IoP Launch New Diversity & Inclusion Charter
The Institute of Paralegals (IoP) has released a new strategy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the legal profession. The charter outlines why change is needed and the approach that needs to be taken by the Institute, its members and partners, to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds are not only recruited into the sector […]
Law Society Welcomes Government Commitment To Jobs
The Law Society has come out and supported the government’s commitment to concentrate on getting people back to work following the coronavirus pandemic. Plans for a ‘kick start’ scheme for young people were welcomed by the Law Society. Simon Davis, President of the Law Society in England and Wales, said: “We will be encouraging law […]
Wills and LPA’s During Lockdown: Top Tips for Law Firms – Watch Online Now
The third UKLTA online forum, which was supported by Today’s Wills and Probate took place last week, where our expert panel shared their top tips for Wills and LPA’s during Lockdown, considering how practices have adapted during lockdown and how technology can help. Chaired by Heather Anson (Anson Evaluate), our panellists Lorraine Robinson (Farewill and […]
Recruitment And The Legal Sector Following A Pandemic
Now that the coronavirus pandemic seems to be on the backfoot, and the Government are attempting to kick start the UK economy, we wanted to take a look at what effect the pandemic has had on the legal job market. Previously, we’ve spoken to Realm Recruit who revealed that the pandemic had seemingly woken up […]
CILEx Calls For Certification Rules To Be Extended Permanently
Following the decision by Land Registry to accept copies of Lasting Power of Attorneys (PoAs) certified by Legal Executives from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive (CILEx), there are now calls to change the law to make it permanent across the board. The anomaly in the Power of Attorney Act 1971, that only allows solicitors […]
New Risk Management Framework For Law Firms
Specialist risk and compliance consultancy Legal Eye has brought together its 12 years of experience to create a comprehensive risk management framework designed specifically for law firms. This new product from Legal Eye helps firms to mitigate risk and to improve on working practices and efficiencies by providing high quality template documents for firms to […]
How Trainees Are Helping One Firm Pivot Their Business In The Face Of Covid-19
Being a great lawyer doesn’t mean you are a great business person Along with many other professional and medical disciplines, lawyers excel in producing experts within their own specialisms. But what the pandemic has proved is that being a great litigator, conveyancing or private client lawyer does not necessarily equip them well for the challenges […]
Join UKLTA’s Information Security Review Forum
The next UKLTA online forum focussing on information security and privacy takes place on Thursday 16th July at 5pm. Four months on from the initial coronavirus lockdown, many firms have now adapted to new ways of working. For many firms, changes to working practices were brought about swiftly. In this session our panellists will review […]
Unlikely Event Leads To Win In £2m Inheritance Fight
A will thought to be lost for over a decade, that was central to a £2m inheritance dispute was discovered after a cat knocked over a pile of papers due to be shredded. Dean and Dale Brunt, along with their sister Venetia had owned between them Ettridge Farm in Hertfordshire, worth £6m after inheriting the […]
Women In Wills Group Celebrates First Birthday
The Women in Wills group which has continued to thrive during the coronavirus pandemic is celebrating it’s first birthday. In the current climate, having meaningful conversations with your peers can help get you through the day. Although social distancing guidelines prevented events taking place allowing members to meet up in person, the online community has […]
New Video Platform To Be Rolled Out To Civil And Family Courts
HMCTS has announced a new video platform that will be rolled out to the civil and family courts will allow more remote cases to be heard safely. Following a successful implementation of the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) across 153 magistrates and crown courts, the plan to roll out the CVP across further courts is part […]
Spike In Contentious Probate Expected Due To Lockdown Wills
Solicitors across the country are preparing for a spike in contentious probate claims due to the confusion surrounding the witnessing of wills during lockdown. Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 requires wills to be signed in the presence of two or more witnesses, it cannot be done witnessed by video link, the witnesses are […]
Movers and Shakers – 10 July 2020
Here at Today’s Wills and Probate, we wanted to share with you the good news we’ve had within in the industry of professionals joining firms and those who have moved up the promotional ladder. This week we’ve seen the following announcements with regards to appointments and promotions: Louise Igoe has been promoted to Head of Private […]
An Insight Into The Probate Office During Covid-19
Towards the end of last month we published an article that mentioned there was a surge in probate applications, which led to a surge in demand for those who worked at the probate office. Today’s Wills and Probate spoke to Stephen Burgess at HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) about the issues currently being faced […]
Supporter In Focus: The Law Superstore
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our supporters of The British Wills & Probate Awards 2020. This year the awards will recognise a sector which has tackled the challenges presented by Covid-19 head on. Alongside headline sponsor Arken.Legal we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing […]
Succession Fee Victory In Contentious Probate Case
Recently, members of the Shoosmiths LLP Disputed Wills and Trusts Team took the time to speak to Today’s Wills and Probate about a recent case they dealt with (Bullock vs Denton and Willoughby), to give others in the profession an insight into issues that could arise as part of the case. Tara McInnes, Principle Associate […]
Which Trust Is Right For My Clients’ Lifetime Planning?
The above heading is always an important question when you meet with clients either for the first time or maybe as a result of a review due to time passed or a change in circumstances. The first thing to consider is whether my clients indeed need a trust at all, however the answer to this […]
Life On An Emotional Rollercoaster – What It’s Like To Be An Heir Hunter
No doubt about it—when you are a probate genealogist (or heir hunter as most of the public know us as) your day’s work often runs the gamut of every emotion. From elation to sadness, excitement and joy, and everything in between, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, writes Danny Curran, founder and CEO of Finders International. The […]
Top Ten Funeral Plans – Which Is The Best Buy?
Lots of people list Top Tens or lists of Best Buys funeral plans, but funeral plan quotes are a different kettle of fish. Each recommendation should be based on the preferences of a single individual, their current location and likely changes. Thir finances also have to be considered. Will the best buy be the plan […]
Updated Guidance From The Equity Release Council
The Equity Release Council has released updated guidance for practitioners, which highlights some of the most important factors to consider during the advice process and ensures its rigorous standards are met. A new Checklist for Advisers was issued to adviser-members following a review by the Council’s Standards Board which was informed by conversations with major […]
