All Letters articles – Page 15
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OpinionProof point
I wanted to clarify one point in relation to your article about the standard of proof. You said that the ‘discussion paper… does not explicitly back requiring prosecutions to be proved “beyond reasonable doubt”’. This is not quite accurate. The Law Society is keen to hear members’ views. However, I ...
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OpinionToo few judges
It is a strange little world, that of the deputy district judge, particularly those retired who come back and sit a few times a month. Every month a list is sent out of perhaps a hundred unfilled court sittings around the country. It is first come, first served for venues. ...
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OpinionSystem failure
The government should acknowledge that court fees are a hidden tax – its deceit is made worse by deteriorating service levels.
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OpinionFlat fee is disproportionate
We are a small firm with two partners and no staff, and a turnover of less than £200,000. We are currently carrying out our renewal of Solicitors Regulation Authority registration and have come to the fees. We understand that a periodical fee has to be paid. However, we take great ...
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OpinionWhy is my son paid a pittance?
Gone are the days when the social worker envied the solicitor (all that kudos, all that pay!). How the tables have turned in family and criminal law. Qualified social worker – three-year degree, lots of job opportunities, starting salary of £27k-30k, five weeks holiday plus public holidays, good pension, regular ...
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OpinionQuality controllers
If legal services are to expand further by deregulation, lawyers must help educate the public on how to steer clear of cowboy practitioners
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OpinionHome improvement
Property developers attempting to maximise the value of their reversion portfolios is one of the main problems with the leasehold system
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OpinionSociety governance latest
The review of Law Society governance is now resulting in change being implemented, with more being considered.
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Opinion
Health check
‘Removing the stigma attached to mental health problems is vital’, the Gazette reported last week (2 October).
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Opinion
Barrier grief
‘Wild West Law’ seems like a good name for a thrusting firm of media lawyers (‘Chancery Lane slams “Wild West” regulation’, 2 October)
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OpinionTaxing times
I have before me a letter dated 18 September 1967 from a long-deceased client to my long-deceased partner John Mossop. Dear John Income tax returns I am pleased that the inspector has had no difference of opinion with you over the capital section. All my life time ...
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OpinionSad indictment of judiciary
Clare Moulder’s elevation to the High Court bench is not a ‘significant’ cause for celebration in the context of boosting diversity.
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Opinion
Flawed petition
The new-style divorce petition uses clearer language to explain how it should be completed, hopefully making life easier for the litigant in person, and court staff. However, in respect of a petition based on adultery, the new petition may cause greater confusion, complication and cost. Whereas the old-style petition asked ...
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OpinionA gilded age for lawyers?
There is a growing tendency for the current generation of lawyers to cast a somewhat jaundiced eye on those of us of an earlier time. They may well have a point. The past is indeed a different country; we did things very differently there. How did we ever justify the ...
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OpinionSigning off on LPA abuse
I was concerned to read about suggestions from the Financial Conduct Authority on removing the requirement for a physical signature on a lasting power of attorney. An LPA is a powerful legal document that allows a person to appoint trusted individuals to make important decisions about their health and financial ...
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OpinionTime to go?
Knowing when to call it a day is difficult. But work – however rewarding – is a prelude to all the possibilities available in retirement.
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OpinionWe know how to behave
Regulator’s guidance to solicitors on how to communicate properly is otiose since most professionals know how to conduct themselves.
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