Johnson in court

Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted an application for a summons against Conservative leadership front-runner Boris Johnson MP for three alleged offences of misconduct during the Brexit campaign. Johnson described the private prosecution as a ‘political stunt’.

Going it alone

More than 500 firms are expected to open next year as lawyers leave larger practices to go it alone, according to a regular survey by business adviser Hazlewoods. The firm said barriers to entry are falling, as technology costs tumble and serviced offices become more acceptable.

Judicial assistants

The High Court is inviting junior lawyers to apply for placements as judicial assistants. The programme extends a scheme begun by the Commercial Court last year. Applications should be emailed to HighCourtJAScheme@judiciary.uk by 1 July.

Identity checks

Directors and other controllers of companies would be required to prove their identities under reforms to corporate transparency proposed by Companies House to combat financial crime.

Release scheme

Prisoners could be granted day release to work and train with employers earlier on in their sentence, under measures announced by justice secretary David Gauke to cut the annual £15bn cost of reoffending.

Planning law conference

‘At the forefront of planning’ is the title of this year’s Law Society Joint Planning Law Conference. It will take place in Oxford from 13-15 September. View the full programme and book online.