LATEST ON REGISTERED PARALEGAL SCHEME

The Society would like to bring you up to date with proposals which will affect you with regard to the new Registered Paralegal Scheme which is due to take effect from Spring/ Summer 2010.

The following proposals have been put forward for consultation:-

TRANSITION- STAGE 1
Strathclyde University Paralegal Graduates who have been members of the SSP for two years or more and who satisfy all other entry criteria in respect of the scheme
(see Law Society “ Registered Paralegal paper 1 / Sect. 12 – Transitional Arrangements ) will be eligible for admission to the scheme as having fulfilled those requirements under their SSP membership and will be admitted to the scheme under “Transition – Stage 1 “

The SSP will shortly be writing to members who are in this category , for permission to forward their details to The Law Society and The SPA to enable them to be admitted as a collective.

TRANSITION –STAGE 2
SSP members who do not meet ALL of the admissions criteria, but feel they already meet the standards which the Registered Paralegal Scheme seeks to set, will be able to apply for registration under “ Transition – Stage 2” and each application will be considered on it’s individual merit.

ENTRY – FULL ROUTE
Following this transitionary period, entry to the Registered Paralegal Scheme will be via the “Full Route” and those wishing to enter the scheme from that point onwards will require to hold a “formally recognised and assessed qualification” ( see Law Society Paper 1 Sects 15/ 16 ) as a required basis of entry and will enter the scheme as a “trainee registered paralegal” for a period of time.

CLT, The University of Strathclyde and the SSP are backing these proposals and would urge all SSP members and past University of Srathclyde paralegal graduates to complete the consultation document which is currently on the Law Society website as this will have an impact on how the scheme will evolve.

PHASE 1 of the scheme will primarily be concerned with getting members on board and setting up a standing committee to represent the new profession.

As the standing committee will include a representative of the SSP we would invite interested parties to contact us before the end of January 2010 in this regard.


PHASE 2 of the scheme will look at the possibility of higher rights for qualified paralegals and the specialist status of those having undertaken a period of intensive graduate level study in a particular area of law. We would therefore be seeking recognition on your behalf of a higher status of membership and similar recognition to the specialist accreditation accorded to solicitors practising primarily within those specialisms.

We hope that this information is useful and we shall keep members informed. In the meantime should you have any further queries then please contact the Society of Specialist Paralegals on 0141 225 6700. The full final consultation paper can be viewed at www.lawscot.org.uk/paralegals

The full final consultation paper can be viewed at www.lawscot.org.uk/paralegals

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY FOR RISK/INSURANCE/PI role at North Lanarkshire Council

See our JOB ZONE for your last chance to apply for this paralegal post with North Lanarkshire Council.

CONSULTATION ON REGISTERED PARALEGAL SCHEME NOW LIVE

The next stage of the Law Society of Scotland Consultation on the Registered Paralegal Scheme is now live. SSP members should look out for an email from the SSP in the coming week. The Consultation Document can be viewed at www.lawscot.org.uk/paralegals

BOOK NOW FOR DECEMBER INTAKE- DISTANCE LEARNING SPECIALIST PARALEGAL QUALIFICATIONS

Combat the winter blues by furthering your career and booking on to our December intake - Specialist Paralegal Qualifications. See our website at www.paralegaldistancelearning.co.uk or call 0141 225 6700 for further information and speak to our friendly paralegal team!

NEW VACANCY POSTED FOR PERSONAL INJURY/INSURANCE PARALEGAL

See our Job Zone for a new opportunity for a Personal Injury/Insurance/Risk Paralegal with North Lanarkshire Council. Good Luck!

CONGRATULATIONS TO 190 NEW SPECIALIST PARALEGALS

On Tuesday, 27th October 2009, 190 newly-qualified paralegals graduated. Over 50 of these graduates received their certificates at the prestigious Barony Hall, the University of Strathclyde. Congratulations! The Specialist Paralegal Qualification is proving more popular than ever despite the challenging economic climate and paralegals will undoubtedly play a huge role in leading us out of recession.

NOW BOOKING: Trusts and Probate Litigation - Essential Update Conference 2009

SPECIAL OFFER: 2 PLACES FOR THE PRICE OF 1

This full-day conference will cover:

* Insolvent Estates
* Applications and Remedies After the Grant
* Hazards for Trustees in Trust Litigation
* Inheritance Act Claims – Some Problem Areas
* Inheritance Act Claims – Recent Decisions on Liability and Quantum
* Misplaced Trusts? Practical Issues in Offshore Trust Litigation
* Remedies for Breach of Trust

Chaired by Mr Guy Wilkes of Osborne Clarke; this event will take place in London on 16th October. For more details, or to book, please visit our website.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: Family Law - The Complex Issues Conference

BOOK ONE PLACE GET A SECOND PLACE FREE FOR A COLLEAGUE

This new conference will concentrate on those difficult matters of which all family law practitioners need to have a clear understanding.

Topics to be covered will include managing cross-border issues, what to do when a spouse is insolvent, the nitty-gritty of locating and preserving certain assets and dealing with pensions. The impact of the Gill Review will also be considered.

Chaired by Ms Rachel Kelsey of Sheehan Kelsey Oswald, the event will take place in Edinburgh on 21st September. For more details, or to book, please visit our website.

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: As a special late offer, when you book one place on this conference, you can reserve a FREE second place for a colleague if you or your organisation is a member of either the CLT or SSP subscription schemes. To take up this offer please email scotenquires @ centlaw . com or call 0141 225 6700 and quote “Family 2 FOR 1 offer”.

Law Society of Scotland: Devolution - 10 Years On

Political, civic and internation business leaders are being brought together with the public to discuss ten years of Scottish devolution in a major event organised by the Law Society of Scotland.

And paralegals can attend the event for a special rate of £30 + VAT.

The cross-party event features plenary sessions from Jack McConnell MSP, Scotland's longest serving First Minister, disussing Devolution - Where are we now? Panel sessions will look at Scotland's economic and political position on the world stage since devolution and the impact of politics on the Scottish legal system.

This event will take place in Edinburgh this Friday, 18th September. For more information, please visit the Law Society website.

Legal Links 01/09/09

Brodies "Tech Blog" launches [LINK]
No 10 to publicise "all relevant" Lockerbie correspondence with MacAskill [The Guardian]
Magistrates attack "alcohol asbos" plans [The Guardian]
Lesbians given equal birth rights [BBC News]
Plans to help NHS negligence victims flounder [The Independent]
Report underlines need to tackle reoffending, says MacAskill [The Journal]
Death of former Sheriff Principal Nicolson [The Journal]

Updates will be slow until 14th September due to holidays.

NOW BOOKING: Family Law Practice Conference 2009

SPECIAL OFFER: TWO PLACES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

This full-day conference will cover:

* Ancillary Relief - The Latest Cases Reviewed and Explained
* Practice and Procedure - The Traps to Avoid
* Family Law in a Recession
* Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
* Cohabitation Update
* Media Involvement in Family Cases
* Child Law - Recent Cases and Current Problem Areas
* International Aspects Relating to Children

Chaired by Mr David Hodson; solicitor, mediator and consultant with the International Family Law Group; this event will take place in London on 1st October. For more details, or to book, please visit our website.

NOW BOOKING: Companies Act 2006 Conference 2009

SPECIAL OFFER: TWO PLACES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

This full-day conference will cover:

* The Companies Act in Context
* Directors Report and the Business Review
* Derivative Actions
* Capital Maintenance, Pre Emption Rights and Financial Assistance
* The Companies Act - Why it will be of Interest to Directors
* Financial Reporting and Auditing
* Corporate Governance - ‘Voluntary’ Code or Statute Law?
* Meetings and Resolutions

Chaired by Mr Alexander Stewart, barrister with Hogarth Chambers, this event will take place in London on 10th September. For more details, or to book, please visit our website.

NOW BOOKING: The Annual Trusts Law Conference

20% DISCOUNT IF YOU BOOK NOW

Our annual Trusts Law Conference will this year look at the various ways in which you can preserve your clients’ assets by using trusts.

Tax planning, trustee investments and trusts in wills will all be considered as well as the use of trusts in commercial and family situations and viable alternatives to trusts.

An important conference for all private client advisers.

Chaired by Mr Colin Henderson of Anderson Strathern, this full-day conference will take place in Edinburgh on 24th September.

Book now to receive a 20% discount off your place - please visit our website for more information.

Legal Links 27/08/09

Straw to set out plans for Lords reform [The Journal]
Family mediation website goes live [Ministry of Justice]
Tycoon sues ex-wife after discovering children were not his [The Times]
I'm a contestant - let me out of here I'm off to an employment tribunal [The Times]
Specialist court helps victims of domestic violence [Ministry of Justice]
5 new technologies that paralegals need to learn now [Practical Paralegalism]

NOW BOOKING: Unfair Dismissal - the 2009 Conference

BOOK ONE PLACE GET SECOND FREE FOR A COLLEAGUE

Having a full understanding of the law relating to unfair dismissal is a pre-requisite for all businesses and those who advise them.

This practical and thorough conference will look at all of the key aspects of unfair dismissal and will be of interest to all employment lawyers, employers and HR practitioners.

Chaired by Mr Innes Clark of Morton Fraser LLP, this full-day course will take place in Edinburgh on 29th September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: As a special late offer, when you book one place on this conference, you can reserve a FREE second place for a colleague if you or your organisation is a member of either the CLT or SSP subscription schemes. To take up this offer please email scotenquiries @ centlaw . com or call 0141 225 6700 and quote “Unfair Dismissal 2 FOR 1 offer”.

Legal Links 25/08/09

Statement on Lockerbie bomber's release [Scottish Government]
Minister stands by bomber's release [BBC News]
Leagl action over BNP membership [BBC News]
Government details filesharing proposals [The Guardian]
"Legal highs" set to be banned [BBC News]
Two thirds of jails "overcrowded" [BBC News]
Can Facebook sabotage your career? [The Empowered Paralegal]

Legal Links 24/08/09

Announcement from Janet Hood on behalf of BII [The Firm]
Megrahi release "right decision", says Salmond [BBC News]
FBI boss attacks Megrahi release [BBC News]
Facebook threats woman detained [BBC News]
Scotland "should cut local councils" [BBC News]
Community garden development plans blocked [BBC News]

NOW BOOKING: Presenting a case before an Employment Tribunal

Aimed at those who have only limited experience of presenting cases in the Employment Tribunal, and therefore of particular interest to paralegals, this course aims to give delegates a practical understanding of the Employment Tribunal process as well as providing them with the necessary skills required to represent a client before a Tribunal. Areas covered will include:-

* Drafting ET1 and ET3 Forms

* Drafting Orders

* Pre-Hearing Reviews & Case Management Discussions

* Preparing For The Hearing

* Examination In Chief, Cross Examination, Re-Examination

* Closing Submissions

Presented by Mr Innes Clark and the employment law team at Morton Fraser LLP, this full-day course will take place in Glasgow on 21st October. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

NOW BOOKING: Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing

Money laundering is a financial crime often talked about but rarely understood. The Third Money Laundering Directive takes an explicitly risk-based approach and, as this will be enacted into UK law in December 2007, it is now imperative that the threats are understood.

A number of factors combine to make money laundering one of the most significant risks facing all businesses (not only the financial services industry) in the new century:

* The increasingly sophisticated methods of organised criminals

* The global nature of business, which makes it more difficult to “know your customer”

* The high profile given to the financing of terrorism following 9/11

However, it is not only businesses that are at risk. The Proceeds of Crime Act places personal responsibility on individuals who may be held criminally liable for their actions or their negligence.

This inter-active course provides a comprehensive guide to the development of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing law and regulations both in the UK and internationally. The course brings delegates up to date with the current position in the UK with discussion of the likely impact of the Money laundering Regulations 2007 and the revised JMLSG Guidance Notes. It looks in detail at the concept of the “risk based approach” and provides advice on the practical application of this approach.

Presented by Mr Steve Giles, a partner with Highview Consultants, this course will take place in Edinburgh on 19th October. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

Legal Links 22/08/09

Lockerbie prisoner released [Scottish Government]
Holyrood recalled over Megrahi decision [The Journal]
Barack Obama attacks decision to free Lockerbie bomber [The Guardian]
Gordon Brown accused of double standards on Libya [The Guardian]
Saltire waving in Tripoli branded "sickening" [The Scotsman]
FAQ: Abdelbaset al-Megrahi's release [The Guardian]
Barristers' fees slashed in government squeeze on legal aid [The Times]
Baby P three in sentence appeal [BBC]
Information on the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 [Scottish Government]

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: The Inheritance Tax Conference 2009

BOOK ONE PLACE GET A SECOND PLACE FREE FOR A COLLEAGUE

Understanding Inheritance Tax and how it can be minimised to your clients’ advantage remains an essential part of the private client advisor’s role.

This updated conference will consider three key areas of IHT in the pre-lunch session, linking in to detailed consideration of the controversial IHT400 Form in the afternoon session which will also include consideration of a number of practical examples.

Presented by Professor Alex McDougall of Heriot-Watt University, this full-day conference will take place in Edinburgh on 26th August. For more information, or to book, please visit our website

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: Book one place on this conference, and reserve a FREE second place for a colleague if you or your organisation is a member of either the CLT or SSP subscription schemes. To take up this offer, please email scotenquiries @ centlaw . com or call 0141 225 6700 and quote "IHT 2 FOR 1 Offer".

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: The Corporate Recovery Conference 2009

A panel of experienced professionals will consider the most important aspects of dealing with companies who have fallen on hard times.

Pre-pack administrations, buying and selling insolvent businesses and the role of the Insolvency Service will all be looked at in depth in the context of the current turbulent climate.

This conference will be of essential interest to all professionals who advise companies in difficulty, whether lawyer, accountant or other insolvency professional.

Chaired by Gary Moffat of Burness, this course will take place in Edinburgh on 25th September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: Book one place on this conference, and reserve a FREE second place for a colleague if you or your organisation is a member of either the CLT or SSP subscription schemes. To take up this offer, please email scotenquiries @ centlaw . com or call 0141 225 6700 and quote "Corporate Recovery 2 FOR 1 offer".

NOW BOOKING: The A-Z of Residential Conveyancing

This full-day course will provide a complete grounding in English residential property law for Scottish-based practitioners who handle some cross border work, or generally have an interest in this area. The course will cover the following:

Basic Principles

Key terms and phrases

Freehold Conveyancing - a transaction in outline

Leasehold Conveyancing - a transaction in outline

Land Registration

Sales of Part

Acting for lenders

Avoiding negligence claims

Presented by Mr Ian Quayle, a solicitor and trainer who is also the course tutor for the Specialist Paralegal Practitioner Qualification in Residential Conveyancing (UWE), this course will take place in Edinburgh on 12th October. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

NOW BOOKING: Matrimonial Advice for the Older Client Conference 2009

This full day conference will cover the following:

* Financial Provision Challenges for the Older Client
* Dividing the Pension Pot
* Housing Options for the Older Client
* Responsibility for Care Home Fees
* The Mental Capacity Act and its Implications for Family Practitioners
* Capacity Issues; Love, Marriage & Litigation
* How to Act in Cases of Suspected Abuse
* Inheritance Act Claims & the Second Marriage

Chaired by Susan Inker, a freelance legal and training consultant and former family lawyer, this course will take place in London on 21st September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

NOW BOOKING: The 14th Annual Criminal Law Update Conference

This full day conference will cover the following:

* 25 Current Issues - Police Station Advice
* Cash Seizures Under Section 289 POCA
* Case Law Update
* Part 33 of the Criminal Procedure Rules – What are the Implications when Instructing an Expert?
* Confiscation Update
* Useful Law to Know About Witnesses
* Legislation Update
* Sex Crime Update

Chaired by Colin Beaumont, lecturer and former barrister, this course will take place in London on 18th September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: The Medical Negligence Conference 2009

Medical negligence claims are becoming a vital component of the personal injury lawyer's workload and this comprehensive conference will consider all of the key aspects in an often complex area.

Clinical issues, healthcare-associated infections, FAIs, the use of mediation and quantification will all be considered.

Of interest to all court practitioners who either already work in this area or are keen to do so.

Chaired by Laura Donald of bto, this course will take place in Edinburgh on 14th September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

SPECIAL LATE OFFER: Book one place on this conference, and reserve a FREE second place for a colleague if you or your organisation is a member of either the CLT or SSP subscription schemes. To take up this offer, please email scotenquiries @ centlaw . com or call 0141 225 6700 and quote "Medical Negligence 2 FOR 1 offer".

ANNOUNCEMENT: CLT Webinars at subscriber rates for SSP members!

CLT have developed a wide range of live interactive Webinars that are CPD accredited and last for an hour, taking place at lunch times and evenings. Our range of webinars is updated frequently and covers a wide range of relevant topics. SSP members are entitled to substantial discounts when booking.

Please visit our website for further information.

NOW BOOKING: Commercial and Residential Development Post-Recession - Getting into Legals - The Masterclass

This full day masterclass will focus on the current climate and issues arising there from. It will include a full and detailed discussion of the following:

* title problems - gaps, burdens, site assembly

* dealing with funders

* joint venture issues

* missives - conditionality, top-up and overage

* planning issues and the new planning regime

* environmental law issues

Chaired by Kenneth Gerber of Anderson Strathern, this course will take place in Glasgow on 24th September. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

Legal Links 14/08/09

Transatlantic split over plans to free Libyan jailed for Lockerbie bombing [Guardian]
BREAKING NEWS: Game over as Megrahi drops appeal [The Firm]
Editorial: The time for justice is now [The Firm]
"Payout" for UK terror victims [BBC News]
Birth defect families get £1.6m [BBC News]

NOW BOOKING: The Annual Criminal Law Conference

In the past twelve months there have been a number of legislative and caselaw developments at home and abroad which affect the Scottish criminal practitioner.

Our annual conference - chaired by paralegal course tutor Raymond McMenamin of KW Law, will look at the new sexual offences and hate crime legislation, how to prepare an extradition case and the impact of human rights on Scots law practice and procedure; as well as a run through of the recent key decisions from the courts and on how best to interview children.

Book now to receive a 20% discount off your place - please visit our website for more information.

NOW BOOKING: The Annual Contract Law Conference

Our Annual Contract Law Conference will once again look at some of the most fundamental clauses and important developments in this crucial area of the law.

Topics to be covered will include misrepresentation, specific implement and keep open clauses, unfair contract terms, damages and cross border issues.

Of particular interest to litigators, this conference may also appeal to other professionals working in this exciting area of law.

Book now to receive a 20% discount off your place - please visit our website for more information.

Legal Links 13/08/09

Lockerbie bomber could be freed from prison next week [The Guardian]
Lengthy legal road from Lockerbie [BBC News]
"Too many" young offenders jailed [BBC News]
More than 300 children a day added to DNA database [Telegraph]
Malicious falsehoods must refer to company interests, says High Court [OUT-LAW]
Use of Wikipedia and hyperlinks in the Scottish Courts [Jonathan Mitchell QC]
Victorian law catches drinker on mobility scooter [Telegraph]

Legal Links 11/08/09

Tate Modern worker claims compensation for being too cold [Guardian]
Couple behind Baby P death named [BBC News]
Internet hate campaign that made a mockery of the High Court [Independent]
Bid to improve disabled justice [BBC News]
Housing market "turns the corner" [BBC News]

Legal Links 10/08/09

Crofting Reform consultation closes shortly [Scottish Government]
Rape victims face new bar to justice [The Herald]
Changes to Criminal Procedure Rules in force in October [Ministry of Justice]
One-stop courts proposed for abuse victims [Times Online]

NOW BOOKING: Freedom of Information Conference

Fast becoming an essential annual update on this growing area of law, bookings are now being taken for the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Conference.

Chaired by David Gourlay of McClure Naismith, this full day event will consider all of the most important developments from the past year and will include presentations from the Scottish Information Commissioner's Head of Enforcement and the Assistant UK Information Commissioner - Scotland.

This conference will be of essential interest to local and public authorites as well as those who advise them.


Book now to receive a 20% discount off your place - please visit our website for more information.

Legal Links 07/08/09

Countdown to closing date for Law Society Excellence Awards nominations [Law Society]
Train robber Ronnie Biggs wins freedom [BBC News]
Justice claims "damaging" victims [BBC News]
More than 100 children a day convicted of criminal offences [Telegraph]
Minister admits: rape review plans "back to the drawing board" [Times Online
"No quick return" to housing boom [BBC News]
Tougher phone mast rules proposed in Wales [BBC News]

NOW BOOKING: 13th Annual Conveyancing Conference

CLT Scotland's Annual Conveyancing Conference has established itself as the unmissable event in the conveyancing calendar, and bookings are now being taken as it returns for 2009.

As we are all acutely aware, the Scottish property market has seen considerable upheaval in the past twelve months. This essential conference will not only look at where we have come from in that time and what the future may hold, but will also consider those key technical issues that all conveyancers need to be fully aware of and how best to tackle them.

Early booking is advised.

Book now to receive a 20% discount off your place - please visit our website for more information.

Licensing Law Paralegal Qualifications - revised and updated for 2009!

Our new and fully updated Specialist Paralegal Pracitioner Qualification in Licnesing Law is now available, in association with the University of Strathclyde. The course materials, assignments and exam have all been updated with reference to not only the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, but also the Gambling Act 2005 and the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The course is completely up-to-date with the most recent developments in licensing law as the profession approaches the "big bang" date on 1 September 2009. The course has been written to take into account the viewpoint of not only private practitioners such as solicitors and paralegals, but also "in house" practitioners such as licensing clerks and licensing board staff, as well as the views of the police and their staff. The paralegal course has also been popular with Licensing Standards Officers seeking to improve their legal knowlege in this area.

The course covers:

THE LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 - History of the Act; Transitional difficulties; Conversion applications; Premises Licences; Personal Licences; The Operating Plan; The Licensing Objectives; Offences; Licensing Standards Officers; Conditions; Irresponsible Promotions; Transfers; Reviews; Licensed Hours; Variations; Test-Purchasing; Objections & Representations and more.
THE GAMBLING ACT 2005 - How the new gambling laws affect alcohol licensed premises - gaming machines, poker nights, race nights and more
THE CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982 - Taxi and private hire licensing; Public entertainment licences; Late hours catering; Offences
THE PRIVATE SECURITY ACT 2001 - How SIA licensing affects alcohol licensed premises
OTHER LAWS AFFECTING LICENSED PREMISES - How planning, building standards, food hygiene, and weights and measures regimes all affect licensed premises

On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive their award from The University of Strathclyde and will be eligible for membership of the Society of Specialist Paralegals, allowing graduates to use the designation M.S.S.P. For more information, or to book, please visit our website.

Course tutor Stephen J McGowan's new book, Licensing and Gambling Law in Scotland: A Practical Guide is the first book to consider the practical implications of the fundamental changes which are due to come into force on 1st September. It provides real-life and colourful examples of how the licensing laws operate, and is written to take account of the perspective not only of legal practitioners, but also of licensing boards, police and the licensed trade.

Order your copy now from Avizandum.com.

Legal Links 06/08/09

Signs point to Britain being on the cusp of economic fightback [Times Online]
Shortage of homes for sale expected to push prices up [Times Online]
Tenants to gain safeguards from landlords [Times Online]

Legal Links 05/08/09

Harriet Harman demands tougher rape law [Times Online]
Climate Change Scotland Bill receives Royal Assent [Scottish Government]
Police officer could face G20 manslaughter charge [The Guardian]
Suicide law to apply domestically, as well as overseas [BBC News]
Minister visits Lockerbie bomber [BBC News]

Legal Links 03/08/09

Practical Paralegalism: Specialist Paralegal Training in Scotland [Practical Paralegalism]
Major Scottish planning changes in force [BBC News]
Guidelines on assisted suicide "heading for challenge in courts" [Times Online]
House prices in England "to recover slowly" [BBC News]
Cash for receptionist sacked for her age [BBC News]
War protest migrants may face passport penalties [The Guardian]
Hacker Gary McKinnon fights on as extradition appeal rejected [Times Online]

Debbie Purdy, and a farewell to the Law Lords

Yesterday, in one of its final cases heard as Britain's highest court, the House of Lords accepted MS sufferer Debbie Purdy's bid to clarify the law on assisted suicide.

Ms Purdy, whose case has been covered in previous issues of The Specialist Paralegal, has been seeking a formal policy statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the circumstances in which a person might face prosecution for helping a loved one end his or her life abroad.

To date, 115 people have travelled from Britain to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to be helped to die. Assisting a suicide is illegal in England and Wales under the Suicide Act 1961, but the DPP has declined to prosecute the relatives and friends of those - such as paralysed rugby player Daniel James - who have chosen to end their lives in this way as a matter of public policy. However the reasons behind this decision, which is made on a case by case basis, has never been publicised.

While yesterday's judgement will not affect the legal position, Ms Purdy's victory will clarify the circumstances in which a person such as her husband may face prosecution for helping a loved on end his or her life.

Ms Purdy was "ecstatic" at the verdict. "It feels like everything else doesn’t matter and now I can just be a normal person," she said. "It gives me my life back.

"I want to live my life to the full, but I don’t want to suffer unnecessarily at the end of my life. This decision means that I can make an informed choice, with Omar [Puente, her husband], about whether he travels abroad with me to end my life because we will know exactly where we stand. I am grateful to the law lords for listening and rising to the challenge that this case presented."

You can read the full judgement via the House of Lords.

On a separate note, callers to the now-defunct House of Lords Judicial Office from today are being greeted with a recorded message featuring the world's most popular funeral song.

Calling 0207 219 3111 connects with a recorded message listing the last appeals heard by the Lords - all to the background music of Frank Sinatra's "My Way".

Hang on until the end, for the office admin team's (literal) swansong.

Legal Links 31/07/09

"Right to die" campaigner wins House of Lords ruling [Times Online]
Hacker Gary McKinnon's extradition appeal rejected [Times Online]
Hillsborough files to be opened [BBC News]
Victory for Procol Harum organist [BBC News]

Legal Links 30/07/09

Law Lords pass judgement for the last time [Times Online]
Law Awards of Scotland nominees announced [Law Awards]
Britains top 20 law firms revealed [Times Law Central]
First 2009 rise for house prices [BBC News]
Government concession to ease licensing transition [The Journal]
Decision day for assisted suicide law [The Guardian]
Council found liable for children's exposure to toxic waste [The Guardian]
The stress of being a female lawyer [Times Online]

Legal Links 27/07/09

Dingy sailors and canoeists to be subject to shipping laws [Times Online]
Bonus "points" for Scots immigrants [BBC News]
Media rules cause "chaos" in family courts [The Guardian]
Trial and error: on current affairs programming [The Guardian]

Paralegal Graduation, April 2009

Some photos from the last Paralegal Graduation at the University of Strathclyde are now on our Facebook page. Check them out, and become our fan!

Legal Links 26/07/09

Times Law 100 2009 published [Times Online]
Nurses in assisted suicide talk [BBC News]
D&W staff back pay cut to save jobs [BBC News]
Parliamentary Standards Bill gains Royal Assent [MoJ]
Non-Muslims turn to Sharia to resolve civil disputes [Times Blog]

The Firm Magazine now on LinkedIn

Network with Scotland's independent magazine for the legal profession on the social networking website here.

And a quick reminder - Society of Specialist Paralegals is on there too!

VACANCY: Rees Page Solicitors, Wolverhampton (Child Care)

REES PAGE SOLICITORS
PARALEGAL – CHILD CARE DEPARTMENT
We are a general practice law firm based in Wolverhampton. We have a successful Child Care Department based at this firm’s Bilston Office and due to the success in developing that department we are looking to recruit a paralegal to work in this field. The position would suit an individual who wishes to specialise in Family and Child Care work and applications are invited from those who have completed their LPC having taken the Family Law Elective.

You will be joining an existing team of two Solicitors who are members of the Law Society’s Children Panel and you will have the opportunity of undertaking an interesting and varied caseload within the area of Child Care, with a potential to undertake some other work within the general field of Family Law.

A clean/full driving licence is essential as attendance at Child Protection Conferences forms an integral part of our service.

Rees Page Solicitors are accredited as an Investor in People and hold the Law Society’s Lexcel Quality Mark.

To apply for this position you will need to send us a full CV, together with a covering letter. The letter should say why you are interested in applying for the position and should give details of your current salary if applicable. The closing date for applications is Monday 31st of August 2009.

The address for the application is:

Rees Page Solicitors
8-12 Waterloo Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV1 4BL

For the attention of: Mr NS Wynn-Williams
Or by email to: nwynnwilliams@NOSPAMreespage.co.uk.

Legal Links 19/07/09

Legal aid for prisoners to be capped [Times Online]
Scottish sex crime law gets Royal Assent [The Journal]
"Upturn signs" in housing market [BBC News]
Retirement age review brought forward [The Independent]
Lockerbie judicial review claim [BBC News]
UK Supreme Court will be televised [BBC News]
Life peers to get right to resign [BBC News]

Connect with the Society of Specialist Paralegals

You can now keep up with the work of the Society of Specialist Paralegals, and network with our 4,000 qualified Specialist Paralegals, through your favourite social networking websites.

The Society is the alumni association for over 4,000 graduates of the Specialist Paralegal Practitioner Programme in association with two of the UK’s leading law schools – the University of Strathclyde and the University of the West of England. The Society creates a UK-wide network of alumni from both prestigious institutions and promotes the status of qualified Paralegal Practitioners.

This new CLT Paralegal Blog will highlight the latest legal news and exciting developments in paralegal training throughout the UK. Please get in touch if you’d like to make a contribution!

You can also follow us on Twitter, become our fan on Facebook or network with us on LinkedIn for discussion and the latest news delivered directly to you.

The Specialist Paralegal Magazine is due for an exciting relaunch in the autumn. For more information, keep an eye on your mailbox next month for the first of our special newsletters.

Legal Links 08/07/09

Prince William made a barrister [BBC News]
Lords reject assisted dying law [BBC News]
Lesbian couple win £22,000 compensation over work taunts [Telegraph]
Government sets out credit card reforms [The Journal]
G20 police enquiry to criticise handling of protests [The Guardian]
£1,000 fine to bolster ID cards [The Guardian]
Jack Straw launches first mental health courts [Ministry of Justice]