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Register to attend the Law Society's SGM by 9am Monday 15 July
a message from The Law Society of England & Wales

As you will be aware, a Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Law Society has been called following a requisition from 100 members wanting to express a lack of confidence in the Society's leadership.

In part, the requisition relates to recent updates to the TA6 conveyancing form. Recognising the voice of the wider conveyancing community, the Law Society has responded to issues relating to that form and launched a consultation on 10 July to hear members' views about it. Many of you will I am sure want to take part in that consultation.

Returning to the SGM, we feel it is important to highlight that the proposed motion of no confidence has wider ramifications which concern us. It challenges the way in which the national Law Society represents the profession through the expertise of its committee and Council structure. The motion also seeks to discourage the Society from participating in discussions with other industry and stakeholder bodies, effectively isolating it from dialogue.

On 11 July we attended a special briefing on the issue where Law Society deputy vice president, Mark Evans, who has many years practical experience as a conveyancing solicitor, explained the issues in detail and the wider facts and context of the situation.

The Law Society strongly believes that a vote of no confidence would be an inappropriate and damaging response. If you feel likewise, you should attend the SGM.

I know you will consider the issues raised carefully and will each reach your own view on the motion. It is vital that the voices of all members of the Law Society are heard, as the implications of the SGM could impact all solicitors, not just those in residential conveyancing.

Further information relating to the SGM is published here. Please read through and register to attend the SGM, either online or in-person, on Tuesday 23 July at 2pm.

All Law Society members wishing to attend and vote at the SGM must register to attend by completing the registration form no later than 9am on Monday 15 July.

Intermediaries - in re X and Y

"Following on from the above case I am looking at severely restricting the use of intermediaries in Kent. The guidance contained by Mr Justice Williams makes it plain that only in exceptional circumstances should they be used for the whole trial. Of course it is case specific and I expect everyone to look at each case individually so I can't be too dogmatic. Please can you send this out to your members."

Message to Kent Law Society members from HHJ Sarah Davies, Designated Family Judge for Kent, Canterbury Combined Court and Medway County Court.

Re X & Y (Intermediaries - Procedure and Practice) ewhc_fam_2024_906