Tribunal throws out misconduct allegations against ‘overworked’ probate solicitor
A probate solicitor accused of “recklessness” and the sending of “misleading emails” has had a case brought against her by the Solicitors Regulation Authority thrown out. A Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal dismissed all misconduct allegations against Davina Charlton, finding that she was “overworked” and the expectations on her were “too high”. The allegations related to Charlton’s […]
Pension Schemes Act becomes law
The Pension Schemes Bill passed into law on Wednesday, delivering major reform to the UK pensions worth around £2 trillion. Over 20 million workers could benefit from the reforms, with the government estimating an average worker could receive up to £29,000 extra by the time they retire. The act will require pension schemes to prove […]
Assisted dying bill stalls in House of Lords but supporters hopeful of imminent return
Efforts to introduce assisted dying in England and Wales have run out of time after the bill stalled in the House of Lords – with supporters accusing peers of holding up the legislation. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Kim Leadbetter, who had launched the private members bill and championed its progress through Parliament […]
National Will Register launches annual Free Will Registration Month
The National Will Register, the will registration and will search service, has launched its Free Will Registration Month today (Friday). Throughout the month, members of the public and legal professionals can register their own or their clients’ wills free of charge, saving the usual £30 standard registration fee. The initiative has run for a number […]
‘Bad lawyers’ blamed for rise in probate disputes
An “increasing number of bad lawyers” are contributing to a consistent and accelerating increase in contentious probate activity identified by a freedom of information request to the Probate Registry. An analysis by Birketts LLP has revealed 11,328 caveats were filed in 2025 – a figure which has risen steadily since 2010. The reasons behind the […]
‘Outdated’ costs to be reviewed as Civil Justice Council launches consultation
“Outdated” solicitors costs and options for reform are to be examined by the Civil Justice Council (CJC). Announcing the launch of the consultation, the CJC acknowledged comments made by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, in the Court of Appeal’s decision in Belsner v. CAM Legal Services Ltd in 2022. In the written judgment, […]
When it comes to mental health, small actions can make a real difference
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, explains how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to dealing with the pressures of legal life. This Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May) is a reminder that we need to keep talking about mental health, […]