Two decades of growth: How Slade Legal scaled with Osprey Approach
From high street roots to multi-branch success, Slade Legal’s journey with Osprey Approach shows the value of adaptable legal technology. For over 20 years, the Oxfordshire-based firm has used the platform to support operational efficiency, financial control and client service, illustrating how technology can underpin growth, compliance and agility. Growing with the firm Slade Legal’s […]
Client account consultation deadline extended
The deadline to have your say on the Ministry of Justice’s plans to use lawyer’s client account interest to fund access to justice has been extended by four weeks to 9th March, from 9th February. The MoJ has signalled it could target interest on client accounts in its recent client money consultations, describing the potential […]
Silence from Sheffield firm following widespread office closures
A Sheffield law firm and its subsidiaries appear to have ceased trading, with notices placed on office doors and former employees taking to social media to advise of their availability for work. In a widely shared image on social media, Butterworths Solicitors in Carlisle placed a notice on its front door on the morning of […]
Family court grants journalist’s application for psychologist’s reports to ‘advance open justice’
A judge has granted a journalist permission to see reports by a psychologist in four private family law cases, having concluded that to do so would “advance open justice”. The expert reports will be strictly anonymised and the scope of reporting limited to protect the children involved. However, the request by a journalist has wider […]
High Court finds Hounslow Council unlawfully failed to treat a child as looked after
The High Court has ruled that Hounslow Council unlawfully failed to recognise a child as looked after and provide him with adequate accommodation and support under the Children Act 1989, in a successful judicial review initiated by Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC). The claimant, CLT, was represented by Finnian Clarke of Doughty Street Chambers, instructed […]
Family mediators warn of ‘cliff edge’ for families as Mediation Voucher Scheme set to end
National Family Mediation (NFM), the country’s largest provider of mediation services, has expressed concern that the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is due to end in March, with no extension in place. The vouchers give separating couples up to £500 for mediation, which they can use to resolve disputes over finances, children and housing. Despite previously […]
Use of AI is ‘affecting judgement of junior lawyers’
The use of AI in legal work is increasing the speed at which junior lawyers work, but has “significant implications” on how they learn and develop legal judgement, new research suggests. The findings from LexisNexis Legal & Professional reveal more than half (58%) of the 863 legal professionals surveyed who use AI tools said they […]
Understanding trauma responses in family law – why behaviour isn’t always what it seems
Cognitive behaviour therapist Sonya Black explains how family lawyers can identify trauma responses and shares practical strategies to support clients who may be dealing with stress responses. As family lawyers, you are often the first professional point of contact for clients navigating separation and divorce. What many practitioners may not realise is that a […]