China says lawyers' rights should be respected... Linklaters Asia chief makes managing partner shortlist… Lawyer takes control at FIFA… High Court judge to rule on card game…
China says lawyers’ rights should be respected
China’s Supreme People's Court (SPC), the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP), the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Justice have collectively issued a new regulation to protect lawyers’ rights in the country. The five bodies will be expected to uphold and further enhance the rights of lawyers and listen to their opinions. The Want China Times reports that the regulation will also deter illegal practices by lawyers.
Linklaters Asia chief makes managing partner shortlist
Marc Harvey, the managing partner for Linklaters’ Asia region is one of the final three contenders for the firm’s global managing partner role. The firm’s banking head Gideon Moore and disputes head Michael Bennett are the others. Three others have already been ruled out of the running. The firm’s annual conference in November is the planned date for the announcement of the new managing partner. Harvey, based in Hong Kong, has been key in the firm’s expansion in the region.
Lawyer takes control at FIFA
The ruling body of world football is being steered by a lawyer with director of legal affairs Marco Villiger making many decisions. Although the deputy secretary general is officially in control until Sepp Blater faces an election in February, Villiger’s role is essential amid the ongoing corruption scandal. He is being advised by US law firm Quinn Emanuel, Urguhart & Sullivan. Blatter is being advised by McGuireWoods and suspended secretary general Jerome Valcke has appointed defence attorney Barry Berke.
High Court judge to rule on card game
A High Court judge in the UK is to rule on whether the card game bridge is a sport or just a game. As with many card games there are high stakes in the outcome; if it is deemed to be a sport then it will not pay additional tax on certain payments. The English Bridge Union asked Sport England to define the card game as a sport but it refused, leading to the High Court action. The EBU’s case hinges on 2011 legislation which specifically included ‘mind sports’ in the Charities Act.
