Gazette 18 February 2013

Will-writing set to become regulated

Will-writing, but not estate administration, will become a regulated activity if the lord chancellor accepts a recommendation from the Legal Services Board.  

13 February 2003

Calls for a ministry of justice

Lawyers this week backed calls for a ministry of justice after the furore over the lord chancellor’s pay. The row over a 12% pay rise, which Lord Irvine eventually rejected in favour of an inflation rise, has led to questions about the post. A Bar Council spokesman said a ministry of justice along European lines should be a long-term goal reached through moves such as greater transparency in judicial and QC appointments.

17 February 1993

MPs to grill Mackay

The lord chancellor, Lord Mackay, will be grilled on his proposals to cut legal aid eligibility by the home affairs committee. The committee, eight of whose members are lawyers, plans to report in early March – in time for any debate in the Commons on regulations to bring the proposals into effect.

16 February 1983

‘Perishing solicitors’

The Law Society’s promotional film ‘Perishing Solicitors’ was officially released on 15 February. The 23-minute film was written by Dennis Norden and stars George Cole as a working man with a solid aversion to solicitors and Maureen Lipman as a ‘perishing solicitor’ who cures his aversion.

14 February 1973

Prosecution of NHOS officials

Proceedings against three officials of the National House Owners Society were heard before a lay bench at Harrow on 5 February and the three succeeding days. There were 23 summonses against the defendants under s20 Solicitors Act 1957. After considering a plea of mitigation by the defence and an application by Sir Joseph Moloney QC for an award of costs to the prosecution, the magistrates imposed the maximum penalty in respect of all convictions.

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