The Law Society Gazette, 27 July 2006

Ministers under fire over speed of reform

The government is moving too quickly in introducing alternative business structures (ABSs) to deliver legal services, MPs and peers have warned. The parliamentary select committee examining the Legal Services Bill also called for amendments to secure the profession’s independence.

First female solicitor silk

A London-based family and criminal law specialist has become the first practising female solicitor silk. June Venters, founding partner of Venters, was one of just four solicitor-advocates to be made Queen’s Counsel by the new independent selection panel.

24 July 1996

Woolf’s world of opportunities

The big news this week had still not broken as the Gazette went to press. The keenly awaited final proposals on civil justice reform from Lord Woolf were due to be unveiled on 26 July. Lord Woolf’s proposals will pose major challenges to firms at all levels.

28 July 1976

Irish security for the British Ambassador

The predominant first reactions of the Irish government to the assassination of the British Ambassador in Dublin on Wednesday 21 July were shame and undeniable political embarrassment. It is extremely risky being an ambassador these days. The enemy can now be seen more clearly than ever for what it is: a common enemy.

July 1956

Robing in magistrates’ courts

I consider it would be a good thing if counsel and solicitors appearing in magistrates’ courts were robed, for the following reasons:

(i) It would distinguish members of the legal profession from others who appear in the magistrates’ court representing various ministries.

(ii) It would give a sense of dignity to the court, and make the public realise that appearing before the justices was a serious matter and this would probably have a deterrent effect on crime.

July 1936

Unqualified persons pretending to be solicitors

At the Weston-super-Mare Police Court on the 15th May, Robert Hope Pickering, carrying on business as a debt collector, was summoned under s46 of the Solicitors Act 1932 for wilfully pretending to be qualified to act as a solicitor. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined £1 and ordered to pay £2 2s. costs.

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