On Wednesday 5 February, the Law Society launched its Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), which has so far invested £3.5 million into supporting more than 300 aspiring solicitors.

Launched at the start of September, the Law Society’s new three-year professional ethics programme and web hub have been designed to offer a “safe space” to help members to balance commitments to clients and wider society. 

The Solicitor Regulation Authority’s plan to allow solicitors to practise from unregulated businesses has been met with criticism and lobbying, although solicitors in small firms are still mainly ignorant about the proposed changes.

The Law Society lead legal sector representatives in Saturday’s Pride parade in London. Marching under the banner “All are equal under the law”, those who took part were keen to spread the message of the legal profession’s support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) diversity.

The Law Society has launched its 2017-18 mentoring scheme, designed to support solicitors from under-represented groups to progress their careers and improve diversity within the profession.

The Law Society has invited law students, trainees, pupils and other junior lawyers to enter its annual Graham Turnbull essay competition, which this year references the Magna Carta and the ramifications if the United Kingdom were to radically alter its human rights protections.

The Law Society has pledged to continue using all its influence and resources to support criminal solicitors.

David Greene, president of The Law Society, has resigned over allegations of misconduct. 

On Monday 13 January, the government published an AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has been welcomed by Law Society President Richard Atkinson. Atkinson said that the plan “demonstrates the UK's commitment to invest in AI and digital infrastructures, but above all in people and talent”.  

The Law Society has published guidance to highlight how organisations can improve digital accessibility to support people with disabilities.

Candidates undergoing qualifying work experience (QWE) must be paid the same as those completing a training contract, the Law Society has recommended.

Trainee solicitors’ pay should be increased, the Law Society has recommended. 

Trainees should be paid £23,122 outside of London and £26,068 in London, the Law Society has said as part of the annual minimum salary review.

The Ministry of Justice has downgraded the pilot project to extend court working hours, to the relief of the Law Society.

The creation of a legal aid task force and the uprating of the legal aid means test are some of the proposals set out in a report by the Law Society to combat the “perilous state” of the criminal justice system in England and Wales.

An independent review of the criminal courts has highlighted that the “entire system needs funding”, according to The Law Society of England and Wales President Richard Atkinson.