STEP introduces Global Representative Power to combat financial abuse
STEP has launched its STEP GRP as part of its major focus on finding solutions to the challenges posed by the increase in mental incapacity globally. This increase is highlighted in STEP’s recent research report, Loss of Mental Capacity: A Global Perspective. The STEP GRP is a template and a benchmark for a lasting power […]
Legal services ‘overlooked’ in Chancellor’s business tax cut
The Autumn Statement missed the target for unleashing the power of the legal services sector, solicitors’ leaders have said. Nick Emmerson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “While it is great news for business that full expensing has been made permanent, it is disappointing that parts of the legal services sector […]
New-style scam alert warning
An outsourced compliance service provider has warned of a new-style scam they have intercepted involving criminals impersonating the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The methodology involves individuals contacting law firms alleging to be from the SRA and asking to attend their offices onsite for a “pre audit meeting.” Contact is made via phone call from a […]
Law Society comments on MOJ vision
Following the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) unveiling its vision for the future of the civil and family courts and tribunals system, the Law Society of England and Wales have shared their comments, highlighting the need for a much more efficient system of collating, analysing and then publishing data. The Law Society also highlighted the existing […]
Vision for the future of civil and family courts and tribunals
The Lord Chancellor and senior judiciary launch a shared vision for the future of the civil and family courts and tribunals system – from the Ministry of Justice, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, and The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP. “People rely on our civil, family and tribunals justice system to protect and enforce their rights. […]
Hunt mulls IHT reforms amidst family-owned business lobbying
Numerous sizable family-owned corporations employing thousands of workers are urging the Treasury to incorporate them into the forthcoming inheritance tax (IHT) reforms, as reported by The Times. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is reportedly contemplating changes to the tax, such as lowering the 40% tax rate for estates exceeding £325,000, which he intends to announce in his […]
Guidance Reminder on Grant of Rights of Audience
Last week the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary reminded everyone of the Guidance on the Grant of Rights of Audience by the Business and Property Court. They noted that on a number of recent occasions the Leeds BPC have been faced with the dilemma of whether or not to grant rights of audience in proceedings in […]
Holiday season – courts and tribunals opening times 2023
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have provided the details of what the courts and tribunals opening times are going to be over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Courts and tribunals will temporarily close on various dates over the Christmas period. The closure dates for Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024 are: Monday […]
Law Society says, ‘King’s Speech falls short on Justice Reforms’
Following the King’s Speech yesterday, the Law Society of England and Wales has responded to the legislation that was outlined and noting their disappointment that more hasn’t been done to invest in the justice system. Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “We are disappointed the government chose not to […]
Wealth divide widens as early retirement becomes a luxury in England
Research indicates that early retirement in England is increasingly a privilege reserved for the wealthy, as economic disparities force less affluent individuals to work longer or exit the labour market due to health issues. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has uncovered a significant shift in retirement patterns among people in their 50s and 60s, […]
Pro Bono Week 2023
Lawyers who help change lives through volunteering free legal help take centre stage at this year’s Pro Bono Week (6th-10th November). The 22nd annual celebration recognises the outstanding voluntary contribution made by the legal profession across the UK to provide legal advice for those who could not otherwise afford it and who do not qualify […]
Jackson Lees welcome new Head of Wills, Trust and Probate with services in Liverpool and Wirral
Merseyside-based law firm Jackson Lees has expanded its Wills, Trust and Probate team with the addition of a new Solicitor and Head of Department. The team have welcomed Candice Jones on board, who will be offering legal services to clients in Liverpool and on the Wirral. Candice has worked in the legal sector since 2004 […]
Law Society makes regulation recommendations ahead of AI Safety Summit
Ahead of the AI Safety Summit 2023, the Law Society of England and Wales has made artificial intelligence (AI) regulation recommendations for the government to consider. The recommendations, made in response to the government’s white paper on regulation, include: The expertise of the legal profession should be recognised and harnessed in the AI regulatory approach. […]
Law Society asks for members’ views on unbundling
The Law Society of England and Wales is calling on its members to share their experience about how they are delivering unbundled legal services. Unbundling allows solicitors and clients to agree that some tasks traditionally carried out by a solicitor such as – drafting letters, attending court hearings or legal research – will be completed […]
Over half of UK retirees ‘unaware’ about IHT thresholds
Britons are being advised to familiarise themselves with inheritance tax (IHT) regulations as an increasing number of families find themselves subject to this tax. This cautionary note arises from recent research revealing that 59% of retirees are unaware of the inheritance tax threshold for estate valuation. A survey conducted by Just Group among 1,050 UK […]
The Jordan Legacy’s petition – minimising suicides
The Jordan Legacy’s petition to government, requesting the introduction of a Suicide Prevention Act to minimise suicides, requires 100,000 signatures by 19th January 2024 if it is to be considered for debate in parliament. The Jordan Legacy was founded in 2020 in Jordan’s memory and because of Jordan’s strong desire to help those who needed […]
Hugh James expands Private Wealth Team amidst ongoing growth
Hugh James has announced the continual expansion of its Private Wealth division with the addition of key professionals to its team. Over the past three years, the team, recognized for its excellence, has seen a notable increase in partners, with five new additions, including three in the last six months. This expansion, from four to […]
Today’s Wills and Probate turns 9
Today’s Wills and Probate, the online news publication for will writers, solicitors and probate practitioners, marks a milestone this week as the publication is 9 years old. Starting out in October 2014, the publication has since gone from strength to strength, with the daily news output now generating an average of 45,000 page views per […]
Baby-loss awareness training for law firms – free-to-access training
A free-to-access baby-loss awareness training programme has been launched to help law firms gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively support their employees and co-workers who have experienced the loss of a baby. The training will contribute to fostering an environment that is open, inclusive, and supportive for those affected by baby loss and […]
Renew Practising Certificate by 31st October 2023
Practising certificate and registration renewals take place from 1st to 31st October 2023. This year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has included no new questions or changes to what they ask for from law firms or individuals. However, they have made some enhancements to the applications to improve the experience. Linked below you will find […]
