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The Law Society Report
The Law Society Report
Justice delayed as thousands of cases wait more than two years to be heard
Figures published on 28 September for the backlogs in the Crown and magistrates’ courts show more than 400,000 cases remain outstanding at the end of June this year, with a record high in the Crown Court.*
Backlogs are continuing to rise as new data shows:
• 345,285 outstanding cases in the magistrates’ courts, up 2% on the previous quarter;
• 64,709 outstanding cases in the Crown Court, an increase of 4% on the previous quarter and the highest Crown Court backlog on record;
• 17,649 of Crown Court cases had been outstanding for a year or more, including a record 6,427 delayed for more than two years.
The Law Society of England and Wales President, Lubna Shuja, has called for urgent investment across the entire criminal justice system to prevent it from collapsing.
Civil Legal aid review
The Ministry of Justice commissioned an independent online survey as part of its Review of Civil Legal Aid (RoCLA). Those that provide civil legal aid were invited to participate in this online research survey which aimed to explore legal aid providers’ experiences of the civil legal aid sector and how it operates. All survey responses received helped build a robust evidence base for the review and contributed to the sustainability of legal aid.
Professional ethics programme launched
The Law Society of England and Wales has launched its professional ethics web hub as part of its three-year programme to support our members balance their obligations to their clients and wider society.
The hub is a one-stop-shop for member support with ethics issues and includes helpful resources such as guidance, case studies, event notifications and updates from the programme.
Talented aspiring solicitors awarded coveted scholarship
14 talented aspiring solicitors have been awarded a sought-after scholarship by the Law Society of England and Wales’ Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) to help them qualify.
DAS aims to help improve social mobility and diversity in the legal profession by supporting people who face exceptional social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to qualifying as a solicitor. To date, the scheme has supported nearly 300 talented trainees to pursue their career ambitions.
2024 will be a landmark year for DAS, as the Law Society will celebrate 20 years since the scheme began. Any aspiring solicitor who is facing particular challenges on their way to qualification are encouraged to consider applying for a place on the Diversity Access Scheme. Applications for the next cohort of DAS awards will open in February 2024. ■
