Welcome to weekly legal/business updates, sharing the latest developments and noteworthy events in the legal and business sectors

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and welcome! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s overwhelming to keep up. That’s why I’ve curated a weekly round-up of headlines that interest me. Stay informed, enhance your commercial awareness, and gain valuable insights. Sit back, relax, and let this newsletter be your companion in navigating news and knowledge.

Gender Pay Gap and the Bar

A report from the Bar Council has found that there is a significant pay gap for female barristers in the early years of their career. The median pay gap found was 22% for female barristers up to 3 years post-qualification experience with caring responsibilities and 16% for those without caring responsibilities. This widens for barristers 4 years post qualification being 24% with no caring responsibilities and 32% for barristers 16-20 years post qualification with no caring responsibilities.

You can find out more here.

Probate Manager Steals £640k from Wills

A former probate manager has been jailed for four years after using her position to defraud £640,000 from beneficiaries of Wills. She paid cheques meant for charities into her friend’s account and then later the money would be sent back to her. An audit from two of the firms she worked at found she had been doing it for over 13 years and taken money from 23 Wills. Specialist prosecutor Anamarie Coomansingh from the CPS said: ‘It must have been particularly distressing for the families and friends, who simply wanted to see their loved one’s last wishes properly executed.’

You can find out more here.

New Rwanda Law Passed

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 has been introduced as a mew law after The Safety of Rwanda Bill received royal assent. It states that Rwanda should be regarded as a safe country for the “purposes of relocating people”. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised that the first flights would take off in 10-12 weeks.

You can find out more here.

Ice Cream Banned?

Milan is attempting to ban late night ice cream to protect residents. The proposal bans all takeaway food and drink after midnight, including pizza and gelato to maintain “peace and tranquility” among residents. It would apply from 12:30am on weekdays and 1:30am on weekends and public holidays to outdoor tables.

You can find out more here.

Powers to Seize and Destroy Crypto

The National Crime Agency and police have been given greater powers to seize, freeze, and destroy crypto-assets used by criminals. It is estimated that there are at least £1.2 billion illicit crypto transactions linked to the UK, and the government have changed legislation to make it easier for law enforcement to stop this. Changes include, police not having to arrest a suspect before seizing crypto, items such as written passwords and memory sticks can be seized, and the ability to destroy a crypto asset.

You can find out more here.

Fun facts for your friends…

It is illegal to open post that you know or reasonably suspect has been incorrectly delivered to you. This is under Section 84 of the Postal Service Act 2000.

Thanks for catching up! Don’t forget to share with friends and colleagues!