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Blacklaws takes the reins

12 July 2018
Issue: 7801 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Law Society president Christina Blacklaws has vowed to make both technological innovation and social mobility priorities of her tenure.

In her inaugural speech last week, Blacklaws said the year-long Law Tech Policy Commission, which she chairs, will explore the impact of technology on the justice system, focusing on the use of algorithms. It is due to hold its first evidence session later this month.

She said she would be encouraging law firms to ensure fair pay and promote fair recruitment practices to improve social mobility in the profession. Backing up her words with action, she launched a toolkit on women in leadership in the law.

Blacklaws, the 174th Law Society president and fifth woman president, takes over from Joe Egan. Since qualifying in 1991, she has specialised in children’s law, and set up and managed various law firms, including a virtual firm and the Co-operative Legal Services family law practice.

Issue: 7801 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Brabners—Ben Lamb

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Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

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The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
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