, protection of legal service users from AI, unbundling, increasing the awareness of non-court dispute resolution mechanisms that can help small business, and maximisation of ombudsman schemes to deliver access to justice. The full project report (April 2024) can be read here: Fresh ideas for 21st century justice | The Law Society
TLS survey on Legal Needs has again drawn attention to the rise of unmet legal need. Wider policy has given us the MOJ vision of a digital justice system and the government calling on legal regulators to set out how it will regulate AI
5. Expenses and Allowances: in addition to HMRC allowable expenses can be claimed by Council Members. Until March 2023, they were also offered a small allowance. This covered trivial expenses and did not attempt to equate with any lost earnings. I have been on a Working Party looking at what this payment is really for and whether it – or something else- ought to be reinstated. The Working Party recommendations are to be put to Council at the July meeting.
6. Carey Street: my last report asked for comments on the proposal to sell this property, around the corner from the main Law Society building in Carey Street, which has been used as the President’s residence. It’s need for extensive repair and lack of use were amongst the prompts for this motion. Following lively debate, Council has resolved to keep this asset. Proposals are now being drawn up as to how it might be adapted for enhanced access and use..
7. CILEX regulation: CILEX has consulted its members on its request to be regulated by the SRA. The matter is still due to be brought back to Council to debate in due course. TLS is also keeping in touch with the LSB, the oversight regulator..
The matter will be brought back to Council to debate in due course and once the two bodies have published their responses to their consultations. TLS is also keeping in touch with the LSB, the oversight regulator. ■
Adrienne Edgerley Harris
aedgerleyharris@shentons.co.uk 01962 844544
