News & Events

Listed below are the national news items and national events.

The LLG Grapevine - Week 46 Available Now
Publish date: 24/05/2021
Talking Law in Local Government
Schedule of Coronavirus Legislation Since the Beginning
Publish date: 20/05/2021
Jennifer Batten from Norfolk's Legal Team has helpfully compiled a schedule detailing the current status of Covid Legislation which is a helpful colour coded table for an easy glance at whats in force, what has been amended and what is currently pending amendment. Click to access
The LLG Grapevine - Week 45 Available Now
Publish date: 18/05/2021
Talking Law in Local Government
Nigel Roberts Pays Tribute to John Emms on behalf of Lawyers in Local Government
Publish date: 17/05/2021
LLG are saddened to announce the loss of John Emms, a central figure in local government law and practice for many years. Author of Local Lawyers: Public Practice - Solicitors in Local Government 1947-2012, John began his career at Nottingham in 1971. He held a number of roles with LLG's predecessor entities including the National Executive Committee. He was a member of the Local Government Legal Society Trust and was heavily involved with the Yorkshire and Humber Branch. In later years, he was the Honorary Members secretary, organising yearly lunches for those who had retired from practice. In this item, Nigel Roberts pays his personal respects to John, on behalf of LLG and local government lawyers everywhere.
National Lead Planning Zoom Meeting 20th May 12pm
Publish date: 13/05/2021
LLG's next National Lead meeting will feature guest speakers Esther Drabkin-Reiter and Jonathan Welch, of Francis Taylor Building as they provide a planning case law update.
LLG appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director in Pursuit of our "More Than Words Commitment"
Publish date: 13/05/2021
LLG is delighted to introduce Manisha Patel to our Board to work with LLG to educate, inform and improve equality, diversity, and inclusion in our offering to members and across the sector. Click to read more about Manisha.
The LLG Grapevine - Week 44 Available Now
Publish date: 10/05/2021
Talking Law in Local Government
Are you a Junior Lawyer in Local Government who could Represent your Sector? Deadline For Applications this Friday!
Publish date: 10/05/2021
LLG are looking to appoint a Junior National Lead, leading to Junior Director in October 2021 by nomination to the AGM with a seat on the LLG board from October 2021 to October 2022. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain national exposure and mentoring in your career development. Applications are sought by 14th May 2021.
LLG Work Experience Applications NOW OPEN
Publish date: 06/05/2021
Are you a law student looking to gain work experience In a local authority? LLG are delighted to announce that we are now accepting applications for our LLG work experience week for 2021 for all students who wish to take part in the week. This year students just like you, across the country will take part in LLG work experience week which will begin on the 5th July 2021.
The LLG Grapevine - Week 43 Available Now
Publish date: 04/05/2021
Talking Law in Local Government

Blog

22 October 2021

Publish date: 22/10/2021

I'm sure that all of LLG would join with me in expressing condolences to the family of Sir David Amess, who was killed last week when undertaking his role as MP. By all accounts he served his constituents with a commitment that has been applauded by politicians from all sides and he was also greatly liked and respected. Events such as this and that of the killing of Jo Cox are bewildering in their pointlessness and it is unfortunate that this may undermine our communities by instilling caution and reticence in those who serve the public as MP's and in other roles such as Councillors.

As we move forward from this tragedy, it is important to remember the democratic system that we support in our day-to-day work. One that protects freedoms, promotes equality and tackles social injustice. In our role as local government lawyers, we all play a part in protecting these democratic cornerstones from the ground up...

Safety in governance and public office will clearly be an important talking point over the next few weeks and will no doubt be one of the subjects for discussion the LLG Governance Conference taking place on 4 November 2021. Whilst we must avoid knee jerk reactions which impact upon the ability of our politicians to keep in touch with their constituents/residents it is important that we acknowledge the risks and seek to support our councillors to mitigate these risks.

I'm very much looking forward to the LLG Governance Conference where our focus will be on the ever-changing LA legal landscape. With in-depth analysis on the judicial review regime, divergence from European law, electoral reform, levelling up, governance, scrutiny and the role of the monitoring officer; our expert speakers will deliver a programme that senior lawyers and those aspiring to grow in their careers need to know.

I will be particularly keen to hear from Joshua Rozenberg, (Legal Commentator and Journalist) on his thoughts around the proposed judicial review reform at the conference which I will be chairing. The Judicial Review and Courts Bill is soon to have its second reading in the House of Commons following a reschedule last week due to the death of Sir Amess. The bill addresses two areas of concern for the government. The first is the flexibility of remedies that the court is able to give, which will allow courts to both suspend the effects of a quashing order and limit the retrospective effect of quashing orders. The second is the efficiency and structure of the courts system, which the government says is undermined by a particular route of judicial review. The bill will reverse the effect of the Supreme Court's 2011 judgment in the case of "Cart", which would prevent Upper Tribunal appeals being subject to judicial review.

Whether attending virtually or in person, you will receive a very warm welcome at the LLG Governance Conference and have the opportunity to network with colleagues and build stronger links to the Monitoring Officer community.

Best wishes

Quentin Baker
LLG President