Last week’s cover feature dwelt on the dangerous scapegoating of immigration and asylum solicitors over what are, in reality, egregious government policy errors. The ministerial grandstanding continued this week. So it comes as a relief to lift the mood by focusing on a new initiative that celebrates solicitors who stand out for making a lasting, positive difference to the lives of others (news, p4).

Some 26 nominees who made the shortlist for the Law Society’s Legal Heroes of 2023 were chosen for bringing distinction to the profession. The winners, announced at a ceremony at Chancery Lane yesterday, are involved in a wide range of charities and projects, from working to end honour-based violence and female genital mutilation, to supporting those without representation in court or access to legal aid in private family law cases.

I was delighted to be one of the judges, who also included Law Society president Lubna Shuja.

As the president said, solicitors are the backbone of the justice system. But many also give a great deal to helping people in their local communities and beyond. You won’t read about that in the tabloids.

These heroes give not only to their local communities, but also to their peers. Take Lymington sole practitioner Clive Sutton, who I cannot imagine ever aspired to spend so much of his time talking about (and lobbying over) solicitors indemnity arrangements. Yet that was Clive’s predicament for years, as the Solicitors Regulation Authority prevaricated about closing the Solicitors Indemnity Fund.

Eventually, of course, the Cube sanctioned a revised consumerprotection arrangement that will continue to safeguard against longtail claims. Until yesterday, Clive was very much an unsung hero in achieving that concession. Unsung no more, I am pleased to report.

On a related subject, and remaining upbeat, this week’s insight into the professional indemnity insurance market confirms that the market is softening as the traditional October renewal date approaches. Some law firms can even expect lower premiums – though conveyancers in particular are still finding it tough.

Not enough firms are considering cyber cover, however. For some, I fear that this will prove to be a false economy.

 

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