“No longer necessary to work from home” says PM
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today outlined Step 4 of England’s continued efforts to lift Covid-19 restrictions. The 5 point plan outlined the steps the government would take from the 19th July should the data enable the next phase of lockdown-lifting to take place. Mr Johnson described the steps as our “plan for living with […]
The Online Trend and Family Law
How easy are you making it for potential family law clients to find and deal with your firm? While none of us can predict the future, what is certain is that the legal landscape has changed for good—especially when it comes to how clients interact with your firm. In the not-so-distant past, the ways that […]
Family Court Statistics show slight increase in divorce petitions and big shift to digital service
The latest Family Court Statistics Quarterly report shows that there has been an increase in the number of divorce petitions, whist the number of decree absolutes remains similar. Use of the digital service has increased significantly. There were 30,420 divorce petitions made during January to March 2021, up 2% from the same quarter in 2020. […]
LSB pushes legal regulators to put consumers first following BSB governance review
Today, the Legal Services Board (LSB) published the findings of its review of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) under the ‘Well-led’ standard of the LSB regulatory performance assessment framework. The oversight regulator found concerns about leadership and governance at the BSB and little evidence of a focus on the needs of consumers and the public interest. In response, […]
Five Reasons to Outsource Your Switchboard
A busy switchboard is the heart of any thriving legal business. It is the eyes and ears of an operation that keeps communication flowing and carries brand image firmly in its hands. When the pandemic hit and face-to face interaction became off limits, phone lines became even more crucial – they were the backbone of […]
Domestic abuse cases rising, Family Court Statistics show
The Family Court Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for the quarter January to March 2021 reveal that there has been an increase in both the number of domestic violence remedy order applications and orders made. There was an increase in the number of applications by 12% compared to the equivalent quarter in […]
Firms warned over security risks of working from home
Law firms have been warned to rethink remote working policies to avoid cyber attacks and data breaches. The ‘Future of Working from Home’ white paper identifies 41% of data breaches are caused by a lost or stolen device, highlighting the requirement for many legal firms’ IT departments to carefully consider working from home policies in relation […]
HMCTS launches 2021 communications and engagement survey
HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has launched its 2021 survey to gather feedback about how it communicates and engages with professionals that work in courts and tribunals. The survey, which is open for a month, is asking for professional court and tribunal users (such as legal professionals, the advice sector, contractors and the police) […]
How will Lockdown and the Covid restrictions impact on future divorces?
Partners, Fiona Turner and Noel Ferry from Weightmans talk about how delays in weddings and divorces due to Covid can potentially impact on the financial settlement if there is a divorce. Attention is currently focussed on the Government’s policy for weddings as we ease out of covid restrictions, the wedding industry having taken a huge […]
Employers need to do more to support wellbeing
A joint report published by Resolution and LawCare has highlighted an overwhelming need for employers to tackle wellbeing issues faced by professionals in the family law industry. The report which surveyed more than 1,200 industry professionals has uncovered the effects of high workloads and pressures specific to the family justice industry on individuals, in both […]
Inappropriate use of remote hearings may impede justice and the rule of law in family courts
Access to justice must be the principle consideration when deciding if remote hearings in family courts and the Court of Protection are appropriate, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned in its response to a consultation by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO). “The family courts and Court of Protection make monumental decisions […]
Maximising the value of legal content with Today’s Media
The next webinar from Today’s Media will take place on Wednesday 7th July at 12pm, the third in our series of bitesize webinars in which we discuss content marketing and give you practical takeaways within the topics we are reviewing, specifically aimed at the legal sector. At our next session Lindsay Gibson and Allie Jones […]
Lawrence Stephens launches family law practice
Leading commercial law firm Lawrence Stephens has expanded its offering to meet growing demand from clients requiring family law expertise. The newly created department will provide advice and services on a full range of family law matters including international and domestic divorces; dissolution of civil partnerships; pre-and post-nuptial agreements; financial claims and settlements; cohabitation agreements; […]
Family law specialist joins Cardiff matrimonial and children law firm
Family law expert Lisa Shrimpton has joined Cardiff and Barry law firm Robertsons in a Senior Associate Solicitor role. Well known throughout the South Wales area, Lisa is highly regarded amongst her peers and the community for her friendly approach, straightforward advice and achievement on behalf of her clients. Her caseload will continue to include […]
Simpson Millar bolsters Court of Protection team with new appointment
Leading consumer law firm Simpson Millar has further solidified its commitment to building a national network of specialists to act on behalf of its clients with another Court of Protection appointment Joining as an Associate Solicitor, Kayleigh Smith will oversee the day-to-day management of property, investments, welfare benefits, vehicle requirements, therapy and employment of carers […]
Solicitors’ leader welcomed SRA’s diverse draft business plan and budget
Solicitors’ leaders today welcomed the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) draft 2021-2022 business plan and budget, which will focus on anti-money laundering (AML), diversity, inclusion, technology and innovation. Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We are pleased to see the SRA prioritising its work and resources on its core regulatory function […]
Maguire family law announce new appointment
Leading divorce and family law firm, Maguire Family Law, has appointed Olivia Barry as its latest Associate Solicitor, as it looks to expand its growing team. Olivia joins Maguire Family Law, having previously worked at the national specialist family law firm, Stowe Family Law LLP, for three years. She obtained her law degree from Keele […]
Webinar: How to run your family law firm with confidence
Do you struggle to find the courage and confidence that will help you to effectively lead at your family law firm? If so, a free webinar could help. Starting your own law firm can be one of the most freeing and rewarding things you’ll ever do—but that doesn’t mean it always feels easy. In times […]
UK ordered to pay damages over family law case
The UK is ordered to pay compensation to a social worker by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Damages have been awarded to a social worker who became aware of criticisms of her conduct only when a family court judge delivered an oral judgment at a hearing. At a Court of Appeal the social […]
LSB consults of new processes for changing regulatory arrangements
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has launched a consultation on proposed new rules and guidance for alterations to regulatory arrangements. One of the oversight regulator’s core statutory functions is assessing applications from regulatory bodies to alter their regulatory arrangements. The process for this has not been substantially reviewed since 2010.Following engagement with the approved regulators […]