Monday 10 June 2013

A worldwide strategy for tackling corruption has been published by the International Bar Association. The association said it hoped the 13-page document would help bar associations educate members and bring about wider reform.

IBA president Michael Reynolds said: 'Associations are perfectly placed to galvanise support for anti-corruption measures among their respective memberships and jurisdictions.'

www.anticorruptionstrategy.org/

Public law practice direction

The president of the Family Division has issued a new practice direction introducing a revised public law outline which will be piloted until 1 April 2014. The outline is designed to enable cases to meet the new 26-week timetable for resolution, in accordance with the Children and Families Bill currently going through parliament.

Chancery Lane keeps tabs on websites

The Law Society is closely monitoring 11 separate anti-solicitor websites after complaints from members. Legal action is not considered necessary at this stage.

In-deed to bow out

Listed company In-deed Online is to sell for £1 a law firm alternative business structure along with intellectual property in a loss-making online conveyancing venture. As part of the deal, In-deed has agreed to pay £325,000 upon completion to fund ongoing costs.

Diversity league table

The legal profession's diversity initiative, the Black Solicitors Network Diversity League Table, is open for submissions from law firms and chambers at the forefront of demonstrating a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Firms should contact diversity@blacksolicitorsnetwork.co.uk, or call 0845 057 0515 by 21 June.

'Streamline justice' plea

Inspectors of police service and prosecutors have called for action to streamline the criminal justice process and end 'the spectre of unnecessary bureaucracy'. tinyurl.com/mhhfhua