Third party IT service providers could be required to follow new cyber security rules such as the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Assessment Framework as part of new proposals to help businesses manage the growing cyber threat. A consultation by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) looked into the security of digital […]Read More
Flexibility has overtaken pay as the top priority for practitioners entering the jobs market, according to new research by legal recruitment consultancy, Realm Recruit. As part of its annual market research conducted in June 2021, Realm Recruit surveyed more than 100 practitioners on a number of topics, including jobseeker status, employee engagement, wellbeing and pay. […]Read More
New government legislation has been introduced to protect people’s smart devices from being hacked. The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill will give ministers new powers to bring in tougher security standards for device makers, including: Banning of easy-to-guess default passwords preloaded on devices. All products now need unique passwords that cannot be reset to […]Read More
Resolution’s “Good Divorce Week” embraces a child-focused approach to separation
Resolution will be holding Good Divorce Week next week (29 November – 3 December), where they’ll be aiming to kickstart a national conversation about how parents can embrace a child-focused approach to separation. The week-long programme will focus on a number of tools and initiatives that can help family practitioners and their clients navigate the challenging experience […]Read More
Money laundering costs the British economy around £37 billion each year. And with the legal sector under increasing scrutiny (and SRA site visits happening right now) it’s something firms should be placing front and centre of their risk planning. A review by the SRA into law firm AML compliance identified the failure to introduce “proper […]Read More
A consultation from the Payment Systems Regulator could see legislation introduced forcing banks to refund those affected by authorised push payment (APP) fraud. APP fraud is typically perpetrated by criminals impersonating trusted individuals and organisations in order to trick people into authorising a payment to an account controlled by a criminal. The criminals will send […]Read More
The SRA has announced proposals to end the provision of post six-year run-off cover (PSYROC), because the protection is thought to be disproportionately expensive. If effective, this means that the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF), which provides the additional cover for closed firms, would end, and any remaining funds would be handed to the Law Society. The […]Read More
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a consultation on its approach to financial penalties for law firms and solicitors with the aim of resolving cases more quickly and reducing the need to refer to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) The consultation will review how the SRA can create more consistency across its regulated entities […]Read More
Predatory marriages have been the focus of much debate in the press recently, including stories previously reported in Today’s Family Lawyer, as well as calls from campaigners to reform the law, putting an end to abuse of the vulnerable and elderly. Many experts are now calling for the law to be changed so that marriage […]Read More
Clio, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, has joined the call for the protection of legal aid in England and Wales as part of its continued investment and commitment to increasing access to justice in the UK and globally. The call comes as the company launches its new legal aid feature designed to […]Read More
Sir Andrew McFarlane has released memorandums this week warning family law practitioners over the preparation of witness statements and drafting orders. The president of the Family Division said too many witness statements have been prepared ‘in breach of proper professional standards.’ He went on to describe how too many statements were quoting from documents, seeking to […]Read More
When it comes to running your own law firm and serving clients, it can feel like the work is never done. For the sake of your wellbeing, though, and that of every member of your team, finding the right time management solutions to ensure a healthy work-life balance is essential. That’s why, for the tenth […]Read More
In the judgment of Crowther v Crowther & Ors handed down last week, Mr Justice Peel criticised both parties and their lawyers for a lack of co-operation resulting in “enormous” legal costs. Mr Justice Peel stated that there had been an “almost complete breakdown of constructive communication” between the divorcing husband and wife during proceedings. […]Read More
A study by the Marriage Foundation has revealed that couples who meet on dating apps are six times more likely to get divorced within the first three years of marriage. The survey of 2,027 married adults aged 30 and over, also found that meeting a partner online now accounts for a third of marriages in […]Read More
A new legal battle between Sir Frederick Barclay and Lady Hiroko Barclay is underway at the High Court over a £100 million divorce payout. Lady Hiroko Barclay is now seeking enforcement of a ruling made in May this year against her 86-year-old former husband, following the award of her £100 million settlement by Mr Justice […]Read More
A charity which deals with domestic abuse victims has suggested that “thousands of people each year” are unable to access support to remove themselves from their situations. Domestic Violence Assist (DV Assist) has reported that the volume of referrals it receives has increased 50%, now around 3,000 referrals p/m, up from 2,000 in 2020. DV […]Read More
A 10-day High Court hearing is currently underway to decide the final payout of the biggest divorce case in British legal history. Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein is demanding a share of her husband, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s £10 billion fortune. The Jordanian Princess fled with their two children to the […]Read More
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has re-iterated the government’s desire to make mediation a “default” option when it comes to family proceedings by suggesting that parents would face financial penalties for bringing unnecessary claims to court. The thinking is being driven by the view that too many parents are bringing claims to an already overstretched courts […]Read More
Ampla Finance, the legal finance provider, has today announced that Louise Hall has been appointed as the business’ very first Chief Product Officer. In this newly-created role, Louise will be responsible for enhancing existing and developing new products across both Ampla’s matrimonial and legacy service lines. Louise will also lead the business’ efforts expanding its […]Read More
Following National Fertility Week last week, Fertility Matters at Work is sharing its workplace education and policy programme to raise awareness of fertility issues and their impact in the workplace, supporting organisations in becoming “fertility friendly” – an important topic that relates to mental health, workplace wellness and women’s reproductive health. Fertility Matters at Work […]Read More