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This post is about another Engagement Group worth watching to learn what is happening in civil justice reform. My post on Monday afternoon concerned StratPEG. This post concerns StratEG, Strategic Engagement Group. The former is for representatives of the Public, the latter with Professional representatives e.g The Law Society. StratEG's Chair is Amy Allen (Acting Head of Corporate Relations, HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)) and membership includes The Bar Council of England and Wales, THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LEGAL EXECUTIVES and the Law Society, amongst others. The Group meets quarterly. Last met on 5 March, next meeting on 4 June 2024, as you may recall from yesterday's post - that is the day before StratPEG meets again. The link to the meeting summary is posted below. I draw attention to points of relevance to DisputesEfiling.com Limited and our customers. ✔ In a previous post I covered the BIG news from the March meeting that mandatory mediation in the SCT would commence in Spring 2024; since confirmed happening on 22 May 2024. Good to see words followed by action. ✔ Good news about OCMC as the summary records: "...over 478,000 Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) have been issued by unrepresented claimants. Legal representatives can also use the service to issue claims up to £25,000 and to date more than 32,000 claims have been issued." The BIG news for OCMC is: "In November 2023, HMCTS expanded the services for legal representatives to enable digital progression of a case. The features have initially been released to three early adopter county courts to test before being rolled out nationally." This should meet (some of the) criticism voiced in submissions to the Justice Committee's Work of the County Courts Inquiry about the pressing need for efiling. An important step forward, let's see how it works in practice. ✔ In August 2023, the Private Family Law Service paused accepting new applications in Swansea due to issues with the digital system. Analysis sessions have been held to identify areas to apply fixes. The Service was due to re-start in mid-March 2024. I hope these sessions included practitioners and LiPs. I also hope that an evaluation will be shared not only with practitioners but more widely so lessons can be learned by all providing or planning to provide digital solutions for disputes both before and after issuing proceedings. Can Amy or any other members of StratEG in my network confirm likely sharing of learning please? ✔ Tribunals: noted "The Immigration and Asylum Chamber continues to focus on delivering IT change required to support implementation of Nationality and Borders Act 2022. The project team will work with stakeholders to deliver the priority measures...". This work has interrupted the delivery of Modernisation in the Tribunals as resources have been re-allocated to delivering a Brexit-related program. #legaltech #data #trust # Amanda Finlay Sarah Rose Neil Sharpley Paul Wilson Sam Tiltman Andy Lyalle

The Advantages of Self-Representation: A Reflection on Legal Advocacy Self-representing litigants (SRLs) often face challenges navigating a complex legal system, but there are significant advantages to representing oneself that deserve recognition. Chief among these is the assurance that your case will be pursued solely with your best interests at heart, free from the risk of misaligned priorities or external influences that can sometimes affect legal representation. While the legal profession in Australia is governed by a strict code of ethics, and mechanisms exist to address professional misconduct, it is undeniable that the legal community operates as a close-knit network. This interconnectedness, while fostering collaboration, can also give rise to concerns about potential conflicts of interest or informal negotiations that may not fully align with a client’s expectations or best interests. By choosing self-representation, litigants maintain full control over the strategic direction of their case. They also eliminate the possibility of their matter becoming subject to compromises or trade-offs that may arise from external relationships or unrelated considerations between legal representatives. It is important to acknowledge the vital role of ethical legal practitioners in delivering justice. However, it is equally important to remain vigilant and aware of the broader dynamics within the legal system. For those who are able to commit the time and effort required, self-representation can provide a level of autonomy and transparency that is both empowering and invaluable. This reflection is not a critique of the profession but rather an encouragement for litigants to understand their rights, remain informed, and actively engage in their pursuit of justice—whether with or without legal representation.

Self litigants are not "the enemy" of the justice system! We are an opportunity for the courts to showcase the NEED for justice to be accessible and affordable- which is why ponsonby – Chambers was established in New Zealand as a legal life line. www.ponsonbychambers.nz This is a business model that any country can emulate with relevant legislation and case law as a step by step process for ANYONE - hopefully more will be built in the Australian legal landscape to offer footholds for people to be able to be successful- not because of how much money they have "invested" in the justice system, but on the legal merits of their case. Courts of New Zealand | Ngā Kōti o Aotearoa New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa Ministry of Justice - New Zealand Ministry for Regulation Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand) New Zealand Parliament

The Advantages of Self-Representation: A Reflection on Legal Advocacy Self-representing litigants (SRLs) often face challenges navigating a complex legal system, but there are significant advantages to representing oneself that deserve recognition. Chief among these is the assurance that your case will be pursued solely with your best interests at heart, free from the risk of misaligned priorities or external influences that can sometimes affect legal representation. While the legal profession in Australia is governed by a strict code of ethics, and mechanisms exist to address professional misconduct, it is undeniable that the legal community operates as a close-knit network. This interconnectedness, while fostering collaboration, can also give rise to concerns about potential conflicts of interest or informal negotiations that may not fully align with a client’s expectations or best interests. By choosing self-representation, litigants maintain full control over the strategic direction of their case. They also eliminate the possibility of their matter becoming subject to compromises or trade-offs that may arise from external relationships or unrelated considerations between legal representatives. It is important to acknowledge the vital role of ethical legal practitioners in delivering justice. However, it is equally important to remain vigilant and aware of the broader dynamics within the legal system. For those who are able to commit the time and effort required, self-representation can provide a level of autonomy and transparency that is both empowering and invaluable. This reflection is not a critique of the profession but rather an encouragement for litigants to understand their rights, remain informed, and actively engage in their pursuit of justice—whether with or without legal representation.

The Scales of Justice: Assessing the Impact of the Legal Profession on Society. The legal profession is an integral pillar of society, influencing many aspects of our daily lives and the very framework within which we operate as a democracy. Comprised of solicitors, barristers, judges, and a range of supporting roles, the legal profession provides representation to individuals and entities them to advisory services and advocates for clients in legal matters. Its importance cannot be understated; it's influence on the rule of law and democracy underscores its role in upholding rights and resolving disputes. The legal profession has evolved extensively since its early history, adapting to societal changes and absorbing landmark reforms that shaped its operation, particularly regarding human rights laws. Positive Impacts of the Legal Profession At its core, the legal profession upholds the Rule of Law, providing a foundation for fairness and justice, and acting as a check on power. Its advocacy for rights and freedoms extends to legal aid, ensuring those less fortunate have equal access to justice. In terms of conflict resolution, services such as mediation and arbitration can reduce societal and personal tensions. Pro bono work and community legal education demonstrate the profession's commitment to serving the community beyond the courtroom and beyond any personal gain. Negative Impacts of the Legal Profession Despite these positive aspects, there are challenges within the legal profession that need addressing. Issues such as inaccessibility due to high costs, complexities in the law, and ethical challenges, including professional misconduct, and lack of public trust. Social inequality can be exacerbated through disparities in legal representation, and over-litigation places a heavy burden on court systems, leading to eye-wateringly long wait times and things being missed. Such factors contribute to public mistrust and perceptions of the profession that may not always be accurate. Recognising the need for continuous improvement, reforms and future initiatives are crucial. Innovations in legal education and service delivery, enhanced ethics and professionalism, as well as initiatives to boost access to justice, hold promise for positive change. Addressing public perception is also a key aspect, requiring concerted efforts to improve communication, and transparency. The legal profession's role in society encompasses vast areas of influence and responsibility. From steadfast advocacy to the intricacies of modernising practice, its contributions are undeniable yet require balance and ongoing scrutiny. We call upon readers to reflect on these perspectives and contribute to the dialogue on legal reform. As we have seen, the legal profession must continuously evolve and adapt to serve the best interests of society, ensuring that the scales of justice are fairly balanced for all.

✨Reflecting on a memorable week in Court Marshalling✨ Last week, I had the amazing opportunity of attending a court marshalling experience, courtesy of Manchester Law School On Monday, I attended a networking and information event at the Manchester Civil Justice centre, focusing on immigration, asylum and human rights law. this event gave me the chance to directly engage with judges, barristers and Home Office professionals who work in this area. These discussions shed light on the importance of advocacy in protecting human rights. On Thursday, I spent the day shadowing judges in the Business and Property Courts, firstly, I observed a road traffic case. Sitting alongside the judge allowed me the opportunity to see firsthand how judges assess evidence and apply the law in real time. Reading the case documents allowed me to understand how evidence is present and organised. This experience provided a valuable insight into the judicial process. I also had the opportunity to sit and discuss with practising solicitors and barristers, we both discussed our current legal experiences. These conversations gave me a deeper understanding of building a strong network of professionals to help navigate the complexities of the law. I then sat in a case regarding fraud and bribery. The highlight of this session was witnessing the cross examination, where I saw how different questioning techniques are used to challenge witnesses and test credibility of evidence. On Friday, the week concluded with two family law cases focused on custody disputes. Observing these cases showed me the senstitive nature of family law and the impact these decisons have on individuals, particularly children. I learned how jduges weigh the best interests of the child whilst also considering legal, emotional and practical factors. Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the law's multlifaceted nature. Through seeing the complexities of business law to the deeply personal factors of family law, I have seen firsthand how there is a balance of empath and integrity in law. I am deeply grateful to the judges and legal professionals who shared their time and knowledge, helping me further my journey in the legal field. #courtmarshalling #manchesterlaw #immigrationlaw #legalexperience #lawstudent

🌟 Ensuring Justice Through Effective Legal Aid and Fair Trials 🌟 The Supreme Court of India has once again underscored the importance of effective legal aid and the role of prosecutors in ensuring fair trials. In its recent landmark decision, the Court emphasized that legal aid must not just be a formality but an integral part of upholding the right to a fair trial. Key guidelines have been issued to legal aid lawyers and prosecutors to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the judicial process. As a penultimate-year law student at ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, I find this development to be a vital step in bridging the gap between law and justice. My academic and professional pursuits in criminal law and access to justice often lead me to reflect on how systemic inefficiencies impact marginalized communities disproportionately. This decision resonates deeply with the principles of justice for all enshrined in our Constitution. The Court’s direction for comprehensive training of legal aid lawyers and proactive efforts by prosecutors to disclose all relevant information is pivotal in restoring trust in our criminal justice system. Such measures also align with international standards of justice, reinforcing India’s commitment to the rule of law. In my experience of analyzing judgments and engaging in discussions on procedural fairness, I have often noted that a well-prepared legal aid lawyer can be the difference between justice served and justice denied. This judgment is a clarion call for all stakeholders in the justice system to uphold their duties with sincerity and dedication. I look forward to contributing to this discourse, whether through academic research, participation in moot court competitions, or sharing my insights with peers in the legal community. Let us ensure that justice is not a privilege but a guaranteed right for every citizen. Let me know your thoughts on this monumental judgment and how we, as young legal professionals, can further its objectives! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gctjFdJr

⚛️ Quantum™ ADR | Qbit 💡 Legal Insight: When Actions Undermine Advocacy: A Lesson in International Family Law The case of Dashti v. Long offers a critical teaching moment about the intersection of legal rights, personal accountability, and credibility in family law disputes. Dashti sought the return of his child under the Hague Convention, but the court dismissed his petition, pointing out how his circumstances fundamentally undermined his position. The court highlighted two key points: “Nor is it clear how the purpose of ICARA, and by extension the Hague Convention, would be served by ordering the return of a minor child from his mother to a father who was in jail at the time of his alleged removal.” And: “Given the totality of the circumstances, [petitioner’s] arguments not only lack merit but fail to overcome the undeniable impact of his actions on his case.” This case underscores a broader truth: in family law—or any legal context—behavior and context matter. Courts evaluate not only the merits of the request but also the credibility, accountability, and circumstances of the person making it. Legal rights must align with responsible conduct to carry weight. #FamilyLaw #InternationalLaw #TheMeInMediation #QuantumADR #TwoCoachApproach #Interdisciplinary #LegalInsights #ChildAbductionCases #HagueConvention #ParentalRights #MoreIn24 #ThriveIn25 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers ABA Section of Dispute Resolution IAFL: International Academy of Family Lawyers Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution American Bar Association American Arbitration Association HCCH - Hague Conference on Private International Law

As a legal professional, conducting thorough research is paramount when handling a case before the Delaware Court of Chancery. In this article, I'll share my recent experience delving into the legal framework surrounding a civil complaint filed in this esteemed court of #Delaware. 1) Laying the Foundation: Delaware Code Title 10. The starting point of my research was Title 10 of the Delaware Code, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure and procedures of Delaware courts. This foundational knowledge laid the groundwork for navigating the intricacies of the legal system. 2) Exploring the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL). Next, I turned my attention to Title 8 of the Delaware Code, specifically the DGCL. As a blueprint for corporations incorporated in Delaware, this law offered invaluable insights into the rights and obligations of my client, potentially a corporation itself, in pursuing legal action. 3) Navigating the Court of Chancery's Resources. Delving deeper, I explored the wealth of resources available on the Delaware Court of Chancery's official website. This included the Operating Procedures, the Court's Rules, and the Best Practices for Electronic Filing (e-filing) or traditional filing with the Register in Chancery. These resources provided crucial details on the specific requirements for presenting a case before the Court. 4) Staying Informed with Administrative Directives. Finally, I reviewed the relevant Administrative Directives issued by the Chancellor of the Court. These directives offered additional guidance on specific filing procedures, ensuring my approach adhered to the latest court protocols. 5) Crafting a Well-Supported Civil Complaint By systematically examining these legal resources, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape surrounding my client's case. This in-depth research will prove invaluable in crafting a well-supported and strategically sound civil complaint for the Delaware Court of Chancery. As a legal professional, I understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the evolving legal landscape. By sharing my research experience, I hope to provide a valuable resource for others navigating the intricacies of the Delaware Court of Chancery. 🗺️ Please feel free to comment below with your views. ➡️For any further assistance reach out to me at adv.siddhigawde@gmail.com ____ Thank you LawSikho, Ramanuj Mukherjee, Abhyuday Agarwal, Amruta Kulkarni, Rajnandini Choudhary, Sahana Mukherjee for delegating the chance to undertake this legal research. Exploring the intricacies of the Court of Chancery, #Delaware has been an immensely rewarding learning experience that has honed my professional skills. I sincerely appreciate your faith in me and the opportunity to contribute in this meaningful way. #Courtofchancery #civilcomplaint #unitedstatesofamerica #US

Its easy to forget that improving access to justice in RRR areas is more than just improving legal assistance funding, no matter how important that is. But the two are related. Strengthening funding for private practitioners to undertake legal aid work, and making RRR areas more attractive for new lawyers to work, will strengthen legal service provision across the board and access to justice for people who might not qualify for legal assistance but still face significant access to justice barriers