‘Reverse mentoring’ toolkit promotes diversity within legal profession
A ‘reverse mentoring’ toolkit developed by LawCare and the University of Leeds aims to help law firms and legal organisations become more inclusive, supportive and fair places to work. The term refers to junior employees or people from under-represented backgrounds mentoring more senior colleagues to share lived experiences and challenge traditional hierarchies. ‘This approach helps […]
In the age of AI and rising costs, NALP says paralegals are more relevant than ever
Today’s Media spoke to Amanda Hamilton, director and patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), about the evolving role of the paralegal and NALP’s role in the profession’s voluntary self-regulation. A recent survey measuring public perception of AI in the legal sector found that the public isn’t yet ready to fully trust the technology in […]
Michael Culver steps down after six-years as Chair of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers
After six years, Michael Culver is stepping down from his position as Chair at The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL) with a new chair set to be announced in July. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, which was previously Solicitors for the Elderly, is a membership group for private client lawyers. The rebrand in June 2023 […]
Trust corporations launched by two established firms
Two long-standing private client firms have announced they have launched trust corporations to manage deputyships, trusteeships, executorships and attorneyships; and expand their services in independent estate administration. London-based Kingsley Napley, and 7-branch Yorkshire firm Walker Foster have both announced the launch of trust corporations. Walker Foster’s WF Trust Corporation Limited will specifically be used to […]
Marketeers ‘present’ but not ‘leading’ law firm business development strategy
Law firms continue to invest in marketing and business development activity, but the evidence suggests only one in five firms involve their marketing teams in actively driving the strategic growth of the organisation. An overall increase in the numbers of staff involved in marketing and business development is heavily weighted toward larger firms, and growth among […]
‘Lawyer’ now legally protected term in Scotland, as Law Society hails ‘major milestone’
A new bill passed by the Scottish Parliament will prevent anyone who isn’t licensed from using the title ‘lawyer’, following a 10-year campaign by the Law Society of Scotland. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill will give the title of ‘lawyer’ the same legal protection as ‘solicitor’, making it an offence for anyone to […]
Southport genealogist joins first cohort of Chartered Paralegals
A Southport based genealogist has become one of the first Chartered Paralegals under the new CILEX scheme after going through the pilot programme last year. Claire Miller of Langton Genealogy joins a small cohort of professionals to be amongst the first to be accredited with the new “Chartered Paralegal” status following the Privy Council’s approval […]
Death notifications should be part of Consumer Duty
All financial service providers should offer a death notification option for clients under the Consumer Duty rules. The tools already exist, says the owner of two bereavement notification services, and can be implemented voluntarily, without the need for additional regulatory mandates, to deliver better outcomes for clients. The call comes from The Estate Registry, which […]
‘No relief’ from AML fines as SRA highlights £100,000 in penalties
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has said it will continue to ‘ratchet up the consequences’ of non-compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, as it released details of fines totalling almost £100,000 in the first two weeks of May. In a media briefing last week, the SRA’s chief executive Paul Philip acknowledged that non-compliance with AML rules ‘is […]
Consultant model ‘a fundamental part of the UK legal fabric’
Alternative legal platform providers, otherwise known as consultant-model law firms, continue to demonstrate ‘importance that lawyers are placing on autonomy, work-life balance, and the ability to build a practice supported by strong infrastructure’ say the authors of a report into the size and structure of the market. The sector hit over 4,000 practitioner last year, […]
Latest acquisition “just the start” for private-equity backed estate planning and professional services group
Private equity backed DJH has announced the acquisition of the Private Wealth business of Stoke-headquartered Beswicks Legal; taking their tally to 13 acquisitions over the past three years. The professional services and accountancy group, which is backed by private equity group Tenzing, says it has doubled the size of its estate planning division with the […]
Largest deal to date see PE-backed group grow to £130m
Private-equity backed Lawfront have announced the acquisition of Southern-based Trethowans taking the total fee income for the group to over £130m. The thirteenth acquisition is part of the group’s strategy to acquire large regional firms with ‘strong’ brands in their localities. In recent months Lawfront have added south-east focused Brachers LLP, North West-based Farleys, and […]
£4 million fine for ‘serious and intentional’ misuse of client funds
The owner and manager of former London-based law firm Kingly Solicitors has been fined over £4 million for ‘serious’ and ‘intentional’ misconduct in the largest penalty the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has ever issued. Nurul Miah, who is not a solicitor, was ordered to pay a financial penalty of £3,984,440, costs of £41,670 and banned […]
Probate researchers among first to qualify as CILEX Chartered Paralegals
Following the announcement CILEX was has introduced a new ‘CILEX Chartered Paralegal’ qualification genealogical and probate research services firm Fraser and Fraser staff are amongst the first to have gone through a pre-approval process to become qualified. The firm says it was part of a cohort to have gone through the pilot and are among […]
Claims on £18m estate reinstated in High Court battle between siblings and partner
The family of a millionaire who made his fortune in the health drinks industry have won an appeal to reinstate their claim to half his £18m estate. Alan Lorenz, a senior executive at nutritional supplements group Herbalife, died aged 78 in 2021 leaving his estate, which included a £3.5m Maltese property, a £4m home in […]
Probate.Auction welcomes Corin Holness as Corporate Relationships Director
Probate property auction specialist Probate.Auction has announced the appointment of Corin Holness as their new Corporate Relationships Director in a move ‘to enhance the company’s mission of educating the industry and clients about the benefits of auctions for suitable probate properties’ says the firm. Probate.Auction launched in April 2024 with the stated aim of providing […]
One of a kind: Clive Ponder
It is with profound sadness Today’s Wills and Probate learnt of the passing of Clive Ponder who died last week. As founder and Director of CTT Group, Clive was instrumental in driving the business forward alongside his long time friend and ally Bob Massey; and was a vocal advocate for the will writing profession. An […]
“Value over volume” for newly launched legal recruitment business
A new recruitment agency dedicated to the legal services sector has opened its doors to ‘address the evolving needs of the legal sector’ says its founders. VacantC Legal Recruitment has been co-founded by Bold Legal Group CEO Rob Hailstone, and technology executive Craig Taylor who was until recently Chief Revenue Officer at Thread Legal Software […]
Membership body awards programme recognises people-first approach
Law firm membership body LawNet hosted their latest annual awards in Birmingham with Thames Valley and Berkshire based Gardner Leader LLP, Kent-based Berry & Lamberts Solicitors collecting key awards on the night. The awards are focused on recognising innovation and strategic success across the network’s SME law firm members. This year, more than 320 delegates […]
Firm takes three-pronged approach to management
A Kent and London law firm has described how it is ‘rewriting the rule book’ by appointing three new managing partners to take the firm forward into 2025. Bromley-headquartered Thackray Williams will appoint three new managing partners when current Managing Partner Sean Sanders steps down in March 2025. Vikki Herbert, Anthony Macey and Emma Thompson […]
