The Legal Brief - 5th July 2023

In England and Wales, magistrates make up 85% of the judiciary in family, criminal and youth courts. Despite this, a survey carried out by the Magistrates’ Association has revealed that three-quarters of the magistrates courts are inaccessible for people with disabilities. Consequently, it was stated in their 34-page report that “courts and some magistrates are being underused” due to it being an “exclusionary environment”.

57 court buildings (a third of all magistrates courts) were assessed to determine the accessibility of their public areas, car parks, magistrates entrances and toilets. Shockingly, out of the 57 buildings assessed, only one building satisfied the “most minimum accessibility standards”. For example, it was revealed that 68% of the courts surveyed had no accessible toilets. Indeed, even when there was found to be an accessible toilet, these were not fit to use, with the “most extreme example” putting wheelchair users at risk of falling down a flight of stairs.

Furthermore, although it was found that 74% of courtrooms offered hearing assistant devices, such as a hearing loop, more than a fifth could not confirm whether these devices worked. One respondent reported that they repeatedly asked for a hearing loop to be repaired and “nearly resigned due to frustration” after receiving no help for three years.

Similarly, David Rose, spokesperson for the Magistrates’ Association and chair of the Magistrates with Disabilities Network, criticised how magistrates courts are “not fit for purpose”. Rose is an above knee amputee and commented on how he has been completely excluded from numerous courtrooms over the 29 years he has spent as a magistrate, and considered “chucking it” as he became “billy no mates”.

 Consequently, disabled magistrates are frequently restricted in the number and type of sittings they can take on. This results in the magistracy being under deployed because buildings are inaccessible or provision is so poor that magistrates are unable to effectively fulfil their role.

Overall, the lack of accessibility drastically undermines the government’s own commitment to increasing the magistracy’s diversity. For potential magistrates, the inadequate accessibility of court buildings could disincentivise applications. For existing magistrates, the blatant failure to maintain accessibility features or accommodate their needs massively damages morale and has led to numerous resignations. This is concerning as a diverse judiciary is crucial in order to ensure that the magistracy is reflective of the communities it serves.

Therefore, as Rose states: “This report is a significant step forward in being transparent about accessibility and sets out of a strong case for improvements for disabled magistrates and the wider court-user community”

Written by Imogen Ellis

Jobs for prisoners are extremely valuable as they allow prisoners to gain the necessary skills for when they are released into the community. 

In the recent conference for Modernising Criminal Justice, Damian Hinds (the Prisons Minister) states that prisoners having a job allows them to learn soft skills, such as arriving on time and being able to take on feedback. This is essential for when prisoners are released into the community as often practical on-the-job learning is seen as more important than qualifications or academics. 

Damian Hinds said, “what the research says is that any education is good for the individual and can have a positive impact in terms of not reoffending.” 

The “Employability Innovation Fund” has been launched that will enable prison governors to work with more employers and training providers to repurpose workshops and deliver sector-specific skills training. This will also focus on prisoners having a job when released, as having a job will encourage people to rebuild their lives, reduce reoffending and focus on a positive lifestyle. The government has also introduced the Future Skills Programme which will deliver training to prisoners who are due to be released. The programme will offer a guaranteed interview with the intention that the prisoner will gain employment. 

Due to the recent push by the government, there has been a drastic increase in ex-offenders finding jobs within 6 months of being released. This has almost doubled between April 2021 whereby 14% of prisoners were able to find jobs to now 30%. This is helping decrease further reoffending. Companies such as Co-op and Greggs have helped these initiatives by offering training and employment. 

Jobs in the prisoners vary, the roles can be both skilled or unskilled work with a variety of roles, responsibilities and commitments. Some job roles are for trusted prisoners in which they have to work towards becoming a “red band”. All jobs are seen as positive for prisoners as it shows compliance with the prison regime but also their willingness to engage with what the prison offers. 

The Ministry of Justice and the Government are intending to expand these schemes further.

Written by Gabrielle Coates

This week from Legally Speaking Podcast Host, Robert Hanna :

🔥🚀 Discover How Legal Tech Can Revolutionise Society and Change Lives...

The Dorna Moini Edition!

Imagine being at the helm of a company with a COLOSSAL impact on the world!

🌍💡 Dorna, CEO of Gavel, is achieving this through her revolutionary strides in the legal world. Gavel's no-code platform enables lawyers to create online legal products, automate data collection, and effortlessly generate documents! 🌟✨

In addition to our latest invigorating Legally Speaking Podcast ™️ episode, powered by Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology, we also take a moment to celebrate our AMAZING past guests and their impactful contributions to the legal world:

🔹Akil Hunte - Trainee Solicitor & Chair of NRG Lawyers 🌟

At the NRG Lawyers inaugural celebration, I had the privilege of experiencing the sheer dedication & passion that characterise this trailblazing organisation, which I am honoured to be a part of. 🌟

Akil’s unwavering commitment to NRG Lawyers and his relentless work behind the scenes truly made an impact. His genuine and hardworking nature resonated deeply, inspiring a room full of intelligent and determined individuals from diverse backgrounds.🔥

Mary Prior KC's motivational speech was the perfect way to kick off, emphasising the importance of authenticity in professional life. 🎤💡

Akil is playing a pivotal role in enhancing career prospects for Non-Russell Group graduates in the legal industry through mentoring, coaching, and other supportive services.

Hats off, Akil! You are a true change-maker and a beacon of inspiration.

*** EVENTS ***

📣 Catch the highlights from our Legally Speaking Club LinkedIn Audio event featuring PR Executive 🎙️Liana Zavo CEO ⏩ Founder Global Conference Keynote Speaker, PR Media Expert. Myself & Henry Nelson-Case got invaluable insights from Liana on how lawyers can optimise PR, cultivate a personal brand, and position oneself as a thought leader. 🌍

📣 Don’t miss Clio’s “The Power of a Diverse Law Firm” webinar on July 12th, 2 pm BST. Delve into diversity & inclusion in the legal sector with 💡Erin Leonty, Dana Denis-Smith, Jonathan Patel, and Naeema Yaqoob Sajid (She/Her) 🌈⚖️

*** SHOUTOUT ***

To the wonderful Sarah Murphy, who has been appointed Clio's New General Manager, EMEA in Support of Regional Growth. Sarah will lead Clio’s EMEA organisation as growth accelerates in the region! 🎉

*** SUPPORT NEEDED ***

📣 Stand with Sudan! Attend the Sudanese Legal Network’s empowering event at the House of Commons on July 12th, extending your support to the people of Sudan in their hour of need.

🔍 Ready for a job change?

Check out KC Partners latest legal job openings and venture towards the legal career you’ve always envisioned! 🌟👊

HERE’S TO CHANGING LIVES AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF LEGAL TECH TOGETHER! 🚀

#LegallySpeakingPodcast #LegalTech #SocialJustice #Community

Capital Markets Associate  - Global Law Firm  - London

Corporate M&A x 5  - Multinational Law Firm  - London

Corporate Real Estate  - Multinational Law Firm  - London

Corporate Solicitor x 2 - Multinational Law Firm  - London

Data protection Senior Associate/ Director ( x4 ) - Multinational Law Firm  - London

Employee Incentives Associate/Senior Associate - Multinational Law Firm  - London

International Privacy, Security and Information Senior Associate/Director - Global Law Firm  - London

IP Litigation Associate - Global Law Firm  - London

Real Estate Solicitor/Associate - Global Law Firm  - London

Tax Associate  - Multinational Law Firm  - London

Technology Associate/Senior Associate - Multinational Law Firm  - London

For further information, or to get your questions answered, please send a message to Robert Hanna.

If you cannot see a job suitable for you, but are interested to hear about more jobs at KC Partners, please send your CV to info@kcpartners.co.uk to be considered.

At KC Partners we are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunities across organisations and we welcome applications from suitable candidates regardless of race or racial group, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity.