Local Issues
Court Closures Historically, August has always been a quiet month as most members and stakeholders involved with the profession take a well-earned rest. However, this August has seen a break from the “norm” with a much busier month and a hive of activity in areas ranging from criminal legal aid to government proposals in relation to court fees and fees in clinical negligence work. I would like to use this opportunity to highlight one particular area that the Law Society has been focussing on over the last month which will impact members of Surrey Law Society too - the government’s current consultation on court closures.
Court Closures The government plans to close 91 courts and tribunals across England and Wales, and integrate or merge 31 more. In Surrey, it is suggested that the following courts are closed: • Redhill Magistrates Court and Family Court • Reigate County Court and Family Court It is proposed that the criminal work is moved to other courts in Surrey and that the family and county work is primarily transferred to Guildford County Court and Family Court. The Law Society has developed an interactive map which outlines the courts affected by the proposals and provides
further detail in relation to the proposals and links to the consultation document. Please visit the site for more information http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/News/Stories /Court-closures-we-want-your-views/
What can you do? 1. We would like to gather your views on how the proposals are likely to affect you and your clients. We have drafted a short online survey and ask that you complete it with your views https://www.research.net/r/courtclosures 2. If you have any particular views and/or case studies that could help inform our response to the consultation, please forward them to courtclosures@lawsociety.org.uk. All responses will be treated in strict confidence. 3. We urge you to write to your local MP to highlight the proposals and the practical impact that these proposals
Pictured: Bhavni Fowler.
will have on the ground. To assist you in doing this we have produced a campaigner pack for you to raise the issue with your own, or your firm's, MP. This can be downloaded here http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/policycampaigns/public-affairs/getinvolved/court-closures-campaignerbriefing/ n If there is any further information that you may need in relation to the court proposals, or if you would like to discuss anything else with me, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Bhavni Fowler Regional Manager (South East) The Law Society Email: bhavni.fowler@lawsociety.org.uk Tel: 07580 977 090
Nicola Conley who joins the Family team at Downs Solicitors LLP Surrey-based, entrepreneurial law firm, Downs Solicitors LLP, are pleased to announce the appointment of Solicitor, Nicola Conley who joins the Family team at its Dorking office. Nicola is a very experienced family solicitor specialising in all aspects of family law, including divorce, separation, financial remedy, arrangements for children, cohabitation disputes and injunctions. She also deals with complex children matters, where Guardians have been appointed to represent the children, as well as applying for without notice applications for the return of children and non molestation/occupation orders. Andrew Christmas, Partner and Head of Downs’ Family Law Department said: “We are delighted to welcome Nicola to the Firm. Her experience and expertise in all aspects of family law, together
with her well-rounded set of skills make her an ideal fit for the team. She is very committed to client care and believes in offering a sympathetic yet tough approach to tackling the many complex issues of a relationship breakdown. Nicola is an accredited member of Resolution which focuses on a constructive and nonconfrontational approach in resolving family disputes. Members encourage solutions which take into account the needs of the whole family and the best interests of any children and will aim to steer clients away from Court proceedings if at all possible.” Commenting on her appointment, Nicola said: “Downs Solicitors is one of Surrey’s leading divorce and family law practices and I am delighted to be joining the family team. I’m passionate about representing clients during what is a very difficult and emotional time for them and their
children. In addition to practical and realistic advice, they need understanding, care and compassion. My strength is in helping them emerge through the turmoil of a relationship breakdown with dignity and fairness. More information about Downs Solicitors LLP can be found at www.downslaw.co.uk Surrey Lawyer 9