‘We must increase our


engagement with members at the same time as putting maximum pressure on the government so that the Lord Chancellor can be in no doubt of the damage his proposals will cause.


‘Council committed to doing just that. There is still time to secure further concessions from government. Our immediate priority is to continue to influence the Ministry of Justice in our members’ interests. We will continue to make it very clear to the Lord Chancellor that we remain opposed to cuts.’


‘The Council insisted that the government reconsider proposals for single fees irrespective of plea, and amend the single national fixed fee for police station work without escape mechanism.


‘There are lessons to be learned from today’s debate and we will reflect on these developments. Ultimately, everyone at today’s SGM is seeking the same outcome in terms of securing a functioning, high-quality criminal justice system with a sustainable body of criminal law solicitors.’


Greener Practices will lead to Economic Growth, says Legal Sector Alliance


Reducing greenhouse gasses will lead to economic growth, new jobs and improved global living standards, according to the Legal Sector Alliance (LSA).


The LSA, a group of law firms committed to working together to combat climate change, said that there is an urgent need for more


effective regulations worldwide to combat the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming.


In a communiqué to coincide with the current 2013 United Nations Warsaw Climate Change Conference, the LSA stressed the need for mitigation and adaptation programmes to be incorporated as a matter of course into national law.


The communiqué is calling for more effective regulation and secondary legislation.


The LSA believes that by being creative and adopting a proactive approach, governments can support businesses and individuals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating the opportunity for new jobs, economic growth and improved global living standards, through targeted investment and the development of new, smarter technologies.


The communiqué recommends several principles for successful regulation, including the review of legal and regulatory regimes, incentives for investment and deployment of emerging technologies, financial penalties and legal sanctions for non compliance, and consistent international rules.


The LSA has also called upon governments around the world to implement any commitments they make at the Warsaw conference.


Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said the legal sector plays a pivotal role in influencing clients on green matters.


‘The UK legal sector, with its position at the top of the global legal services market, is extremely well placed to push for more effective regulation and lawyers, who are increasingly advising their clients on climate change issues and know the implications and requirements of existing legislation, are in a unique position in calling for these changes.’


Sir Nigel Knowles, chairman of the Legal Sector Alliance UK, said:


‘The Warsaw Climate Change conference is a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of sustainability and the business opportunities that exist from adopting greener practices.


‘It is vitally important that we have a collaborative effort from governments internationally, in developed and emerging markets, to deploy effective regulation and to incentivise environmentally sound practices.’


The Legal Sector Alliance is willing to contribute to the formulation of effective regulation in the UK and internationally.


About the Law Society The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.


www.lawsociety.org.uk


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