Since the current crisis developed The Law Society has devoted all its efforts and resources into dealing with problems affecting Solicitors and trying to keep legal services functioning . The maintenance of the rule of law is essential. The President, Simon Davis , has been at the forefront of this effort and I cannot think of a better person to be leading the profession at the present time.
Last week at a special virtual meeting of Council we voted overwhelmingly to postpone the Society’s AGM until October with consequent delay to all elections. This preserves very necessary continuity and avoids Simon having to relinquish the reins in mid crisis.
Simon has been In almost daily Contact with the Lord Chancellor and The Law Society has been very much part of the processes relating to the operation of courts, virtual hearings, safety of Solicitors, the need for legal advice eg for victims of abuse, legal aid generally, and pressing for the property market to be restarted. Although we all appreciate the need for social distancing, there is a huge amount that can happen if people can be trusted to be sensible.
Without these constant contacts ministers and civil servants would not be aware of many of the issues that crop up from time to time. A little example of success is the recent announcement that there will be a loan scheme to help Solicitor Tribunal Judges whose sittings and therefore income came to an abrupt halt just before the lockdown.
The backlog in criminal cases is a real worry but I think every effort is now going into finding solutions as as I write this some jury trials have restarted.
An alarming survey recently suggested that as many as 70% of firms were seriously worried that they would not survive until Christmas. Whilst I recognise that those most under threat are most likely to have responded to the survey,it was a chilling response. Certainly a revival in conveyancing should bring much needed cash flow.
There is a general view that whilst domestic conveyancing will pick up quickly there is unlikely to be much commercial conveyancing for a while.
Although I am told that the Probate Registry has improved in recent weeks no one yet knows what the effect of the new forms which came in on 18th May will be and we are still being told that Grants will take in the region of eight weeks. Please let me have details of any specific or general problems so I that can feed them to Simon Davis who can take them up at the highest level. Following my existing representations to him he is taking matters up with HMCTS on the 28th May and I will advise of the outcome. We are still a long way from the situation where the Manchester District Registry could be relied on to process applications within ten working days.
Many Solicitors have been able to work from home and I suspect firms with very expensive offices may wish for some of that to continue. I know I am old fashioned but I do not think that the profession should underestimate the value of face to face contact with clients.
I hope you are all keeping well and busy in these unprecedented times
Michael Williams