Domestic abusers facing electronic tags amidst myriad of new measures
The most dangerous domestic abusers are set to face being listed on the violent and sex offender register as well as electronic tagging as part of a host of new reforms announced this week by the government. The reforms, which have been broadly welcomed by specialist domestic abuse charity Refuge, aim to stop abuse before […]
Family lawyer struck off after failing to return six-figure client funds
A London family lawyer has been struck off after receiving £132,000 during a client’s divorce and then ignoring subsequent requests for the money to be transferred. Analiza Kjaer, sole practitioner at south west London firm Able Law, received £132,000 from her client, ET, between August and October 2020. The money was paid into the firm’s […]
Children’s access to personal data to be enhanced through new Cafcass initiative
A new Cafcass initiative has been launched with the aim of better supporting children’s and young people’s access to their own personal data. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 permits an individual to ask to see what information an organisation holds about them, often through making a Subject Access Request (SAR). As such, […]
LawCare reports huge rise in legal professionals with career concerns
New research from LawCare has revealed a “dramatic increase” in the number of legal professionals reporting feeling concerned about their career. The mental health charity for legal professionals in the UK’s 2022 impact report shows that nearly a quarter (22%) of people contacting them for support were primarily concerned about their career in the law. […]
ADCS President slams profiteering in children’s placements market
The President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has criticised the profiteering within the children’s placements market, describing the cost of placements as “very worrying”. “The children in our care deserve to live in homes that meet their needs as close to the people and places they know as possible,” said Steve […]
“Failure to prevent fraud” set to become an offence
The government is set to add a “failure to prevent fraud” offence to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill which is currently going through Parliament. The new offence could put white collar professionals – including lawyers – at risk of prosecution. Security minister Tom Tugendhat told MPs during the Bill’s second reading in the […]
Family law ethics – 30 years in practice
The latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast focuses on the tricky topic of ethics in family law. Joining host David Opie to discuss the ins and outs of the subject is Helen Young , head of the family team at Debenhams Ottaway. With 30 years experience as a family practitioner, Helen brings a wealth of experience […]
Diary of a legal aid lawyer: Making the most of initial client interviews
As lawyers, we understand that someone coming to an appointment for the first time is likely to feel uncertain about the experience. After all, lawyers aren’t always portrayed in the best light in TV programmes! Clients are often at their lowest point, with no confidence or faith that anyone wants to help them. Whether it […]
Work life matters: Emotions at work
Hello everyone, I’m new around here. My name’s Rich and I’ve been working with professional services firms on employee engagement and wellbeing for about 25 years. I know, I don’t look old enough, right…? Err. Moving on… I’ll be writing a new monthly column to explore different aspects of working in the legal sector. This […]
