Thursday 27 September 2012

Coalition plans to scrap the requirement for a Welsh commissioner on the Judicial Appointments Commission will lead to an even more 'England-centric judiciary', Theodore Huckle QC, counsel general for Wales, has claimed.

PC renewal deadline

Practising certificate renewals for 2012 must be completed by 14 December, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has announced. Contact is being made with all firms from this week to help them prepare for processing applications, with updates being posted on the SRA website.

Hillsborough investigation

The role and conduct of solicitors involved in legal proceedings following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster are to be investigated by the SRA. The decision follows this month's report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, 'which identifies serious concerns'.

SDLT warning

Solicitors have again been warned to be wary of schemes designed to dodge stamp duty land tax following a landmark tribunal judgment last week. Regulations have been laid forcing users of avoidance schemes to disclose them to the authorities, HM Revenue & Customs said.

Lawyer-only coroners

Only lawyers will be appointed as coroners from next June, the first holder of the new post of chief coroner for England and Wales has announced. Judge Peter Thornton QC disclosed that new appointments will be for five years, with coroners retiring at 70.

• See Rozenberg