Passwords, Phishing and the Dark Web
Matthew Locker, a Cyber Security Consultant at Apstorm has shared his ideas on how law firms can remain compliant in the modern world. In today’s digital society, passwords have become a necessary evil and are the guardians of some of our most important information, e.g. online retail, banking, email accounts, customer contact databases, social media […]
HMCTS operational position : weekly summary updates
HMCTS have updated their operational summary for week commencing Monday 3rd May 2021. -We encourage all users to access testing available to them. Home test kits will be available for collection from all courts and tribunals and will be offered to all professional court users, legal professionals, judiciary, contractors, jurors, witness services and staff who […]
Eleventh-hour EU-UK deal ratification welcomed by legal sector
News the European Parliament has ratified the UK’s deal with the EU brings a degree of certainty to our future relationship – even if many questions remain to be resolved, solicitors’ leaders said. Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We welcome MEPs’ decision to back the Trade and Cooperation Agreement […]
Survey provides insight into early impact of pandemic on medium-size law firms
In its 20th year, the Law Management Section’s Financial Benchmarking report provides a vital insight into how medium-sized law firms have been hit by the unprecedented conditions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic with profits projected to be down just shy of a quarter. Looking back to early 2020, many firms were performing well, with […]
Domestic Abuse Bill receives Royal Assent
News the Domestic Abuse Bill has received Royal Assent was today welcomed by the Law Society of England and Wales. Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has left domestic abuse victims particularly vulnerable – often trapped indoors with their alleged abuser in increasingly volatile situations. It is vital the justice system […]
Regulators must set quality standards in the public interest
It is in the public interest for regulators to set standards, rather than leave it to consumers to work out the quality of a solicitor or law firm said the Law Society of England and Wales in its response to the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) Quality Indicators discussion paper. The LSB is seeking views on […]
Have your say in the 2021 Legal Aid Census
The Legal Aid census has been launched and the Legal Aid Practitioners Group is urging lawyers in England and Wales to have their say, and help inform the Legal Aid workforce of the future. The census takes the form of a survey, the responses to which will provide critical data for sustaining the legal aid […]
Entries are now open for the Family Law Awards 2021
The 11th Family Law Awards have now opened for this year’s entries. The Awards will take place on Wednesday 24th November, and offers those in the sector the opportunity to highlight their success and be recognised for their hard work and commitment. There are 21 categories overall, which include: Cornwell Award for Outstanding Contribution to […]
New Pilot to disclose Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders
An approved new pilot scheme is to bring in new provision for communicating Forced Marriage (FMPOs) and Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs). On behalf of the Lord Chancellor, Lord Wolfson QC (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice) has confirmed his approval of one new pilot Practice Direction supplementing the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) 2010, […]
Navigating Compliance Issues in Family Law Litigation Funding
Ampla Finance’s ‘Litigation Funding guide for family law practitioners’. There is a range of funding options available to those facing divorce or other family proceedings if they don’t have resources of their own to pay for the legal advice and representation they need. One option is to borrow from family or friends, but there are […]
Billing in advance – A tricky path to take
As part of our ‘Technical Corner’ we want to bring you information that will help you to continue to learn and grow in your career. This month’s technical corner article comes from Robert Blech LLB, FCCA, ACA. Robert.blech@mhllp.co.uk 020 7429 4100 One of the first points noted when the SRA Accounts Rules 2019 were released […]
Update: Domestic Abuse Bill continues to progress
Update Today (29th April) the Domestic Abuse Bill recieves Royal Assent. ________________________________________________________________________________ Yesterday (27th April), the House of Commons considered the Commons amendments on the Domestic Abuse Bill. The latest information surrounding the Bill is available here. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Yesterday (26th April), the House of Commons considered the Lords amendments on the Domestic Abuse Bill. The […]
UK’s #1 Legal Case Management Software Secures Historic Investment
Legal management software provider Clio has marked a historic moment in the growth of legal technology by becoming the first legal practice management unicorn globally. On Tuesday 27 April at 2pm, Clio, the UK’s leading case management software provider, announced a new valuation of US$1.6 billion following the raising of a US$110 million investment in […]
LSB set out how regulators can use technology to increase access to legal services
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has outlined how legal services regulators can actively support technology and innovation that safely increase access to legal services. By working together, regulators can create an environment that ‘de-risks’ innovation and reduces uncertainty for tech providers and consumers. The LSB makes it clear that regulation has an important role in […]
Risk Management Week Online with Legal Eye
Join Legal Eye for a series of events from 18-20 May 2021 focusing on how law firms should be adapting risk management strategy and processes in response to the pandemic and as restrictions start to ease. We’re bringing together the SRA, law firm leaders, MLROs, COLPS and COFAs, industry commentators, compliance experts and a series […]
Provision of domestic violence specialist advisors
As Team Leader in the Children and Domestic Violence Team, I am shocked to read that only three police forces have enough specially trained domestic abuse advisors (according to a report for the Government from the charity SafeLives). The hope with this article is to highlight the dangerous effects of such shortages and what can […]
74% of legal professionals struggle to complete essential legal learning
Almost three quarters of legal professionals are struggling to find the time to complete essential learning and training because of heavy workloads. New research from legal software specialist Access Legal has highlighted the challenges law firms across the country are facing when it comes to learning, as well as the ways the pandemic has shifted […]
Domestic Abuse Protocol
The Designated Family Judges of London and the South East have agreed on a Domestic Abuse protocol regarding the issuing of applications for Family Law Act orders. Please see the protocol below or download a PDF here. Please note that the protocol only covers London and the South East. Protocol for London and the South […]
The Parenting Apart Programme Conflict Workshop
The Parenting Apart Programme are offering a workshop to enhance your skills and knowledge when working with parental conflict. They also have two other workshops to help professionals with identifying safeguarding in divorce and Child Development. Why we offering these workshops Claire Field the author of the Parenting Apart has been part of The Family […]
Cafcass recruiting for newly qualified social workers
Cafcass are looking to grow highly skilled professionals who’ll ensure that the voice of the child comes first. Their Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme is now open for applications for soon-to-be qualified Social Workers (or those who have recently gained a recognised qualification) who want exceptional grounding in children’s social care. This programme is […]