The Law Society

48% of solicitors have taken annual leave because their firm does not offer alternative carer support 🫂 This is a thought-provoking finding from respondents of a recent report by RPC, LawCare and the Next 100 Years. Rachel Pears and Dana Denis-Smith share insights that can help employers support employees ⬇️ ⚖️ Flexibility should be given proactively rather than earned. This can be a lifeline for those with caring responsibilities. ⚖️ Building up managers’ knowledge is vital so they’re equipped to handle open conversations and signpost appropriate support. ⚖️ Caring responsibilities should be acknowledged as a barrier for career progression and therefore managed accordingly. What are your thoughts on these report findings? 💭

“At some workplaces, I had to fight for every adjustment. When I was more junior, I often didn’t know what I needed.” Coralie McKeivor, director (Real Estate) at Freeths LLP and member of the Law Society Disabled Solicitors Network, didn’t disclose she was disabled until she qualified. Post-pandemic, she has been empowered after being fed up with not being able to do her job. “I had to make the change: no one else was going to do it for me." Coralie reflects on the importance of accessibility in the workspace: “Often the tech and processes in firms are inaccessible and accessibility is very much an add on or afterthought. “Accessibility requirements of disabled users are often not considered when technology is developed, procured, or upgraded. “Many disabled employees feel uncomfortable talking about reasonable adjustments with their colleagues. “Firms need to get it right, so that their disabled employees are not disadvantaged." Getting it right means ensuring the workspace is inclusive in a digital accessibility sense. Make sure your firm is taking the right steps by checking out our latest accessibility guide: https://ow.ly/eqz150SK8UE

"I’m an accidental lawyer, I think." 💭 Gary Steel, a social welfare lawyer, was told during his work experience to give up his goals of becoming a lawyer because of where he had studied. "From a young age, I knew nothing would be handed to me on a plate. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. "I nearly gave up law. I briefly worked as a paralegal in private practice. It was a toxic environment, where I was subjected to homophobic comments from my supervisor. I ended up thinking law wasn’t for me. However, Gary didn't let these setbacks stand in his way: "I applied for one training contract at the Derbyshire law centre and got it. If it wasn’t for the law centre, I wouldn’t be a solicitor. It made me a firm believer in great things come to those who stop trying to force things that aren’t meant for you. "As a social welfare lawyer, my job is to stand in front of the little person and make sure they get justice. We’re at the coalface of society... I feel like I’m doing my best work now, ensuring access to justice in difficult circumstances. "You can get what you want: just don’t take no for an answer, or allow someone else to dictate where you want to go. Work as hard as you can, make contacts and be broad-minded." 💡 What an incredible story of perseverance and resilience! Thank you Gary for sharing your story! 👏 Read Gary's full story here: https://ow.ly/BkNU50SJ8Eq

Saeeda left school with no GCSEs. Today, she's an investment banking lawyer ⚖️ With the support of our Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), Saeeda Rousselet-Yasmin’s journey into law has been a fruitful one. Read more about her journey here ⬇️ “My parents were first-generation British-Pakistani Muslims… Both were illiterate and didn’t speak any English…They sent me to school but struggled to understand or support it. “I didn’t finish school and left without any GCSEs. But I did my GCSEs on a re-sit course...Even though I was taking them for the first time! I scraped through with what I needed. “I signed up to law school...I got to the end of my degree not realising you needed the Legal Practice Course before you could practise. “I couldn’t fund it myself and applied for the Law Society’s DAS. They told me at the interview there were many applicants with compelling cases and asked why they should award me. I remember replying, “it’ll be the best return on your investment. I understand the outcome you’re looking for. If you back me, you’ll get it.” “I’ve worked hard to dispel doubts about my ability. Prejudice I might have suffered was never harder on me than I was on myself, so I became impervious to it. “If little Saeeda was sitting here, I’d give her a hot chocolate, put my arm around her and tell her it’s going to be alright. But I wouldn’t change a thing.” Thank you Saaeda for sharing your amazing story 💫 Read her full story here: https://ow.ly/t1qy50SHZ2V #SouthAsianHeritageMonth

£41. That’s how much a couple with two children will need to be surviving on per day to qualify for full legal aid next year – which is 57% below the minimum income standard. This is a finding from a recent report that we published today. The 2023 Means Test Review promised to address this problem, but the previous government delayed changes until 2026. In the King’s speech, the government pledged to reduce homelessness and violence against women and girls. These pledges cannot be fulfilled unless it introduces the changes that have already been agreed and budgeted for. Action must be taken to improve access to justice for millions. Find out more about the Means Test Review here: https://ow.ly/kTsS50SHf7V

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Nicholas Peter Fluck, who served as the president of the Law Society of England and Wales from 2013 to 2014. Nick Fluck made a range of prominent contributions to the Law Society and legal profession during his time as president. He worked tirelessly to support our members and defend the profession. His keen interest in communications and data technology enabled him to lead the profession into a new era of innovation. With extensive experience from a distinguished legal career, Nick was a steadfast advocate for access to justice and the rule of law. Our president Nick Emmerson said: “Nick was highly regarded and lauded for his kindness, sincerity and diligence by colleagues and members alike. His commitment to the legal profession transcended his time as president, as he continued to support the profession as a Council member for Lincolnshire. “He will be thoroughly missed by those in the organisation and across the profession. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

A "legal Alexa" at your fingertips ⚖️ Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo, law and technology professor at Leeds Beckett University, gave a talk on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in the legal profession to save time and improve workflows and research. Here are three key benefits we learned: 🌟 Enhancing Legal Practice with AI "AI offers numerous opportunities to enhance legal practice, streamline processes, and improve outcomes for legal practice." Practical examples include document and workflow automation. 🤖 Virtual Legal Assistance AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots are becoming common in law firms. "Legal chatbots provide legal information, guidance, and assistance through natural language conversations,". Nnenna likens them to a "legal Siri or legal Alexa." 📊 AI in Legal Research AI is revolutionising legal research with tools like Case Text and Lex Machina. These tools can examine large amounts of documents; making research more efficient and accurate. Watch the full talk: Dive deeper into these practical examples and explore the potential of AI in the legal profession, challenges, and next steps! 🤖➡️ https://ow.ly/yUlE50SFmsP #LegalTech #AI #Law #Innovation

👑 “I never would’ve competed in Miss England if I hadn’t left a Magic Circle law firm.” Meet Alice Cutler, a former Magic Circle trainee turned regional commercial property solicitor ⚖️ From competing in Miss England to marathon running, discover why Alice chose to leave the City in search of a better work-life balance ⬇️ “After university, I was offered a training contract at a Magic Circle firm, but overall it was a strange experience. "I moved to London just before COVID hit, so most of work was remote. I didn't know anyone and I felt quite alone at times. "I also got an honest insight into the reality of working at this type of firm without the London office, socials and client dinners. "Instead, I was sitting in my room every day working into the early hours.” “After qualifying, I left the Magic Circle firm – people thought I was mad. "But I’ve got a long bucket list I want to tick off and when you’re in that kind of job, it’s really the only thing you can do. "Even at a regional firm, there’s a lot of expectation. I still have billable targets and demanding clients. The difference is, here you can switch off a little bit. “Since then, I’ve competed in Miss England, which was a big thing on my bucket list. I would never have had the time if I hadn’t left the Magic Circle firm. "I’ve also recently ran my first ever half marathon raising £1,000 for charity! "If there’s something you really want to do, just go for it! Be brave and take a risk: you never know what might happen." ✨ Discover more here: https://ow.ly/VRzm50SEouT

"Once a little girl from Small Heath who worked behind the till at her parents’ corner shop [and] never dared to dream she would be sitting before you today, counted among the holders of this role" - Congratulations to Shabana Mahmood, who has been sworn in as the first female Muslim lord chancellor. Yesterday was historic for multiple reasons, as it also marked the first time that a lady chief justice swore in a female lord chancellor ⚖️ Shabana is pictured with our president, Nick Emmerson, who said it was a "privilege" to speak at the historic ceremony on behalf of the solicitor profession. We look forward to working with Shabana as we continue to advocate for the legal profession and a strong justice system.

What a wonderful admissions ceremony in Cardiff! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✨ It was a pleasure to formally welcome another cohort of solicitors from across Wales and the surrounding areas, at our bilingual ceremony 👏 Attendees ranged from newly qualified, to those who qualified some 46 years ago, proving that it's never too late to celebrate your success! 🌟 llongyfarchiadau / congratulations to our attendees! 🥳 Book your place at one of our upcoming ceremonies: https://ow.ly/aGgq50SBk6R