SFE Webinar – care home contracts: avoiding pitfalls and problems
When it comes to care home contracts, too little time and attention is given to the contract according to TEP Independent Consultant Solicitor & Mediator, Caroline Bielanska. Well-known in her specialist field, Caroline provides support and advice for law firms, to troubleshoot in complex cases involving vulnerable clients, where the interplay between their capacity, care and […]
SRA appoints new Director of Education and Training
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has appointed Julie Swan as Director of Education and Training, a role which will include leading the ongoing delivery of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination). Julie will succeed the present incumbent, Julie Brannan who leaves in June this year after a hugely successful period in this important position. Julie has […]
Digital go-live for subject access requests
Requests for personal information can now be made through a new digital service. A new digital service allowing individuals to request personal information is now available which aims to improve the user experience for subject access requests (SARs). The process allows individuals to request information held by the Legal Aid Agency and other parts of […]
Reeds Solicitors launches Court of Protection practice in Bristol
Leading national law firm Reeds Solicitors LLP (Reeds) has launched a Court of Protection service from its Bristol office. The Court of Protection team will be led by the firm’s head of Court of Protection and partner Sarah Griffiths-Jones who is currently based in Cardiff. Sarah will split her time between the Cardiff & Bristol […]
Legacy Fundraising Virtual Conference
The future for legacy giving is bright with legacy income forecast to more than double in real terms by 2050. And no longer just to the benefit of the really big charities; legacy giving is growing at the grassroots, with thousands of small and local causes receiving legacy gifts for the first time. Legacy Futures talked […]
Law firm enters new era with change of management team
Boutique law firm, Hugh Jones Solicitors, has announced leadership changes to implement the next phase of its strategic journey. The Manchester-based Court of Protection and private client niche firm has appointed Liz Hughes to managing director, as the current MD Rachel Dobson retires, staying on as a consultant Director and remaining a shareholder and mentor […]
Legal world unites to help tackle cyber threat
A new standardised form questionnaire designed to help law firms better assess the cybersecurity arrangements of the Chambers whose barristers they instruct was launched on Friday at the Law Society’s Risk and Compliance Conference by a joint Law Society of England and Wales and Bar Council working group, representing barristers, leading law firms and IT […]
Hughes v Pritchard: in and out of capacity
In mid-2021, I wrote about the Judgment in the case of Hughes v Pritchard and asked the question: “how far do you need to go to establish capacity?”. In that case, the High Court had determined the question of Mr Hughes’ final testamentary disposition by saying that his last will was invalid on the grounds […]
Legal profession marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Solicitors in England and Wales will mark the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “I am pleased to mark the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Whoever you are and whatever your background, the Law Society wants you to have the opportunity […]
Institute of Legacy Management announces 2022 annual conference
The Institute of Legacy Management has announced details of its Annual Conference in association with Bates Wells on 6 May 2022. The conference will include the usual topical mix of news, views and discussion, in addition to all-important networking and reconnecting opportunities. Conference headline sponsor Bates Wells will hold a session on the Charities Act, […]
Tackling our terminology
When filling out a document, whether that is a lasting power of attorney document, or filling forms in as a deputy, there are words, phrases and general terminology lawyers use which may be confusing. The Office of the Public Guardian has put together a useful list of the words clients might come across and what […]
Law Society makes statement on LSB competence changes
The Law Society has welcomed the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) consultation on ongoing competence and standards, as the oversight regulator looks to change how legal professionals maintain their high standards. The LSB has been examining whether the current approaches taken by regulators are effective in protecting consumers and the public interest. The LSB is consulting […]
SRA quietly announces delay to SQE students’ qualification
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have surreptitiously announced that some SQE students’ qualification will be delayed by seven months. The announcement was made during a Q&A webinar regarding the results of the first batch of exams, with no formal announcement either before or since. Students who take their first exam (SQE1) in July 2022 will […]
Digital Signatures – “Yes! You can!” – Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast
In this podcast David Opie is joined by Charlotte Ponder, Legal Director at CTT Group (formerly Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation) and Chris Jones, Managing Director and ICON-UK to discuss the progress being made on the introduction of electronic signatures in legal services. Both Charlotte and Chris are members of the Industry Working Group on […]
Practitioners reminded of impact of sanctions on Russia
The Solicitors Regulations Authority (SRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have issued reminders to be aware of dealing with those on sanctions lists and practitioners’ responsibilities under the Money Laundering Regulations. The move comes as the UK imposes further sanctions on Russia and individuals in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. A new message […]
New service launches to help older leaseholders obtain lease extensions
Lifetime Mortgage Gateway (LMG) launches a first-of-its-kind service to help older homeowners trapped with short leases obtain lease extensions using equity release and access cash. Lifetime Mortgage Gateway (LMG), a new service facilitating lease extensions for large numbers of older homeowners trapped with short leases, has been launched by LMG Logistics (LMGL). Older homeowners with […]
Certainty starts new chapter as The National Will Register with new state-of-the-art website
The National Will Register today unveiled their new online platform for Will registration and Will Search services. Used by the legal profession, will writers, PI insurers, government agencies, charities, and the public, The National Will Register is the UK’s established and trusted provider of Will registration and Certainty Will Searches with over 9.4 million Will […]
Millionaire’s daughter’s appeal for share of father’s wealth rejected by Court of Appeal
Two daughters who reportedly referred to their father as the “chequebook” have had their claims to his estate rejected by the Court of Appeal. This brings an end to the long running dispute, Miles v Shearer. The case helps clarify if there is any legal obligation to maintain an adult child and how their lifestyle […]
