Joined my friends Vigneesh Nainar, Jeremy Mark Pereira and Ammar Lulla from the Criminal Bar in a lively discussion on how to conduct effective pleas of guilt. Lawyers play an important role in ensuring that their clients’ rights are protected and their best interests are advanced in a court of law. Every lawyer aspiring to practise criminal law must thus master this fundamental aspect of criminal practice. Our discussion is part of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme Training Programme organised by Pro Bono SG and I am happy to be able to continue contributing to this incredibly useful programme that covers almost all facets of criminal practice. There are still two more modules to go, and both modules will focus on sentencing. The penultimate module will explore key principles and evolving trends in sentencing, and the final module will focus on alternative sentencing for youth and vulnerable offenders. PSA for lawyers looking to fulfil 2025 CPD requirements: each module offers 1.5 Public CPD points (inclusive of 0.5 Public MEC Points). Sign up here at https://lnkd.in/gpz4-QTA

A cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency in April has severely impacted legal aid lawyers and domestic abuse victims. Leslie Samuels KC, vice-chair of the Family Law Bar Association, warned that lawyers may leave the sector due to instability. The attack compromised 2m pieces of personal data and disrupted billing processes. Jenny Beck KC from Beck Fitzgerald stated that the extra administrative burden means fewer victims receive help. The Ministry of Justice is working to restore systems and has introduced interim payments, but long-term issues remain unresolved. #legal #law #legalaid #legalaidagency #cyberattack

In family law proceedings, coercive control is dealt with as a form of family violence. It can also be addressed in the criminal law system through family violence restraining orders and/or criminal charges. In this blog, we explore: 👉🏼 common signs of coercive control; 👉🏼 how the courts treat coercive control in family law matters; and 👉🏼 how the courts treat coercive control in a criminal law context. https://bit.ly/42E09MO #familylawyers #familyviolence #coercivecontrol

# Major Justice System Reforms Unveiled in New Zealand's 2025 Updates Significant changes are reshaping New Zealand's justice landscape with the recent Ministry of Justice reforms announced for 2025. As legal professionals, we're particularly noting the tougher sentencing laws that cap discounts and introduce new aggravating factors for serious offenses. The substantial $245.5 million budget allocation demonstrates a serious commitment to improving court operations, legal aid accessibility, and judicial capacity - including two new permanent High Court judges and additional magistrates to address case backlogs. These changes, alongside the Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill aimed at reducing delays, signal an important shift toward more efficient justice delivery and stronger victim support. As family law practitioners, we recognize how these reforms will impact many aspects of legal proceedings our clients navigate. We're following these developments closely to ensure we provide the most current advice. What justice system improvements do you believe would most benefit families in legal proceedings? We welcome your insights. Learn more about how we help families through legal challenges: https://lnkd.in/g78EVB7p #FamilyLaw #LegalReforms #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #NZLaw #JusticeSystem

# New Zealand's Justice System Undergoes Major Reforms to Improve Access and Effectiveness I'm excited to share some significant developments in New Zealand's legal landscape that will impact family law practitioners and clients alike. As of late 2025, the Ministry of Justice has implemented several crucial changes: ✅ Tougher sentencing laws under the updated Sentencing Act 2002 now include capped discounts for guilty pleas and new protections for vulnerable victims ✅ A substantial $245.5 million budget allocation to tackle court backlogs and increase judicial capacity ✅ Major civil procedure reforms coming January 2026 to improve access to justice ✅ Important changes to international adoption protocols to better protect children As legal professionals, we must stay informed about these developments to best serve our clients. The reforms present both challenges and opportunities, particularly in how we approach family court proceedings and advise on sentencing matters. What changes do you think will most impact your practice area? Have you already noticed effects from any of these reforms? Learn more about how our team can help navigate these changes at https://lnkd.in/g78EVB7p #FamilyLaw #LegalReforms #NewZealandLaw #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #JusticeSystem #CourtReforms

It's great to address the distinction between lawyers and advocates. Many people may use these terms interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles. Training advocates is essential because, in the context of criminal defense law, community engagement is a catalyst for meaningful change. When the community actively cares about legal proceedings, it amplifies the potential for positive outcomes and justice. #lawyers #advocates #legalprofession #communityengagement #criminaldefense #justicesystem

Each year, nearly 1 million low-income Americans seeking civil legal aid are turned away due to limited resources. While the U.S. has 1.3 million attorneys, only 10,000 provide legal aid—underscoring a critical gap in access to justice.    The Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR) spent 18 months studying the challenges facing the legal profession. Through surveys, interviews, and listening conferences, CLEAR identified key ways state supreme courts can help ensure the legal system meets the needs of the public.    Read all eight recommendations here: ncsc.org/CLEAR.    #AccessToJustice #LegalAid #LegalEducation #StateCourts  

# Important Justice System Updates That Impact Family Law in New Zealand 📣 The Ministry of Justice has announced several significant reforms that will reshape our legal landscape in 2025-2026. As family law practitioners, we're particularly following: • New sentencing guidelines under the Sentencing Act 2002 (effective June 29, 2025) • Suspension of unsafe international adoptions to protect vulnerable children • Major Budget 2025 investments in court infrastructure and judicial appointments • High Court civil procedure reforms coming January 2026 aimed at reducing delays and costs These changes will impact how we represent clients in family matters, especially where criminal proceedings intersect with family cases or where international adoption is involved. The Law Association's push for deeper legal aid reforms also highlights ongoing challenges in access to justice, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. Are these reforms addressing the right priorities in your view? What other changes would you like to see in family law? Learn more about how these updates might affect your family law matters: https://lnkd.in/g78EVB7p #FamilyLaw #LegalReforms #NZLaw #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #JusticeSystem #AccessToJustice

# New Zealand's Justice System Evolution: Key 2025 Updates for Legal Professionals Significant changes are reshaping New Zealand's legal landscape in 2025, with important implications for family law practitioners and clients alike. The Ministry of Justice has introduced substantial amendments to the Sentencing Act 2002, implementing stronger protections for vulnerable victims and addressing retail crime more effectively. Perhaps most relevant to our practice is the $245.5 million Budget 2025 allocation to strengthen courts, improve the justice system, and enhance legal aid. This includes appointing new judges and community magistrates to reduce delays – a welcome development for families navigating difficult legal processes. The upcoming High Court Amendment Rules (effective January 2026) promise to streamline civil procedures, potentially reducing both timeframes and costs for families seeking resolution through the courts. However, challenges remain, particularly around legal aid reform. The Law Association continues advocating for higher eligibility thresholds and addressing systemic barriers, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples. As family law practitioners, these changes directly impact our ability to serve clients effectively. How do you see these developments affecting your practice or clients? What further reforms would you prioritize? Learn more about how our team navigates these changes while providing comprehensive family law support at https://lnkd.in/g78EVB7p #FamilyLaw #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #NZLaw #JusticeReform #LegalAid

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the approval in concept of a Community Justice Worker Program that will allow for certified individuals who are not lawyers to provide limited legal assistance under the supervision of an Illinois-licensed attorney. https://hubs.li/Q03L28CY0