Priorities in Law reforms
According to The Law Gazette a Brexit lobby Lawyer has set out what practice priorities are in need of urgent attention for legal practices, following the vote to leave the EU. This result has lead for a call for a ‘new UK legal regime’ to be established as soon as possible. These include, the future of EU intellectual property rights, such as the EU trade mark and EU design rights.
Panic amongst some clients and law firms
The news of an exit of the EU has also created panic amongst clients of firms who are wishing to receive reassurance from there solicitors. It has also been reported that London based law firms are going to cut back on EU trainees, following the Brexit vote, which will obviously be a disadvantage for EU nationasl and the UK law industry as a whole..
Legal industry observers are also predicting a further surge in solicitors from the UK seeking admission to practises in the Republic of Ireland. The Law Society of Ireland shown earlier this week that 186 solicitors from the UK have been admitted to practise in Ireland. With many citing the possibility of Brexit as their primary motivation before the result.
What now for PI reform?
There is also the question on what will happen in regards to personal injury reforms and regulation following Britain’s shock decision to exit the EU. This means months of uncertainty for solicitors and legal firms, made all the more agonizing by the uncertainly of who the next Prime Minister will be and how they may influence the proposed reforms. With Michael Gove being one of the favourites to take leadership of the conservative party, this is likely to create more unnecessary delays. It also means that the next party leader will make any future critical decisions in regards to personal injury reform and other laws such as the British Bill of Rights.
The MoJ has also pledged to consult on fixed fees for clinical negligence cases and perhaps most importantly, the proposed increase to the small claims limit from £1,000 to £5,000 and the right to recover damages for minor injuries. A review of Legal Aid and Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) is also been said to be going ahead in late 2016 to early 2017, which means court and tribunal fees will be under the spotlight.
Cabinet reshuffle could influence future reforms
The predicted extensive reshuffle of the cabinet, may become a reality within the next few weeks. Theresa May and a host of other party members expressing there pledge for leadership of the conservative party, will unsteady any future plans for law reform. Amid this Michael Gove has called for calm in the up and coming months so the government can focus on prosperity for what is an already unsettled nation.