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COVER INFORMATION
Alex MacQueen, guest speaker for the SLS Legal Awards 2024
27th SEPTEMBER 2024 (For OCTOBER 2024)
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Anyone wishing to advertise in Surrey Lawyer please contact Catherine McCarthy before the copy deadline. 0151 236 4141 catherine@benhampublishing.com
Editorial
Anyone wishing to submit editorial for publication in The Surrey Lawyer please contact Helen Opie before the copy deadline. 0333 577 3830 helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk
It’s been another busy few months at SLS! I would like to extend a warm welcome to Taylor Rose MW who has recently joined the membership. Taylor Rose MW has already got involved in the Sail for a Cure event and we hope to see them at many more events going forward!
In the last edition of the Surrey Lawyer, I advised that SLS had responded to 2 SRA consultations concerning Proposals to change how the English of Welsh language proficiency of qualified lawyers is assured and Changes to the rules on Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) exemptions. The SRA has now published its responses to the following consultations which can be viewed at https://www.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/ consultations/consultation-response---changes-to-how-the-english-orwelsh-language-proficiency-of-qualified-lawyers-.pdf?version=496a0e and https://www.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/consultations/ changes-to-the-rules-on-sqe-exemptions---consultation-response_final-1. pdf?version=496a0e
Following on from the consultations above and considering the Axiom Ince intervention, which was the biggest intervention ever in England and Wales, the SRA currently have an open consultation regarding their Business plan and budget 2024-25. Part of the Consultation feedback will be used to finalise proposals for the Compensation Fund contributions for 2024-25. The SRA proposes that for each individual the contribution increase from £30 for the 2023/2024 period to £90 for 2024/2025 and for firms from £660 for the 2023/2024 period to £2,200 in 2024/2025. The SRA state the reason for these significant raises is “Exceptional levels of intervention costs and compensation fund claims over the previous financial year have reduced the reserves of the Fund, requiring the increase in contributions this year. We carried out 65 interventions during 2022/23, more than double the number in the previous year. This included two very significant interventions in November 2022 and October 2023 which brought significant costs and payments to former clients of the firms”. In my mind imposing such rises across the board regardless of size of firm is disproportionate and unfair. I have submitted my response to the consultation at https://www. sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/consultation-listing/business-plan-budget2024-25/?s=o#respond and I would urge others to do likewise. I have suggested in my response that the SRA apportions the increases not only based on size/ turnover of firms but also placing a larger liability on those firms with higher claims and complaint rates. This part of the consultation will close midday on Monday 24 June 2024.
On 18th April, I, together with Helen Opie attended the University of Law Awards evening at the Guildford campus. I was delighted to present George Budd with the Surrey Law Society Award for the highest mark in the PgDL/MA conversion (not the only award he took home that evening I hasten to add). I had the pleasure of meeting George before the event and learning he was a former Headmaster, has a particular interest in land law and has secured himself a training contract with the prestigious firm of Farrer & Co. I wish George every success with his training contract.
On 26th April, I hosted the SLS Inaugural ‘Sail for a Cure’ charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK aboard the New Southern Belle in Kingston Upon Thames – what a night it was! I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all who made donations for the raffle/ auction and all those who were able to come. This is a cause which is incredibly close to my heart,
President’s Jottings
SUMMER 2024
and I am delighted to announce that we raised an impressive £2,500. It also proved to be an incredibly fun evening with several different member firms in attendance and it was great to see the SLS community coming together, uniting for a good cause.
Latest news – the property lawyers amongst us will be aware that the Law Society has advised it will be introducing a new TA6 Property Information Form from 25th June 2024. I have spoken to several of our members, all of whom expressed concern at the introduction of the forms with no consultation from the Law Society. On 22 May I e-mailed several members of the Law Society expressing our collective concerns. I was subsequently contacted by the Property Lawyers Action Group (PLAG) who had made similar representations also to no avail. The only public response from the Law Society being that they should have consulted but nonetheless intended to press on with the introduction of the form, despite the massive opposition by its members. This resulted in PLAG calling for a vote of no confidence in Nick Emmerson the current President of the Law Society and Ian Jeffery the current CEO of the Law Society. The requisite number of signatures was met within 24 hours and a date for the no confidence vote is now awaited. After this Today’s Conveyancer held a 24-hour snap opinion poll to ascertain whether its readership supported this no confidence vote which attracted a massive 90% “yes” result.
On Friday 14th June 2024 the Law Society issued a press release confirming that given the concerns and objections by an overwhelming number of conveyancers the compulsory introduction of the TA6 fifth edition would be postponed for 6 months to allow for consultation to take place. The nature and extent of those discussions is yet to be announced but I am pressing for this to be inclusive and open to all members of the profession. The wording of the Law Society announcement also leaves unclear as to what the outcome of those discussions will be, given its references to the form being “postponed” and its comments “In the meantime, we know some members are using the new form or readying themselves to do so, and we would encourage them to continue in that way”.
Mr Jeffery, CEO of the Law Society, also commented “In the coming weeks we will consult members further about the content of the TA6 5th edition to ensure we understand the full range of member views”. No assurances have yet been given that the form will be abandoned or amended following the consultation and so whilst delayed there is some way to go to achieve resolution.
I have been encouraged by Mark Evans the Deputy Vice President of the Law Society to participate in the forthcoming consultation and I would therefore welcome any comments or suggestions which any of SLS members would like to make. Similarly, if any of our membership would like to be directly involved in the consultation then please let me know. Please feel free to e-mail me d.lawson@nmd-law.com We will continue to represent the views of our members and all updates will be given via the SLS website and LinkedIn.
Finally, if I haven’t seen you before, see you at the Awards and very best of luck to all who have nominated and been shortlisted!
Dawn
Lawson President Surrey Law Society
Dawn Lawson
ACEO Report SUMMER 2024
s we look forward to the summer months, I am pleased to share with you an update on the Society’s recent activities and future events. It has certainly been a busy time, with much achieved and lots to look forward to.
SLS Legal Awards 2024
We were thrilled to announce the shortlist for the SLS Legal Awards 2024 sponsored by Evelyn Partners. I would like to congratulate all the finalists and thank everyone for submitting nominations this year. The awards ceremony promises to be a fantastic evening, taking place on 3 October 2024 at G Live in Guildford. Detailed information on how to book and what to expect from the evening’s celebrations, including the names of all the finalists, can be found overleaf. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of SLS members together.
The Law Society’s Townhall at Chancery Lane
In May, Dawn and I had the privilege of attending The Law Society’s Townhall event at Chancery Lane, along with representatives from 34 other Local Law Societies. It was an enlightening day featuring a fireside chat with Attorney General Victoria Prentis, and updates from The Law Society on critical issues such as criminal and civil legal aid reforms, court delays, the 21st century justice project, and the Artificial Intelligence Programme. This event also provided an excellent platform to connect with other local law societies, sharing common challenges and celebrating recent successes.
ULaw Awards
Dawn and I were delighted to attend the final University of Law Awards evening at the Guildford Campus before its closure later this year. The event was a fitting tribute to the talented students whose remarkable achievements were celebrated. It was an honour to see such talented students acknowledged for their outstanding accomplishments and you can find more information on the evening later in the magazine.
LegalTechTalk
In June, I attended LegalTechTalk at the Intercontinental Hotel at the O2. This two-day event attracted 2,500 attendees, 300 speakers, and numerous exhibitors, all keen to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the legal sector. I attended several insightful sessions, including discussions on the Death of the Billable Hour, Law Firm Leadership Challenges, and LegalTech Innovations. A standout session was Wirecard Whistleblowing: A Journey from Scandal to Safety with Pav Gill.
Employment Law Programme
Recently, I had a productive meeting with Nick Hawkins at Knights plc HQ in Weybridge. We explored exciting ways to revitalise our Employment Law activities. We have several plans in the pipeline and will be sharing more information soon. We welcome input from SLS members involved in employment law on how they can assist us with this initiative. Stay tuned for updates!
Training Programmes
Our training programme has continued over the past few months. We have hosted excellent webinars on a variety of topics:
• A Guide for Conveyancers: Navigating Properties Let on an Airbnb Basis in the UK
• Streamlining Probate: Minimising Delays and Maximising Efficiency During Wait Times
• Recognising Coercive Control: Understanding the Mechanisms of Abuse
• Supporting Surrey session with Evelyn Partners on Financial Planning Foundation
If you were unable to attend these sessions but are interested in their content, remember that as a member, you can request the recordings and associated notes for free. Additionally, our online courses have been well-received, and recordings can be purchased through the SLS Office. Courses offered include:
• Family Law Update 2024
• 5 Key Principles to Highly Profitable Delegation for Law Firm Owners and Partners
• Residential Conveyancing Update 2024
• Mastering Long-Term Care and Funding Challenges: How to Deliver the Best Advice in Private Client Practice
Social Events
On 26 April 2024, we hosted the Society’s inaugural Sailing for a Cure Legal Charity event. The brainchild of SLS President Dawn Lawson, the event was a resounding success, featuring a fabulous evening aboard the New Southern Belle on the Thames. Dawn's efforts in securing fantastic donations for the raffle and auction were rewarded by raising £2,500 for Cancer Research UK, an incredible achievement. More details on this event can be found later in the magazine.
Looking ahead, we are excited about our upcoming Past President’s Championship Cup on 4 July at Daytona Sandown Park. We extend our thanks to our event sponsors - Evelyn Partners, Landmark Information Group, Chadwick Nott Legal Recruitment, Finders International Probate Genealogists, and Pro Drive IT - and look forward to welcoming many of you to compete for the title of Surrey Law Society’s speediest firm!
Summer Break and Future Activities
As we approach the summer holidays, we will be taking a short break from our training and events. However, we are looking forward to a packed programme in the autumn, including the much-anticipated SLS Legal Awards. In the meantime, I wish you all a wonderful summer break and hope for some sunnier days soon!
With best wishes,
Helen
Helen Opie Chief Executive & Magazine Editor
T. 0333 5773830
E. helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk
@SurreyLawSoc
@surreylawsociety
Helen Opie (Chief Executive at Surrey Law Society)
Surrey Law Society
Helen Opie
Moore Barlow celebrates promotion of new partner who started career at firm
Top-100 law firm Moore Barlow has announced that Senior Associate Sophie Winstanley has become partner.
Sophie started as a paralegal at what was then Moore Blatch, working for the Education and Asbestos teams before successfully applying for a training contract and becoming the first trainee at the firm’s Richmond office.
During her traineeship, Sophie worked under the guidance of Senior Partner Trevor Sterling within the firm’s then-newly founded Major Trauma team, which she went on to join immediately upon qualifying as a solicitor in 2016.
Sophie rose from Associate to Senior Associate while specialising in cases involving major trauma, including brain injury and amputation, with an overarching focus on rehabilitation. She has been involved in numerous complex and high-profile personal injury cases, some of which have settled for seven-figure sums and made the headlines of major news outlets, such as the Croydon Tram incident in 2016. Sophie has played a key role in the success of Moore Barlow’s award-winning Major Trauma Service while consistently contributing to wider projects across the firm.
Venters Grow Their Team with Romanian speaking Lawyer
Venters Solicitors are a niche Family law firm operating from four offices, with their head office in Reigate. Since they were founded in 1991, they have provided help and support to thousands of clients with Family and Criminal cases that have family, spousal or children matters at the heart of them.
Family law matters and disputes involving children are often very emotional and language barriers can add even more stress into an already highly charged process. The recent recruitment of multilingual Solicitor, Antonia Rotaru, who is fluent in 4 languages, has given Venters the opportunity to offer clients who speak those languages a truly inclusive service.
Antonia who joined the firm in April, speaks English, Romanian (her native language), Spanish and Italian which are notably four of the top six languages spoken in Surrey according to the 2021 census*.
Antonia says “The Romanian community in Surrey is growing and I am very happy to be able to help Romanian speaking clients with their family law and children law needs. I completed my Law Degree at the University of East London in 2019, followed by my LPC and Training Contract at a well-known law firm located in
*Source: https://www.surreyi.gov.uk/census-2021
Speaking of her promotion to partnership, Sophie said: “I’m extremely proud to become a partner at the same firm that gave me my start in law. At Moore Barlow, you are positively encouraged to become the person and the lawyer that you want to be: individuality and diversity is authentically celebrated here. It’s one of the reasons that I care so deeply about this firm and the wonderful people that work within it – so it’s a great privilege to be in a position where I can help to shape its future.”
Trevor Sterling, Senior Partner, said: “I’m so pleased that Sophie is joining the firm’s partnership. She is brilliant at what she does and is a true role model for where hard work and determination can lead. Her career trajectory from paralegal to partner at Moore Barlow stands as a testament to the fact that this is a firm that nurtures talent, something which inspires the kind of loyalty that Sophie exemplifies.”
Managing Partner Edward Whittington said: “As well as being a great legal practitioner, Sophie is also very operationally savvy and business-minded, which are great qualities in a partner. To progress from paralegal to a member of the leadership team within the same firm shows just what a good fit she is for our firm and vice versa. We’re very proud to say that Moore Barlow is a place where careers start, and partners are made.” ■
Antonia Rotaru
the City. I qualified as a Solicitor shortly after and joined Venters Solicitors in April 2024. I am very excited about my future with Venters, and I look forward to being mentored by some of the best family lawyers in the region.”
The founder of Venters, June Venters KC adds “I founded Venters with the belief that everyone deserved access to justice, and I’m delighted to welcome such a talented Solicitor to our team, further enhancing our family law services.” ■
The 2021 census confirms that there are 8082 Romanians living in Surrey and Romania is the only country which was in the top ten in 2021 but was not in the top ten in 2011, suggesting more recent settlements of Romanian-born residents.
Trevor Sterling and Sophie Winstanley
Taylor Rose MW Reveal Outcome Of Unlawful Arrest Incident
Jade Brown, Solicitor in the Actions Against the Police Department at Taylor Rose MW acted for Ms Agyemang, who was detained and handcuffed by Metropolitan Police officers on Friday 21st July at approximately 11:12 am after disembarking from bus 157 on Whitehorse Road, Croydon.
Ms Agyemang was suspected of fare evasion despite having a valid ticket. During the incident, officers grabbed, handcuffed, and insulted her. At the time she was accompanied by her young child, who became very distressed. Footage of the incident was shared widely on social media.
Jade Brown comments that “there is no power to demand that tickets are produced after a commuter has left the bus. Transport for London (TFL) need to look again at how they conduct these operations. So that commuters are not inconvenienced, nor affected by journey delays that could cause them to miss a connection or an appointment.”
A complaint was filed, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed an investigation was underway.
In August last year (2023), the IOPC confirmed that further complaints were received regarding the treatment of Ms Agyemang and her son during the incident. As a result, a criminal investigation was opened into the actions of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and staff during their interactions with Ms Agyemang and her son.
Jade Brown adds “The events on the 21st July 2023 and the period of time since, have been traumatic for our client. None more so than when Ms Agyemang was forced by PC Perry Lathwood, one of the officers involved in the incident, to give evidence at his trial.”
On Friday 17th May 2024, having learned of PC Lathwood’s guilty verdict, Ms Agyemang said that she feels vindicated and would like to thank the IOPC for their investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for bringing this charge and the Judge who listened carefully to the evidence and came to a ‘just’ conclusion.
This decision by the court is especially important to her given the actions of the MPS, notably Chief Inspector Andy Brittain, who appeared to question the integrity of the IOPC investigation and the independent CPS decision to charge. Assistant Commissioner Twist is correct when he says it should never have escalated to this. PC Lathwood chose to grab Ms Agyemang, maintain his firm grip and to handcuff her. He chose to ignore his legal obligations and to insult her by calling her a ‘daft cow’. His explanation for this…’to keep her safe’. It also did not go unnoticed by the client’s family that the MPS deployed resources to support PC Lathwood at court, or that Defence counsel chose to sit next to her outside of the court room before the trial commenced.
PC Lathwood through his conduct last July and since, has caused Ms Agyemang considerable distress. At trial, showing no remorse, he sought to blame her for not submitting to his unlawful actions and disregarded the impact those actions had on her and her young son, despite knowing of her son’s illness.
It could be suggested that MPS should make changes to avoid future situations similar to this. Police Officers are not above the law, nor should they be. In this instance it was not a split-second decision but was in the court’s view an unlawful, unnecessary, unjustified and excessive use of force. It had nothing to do with ‘violence’, which appears to be introduced and linked to this incident by the Police Federation to detract from the reality of PC Lathwood’s unlawful behaviour. Police Officers who adhere to the law need not fear a conviction.
Jade Brown adds “our client has never courted nor wanted publicity but understands the wider public interest and importance in holding police officers to account.”
To find out more information about Taylor Rose MW’s Actions Against the Police Department, please visit https://www.taylor-rose. co.uk/personal-advice/actions-against-the-police. ■
Support fund for low income households available from Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
Funds for those on low income are now available from Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE). The Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions, is designed to provide short-term financial support to households which are struggling to afford household essentials. The fund is being distributed by CAEE on behalf of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council until 30 September 2024.
Those eligible for support will be on benefits, live in a low income household or require crisis support (where the crisis would cause financial hardship).
CAEE can help:
• families;
• pensioners;
• disabled people;
• those in financial crisis.
The funds help to cover basic living costs such as:
• utilities;
• foods;
• essential goods;
• crisis support (to avoid financial hardship).
To get access to the Household Support Fund:
• complete an online application via our website: www.caee.org.uk/ household-support-fund/
• contact our Adviceline on 0808 278 7963
• attend a drop in session on Mon & Tues 10am – 1pm, Thurs 10am –3pm.
Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE, said: “This fund could provide that vital support to someone that is tipping into financial crisis….. maybe the family car has broken down and is essential to get to work, support equipment is needed to prevent a disabled person falling into hardship, the children need new school uniforms, or the householder has difficulties with paying utility bills… Get in touch with us as soon as possible, we can help.”
For information and advice, contact Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell on Freephone 0808 278 7963 or visit www.caee.org.uk ■
Taylor Rose MW Announces Series of New Appointments & Promotions
Taylor Rose MW, the fast-growing and innovative UK law firm, is pleased to announce a series of new senior appointments and promotions across central functions and legal departments to help spearhead its continued growth strategy.
Key promotions within its central functions are designed to provide the infrastructure in which the company’s lawyers can thrive and deliver the best possible service, are:
Annemarie Pye – Chief Operating Officer
Annemarie has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer. She has been with the company for over 15 years, first joining the firm in 2009 before pursuing her interest in the operational side of the business. She has been integral to Taylor Rose MW’s growth in recent years. Her new role as Chief Operating Officer will focus on assessing and improving internal procedures and developing efficiencies to assist the delivery of the firm's vision of Smart, Modern Law.
Camille Bellchamber – Director of Professional Standards
Camille has been at Taylor Rose MW since the beginning, working for the company for over 17 years. She has been promoted from Head of Professional Risk, overseeing the development of the company’s systems and processes in an ever-evolving risk landscape. Her new role will work to improve the company’s capabilities for processing and managing legal work and support supervision frameworks for the company’s lawyers.
Hannah Wright - Head of New Business
Hannah is promoted to Head of New Business after first joining Taylor Rose MW in 2021 as a New Business Manager. She has over a decade of experience working within the property industry, working in and managing high-performing sales teams. She will now be in charge of developing new work for the employed and consultant arms of the Taylor Rose MW business.
Ali Jubb – Head of Marketing – Direct Services
Ali Jubb has been promoted to Head of Marketing – Direct Services after originally joining as the firms Marketing Executive in 2018. Ali manages a growing number of marketing specialists and continues to provide marketing assistance across the firm in support of its growth.
The company has also made several key promotions and new appointments in its Corporate Commercial team, a key growth area:
Louisa Copsey - Partner & Head of Corporate Commercial
Louisa has been promoted to Head of the Corporate Commercial team and has joined the Board of Taylor Rose MW as Company Secretary. Louisa advises on a range of corporate and commercial work including mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts,
share sales, joint ventures, group restructures, and business startups. Louisa also specialises in employment law and corporate and individual clients on matters such as employment disputes, employment contracts, redundancy, disciplinary and grievance procedures and settlement agreements.
The Corporate Commercial team is a busy department and Louisa’s focus will be to develop and grow the team.
Phil Parkinson - Partner in Corporate Commercial Phil has joined Taylor Rose MW from Blacks Solicitors LLP in Leeds where he headed up the commercial and data protection team. He specialises in assisting SMEs and owner-managed businesses with commercial contracts and data protection needs in one of the fastest-growing legal sectors. Data protection law has become especially important over the last few years, with strict restrictions on what can be done with the data organisations hold and where it can be sent. Phil will work to grow the enormous potential of this specialism.
Nicholas Johnson – Partner in Corporate Commercial Nicholas has become a Partner for Corporate Commercial, based in Peterborough. Nicholas specialises in corporate, commercial, and banking and finance law, advising entrepreneurs and owner/ managers seeking to sell their businesses and providing ongoing legal assistance such as complex share issues, buyback of shares, or commercial contracts.
Taylor Rose MW has also made a key appointment in its Family Law team:
Kevin Bristow – Partner in Family and Children
Kevin joins from Hodge Jones & Allen and has over 30 years of experience covering family law in London, Surrey and Devon.
Kevin specialises in Private Family Law, covering private children, international relocation cases as well as cohabitation, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Kevin has been brought in to grow the Private Family team dealing with private children and finances cases, including pre & post-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.
Adrian Jaggard, CEO of Taylor Rose MW and its parent AIIC Group, commented: “This announcement highlights the abundance of talent we are developing and rewarding within Taylor Rose MW, and our willingness to bring in top talent from outside to supplement our growth ambitions in key areas. We’re bolstering our talent not only in key growth legal areas, but importantly in the central services that enable our lawyers to provide the best possible service to our clients and deliver our ambitions. Congratulations to all those who have been promoted and we’re looking forward to working with our new additions, who are already beginning to make a strong contribution.” ■
Unlock the Power of Knowledge with Surrey Law Society's 2024 Training Programme!
We are thrilled to share the Surrey Law Society's 2024 Training Programme, carefully planned to elevate your professional expertise and ensure that you are kept abreast of the latest developments and legislation. This year, we bring you a comprehensive variety of training opportunities, blending the familiar formats of webinars, online courses, and in-person sessions, as well as exciting new additions to the programme.
Introducing CSG Conferences! We are proud to announce the launch of CSG Conferences, a brand new initiative conducted in collaboration with the member societies of the County Societies Group. Our inaugural conferences include dedicated events on conveyancing and private client matters, promising invaluable insights and affordable training for all CSG members.
Free Webinars: Your Gateway to Knowledge! As part of our commitment to your professional growth, we are delighted to continue offering a series of free webinars exclusively for our members. These sessions represent extraordinary value, providing you with the latest insights and expertise, all included in your membership subscription.
Exclusive Member Benefits! We are also excited to offer exclusive member benefits that make SLS training even more affordable to Legal practitioners in Surrey:
1. Double the Learning, Half the Price: Book one SLS Training course in 2024 and receive a second one at half the price.
2. Firm Season Ticket – Full Year Discounts: Enhance your firm’s learning experience by booking four or more courses (online or in-person) and enjoy a 20% discount on those and any additional courses booked for nominated people within your firm within the same year.
Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and establish meaningful connections within the legal community, and be sure to book early to take advantage of the exclusive member discounts. ■
SLS Pricing
Webinars & Workshops (1 hour): including notes and a copy of the recording
• Member Fee: Free of Charge
• Non-Member Fee: £35+VAT
Online Courses (2 hours): including notes and a copy of the recording
• Member Fee: £60+VAT
• Non-Member Fee: £120+VAT
Courses (3 hours):
including notes, refreshments and networking
• Member Fee: £95+VAT
• Non-Member Fee: £180+VAT
Social Events & Awards: Details of fees will be announced with the invitations for each event. ■
Members Offers
Double the Learning, Half the Price: Book one SLS Training course in 2024 and receive a second one at half the price.
Firm Season Ticket – Full Year Discounts: Enhance your firm’s learning experience by booking four or more courses (online or inperson) and enjoy a 20% discount on those and any additional courses booked for nominated people within your firm within the same year. ■
13.11.24 | 12.00 – 1.30pm | Webinar | Private Client MAKE YOUR FILES BULLET PROOF FROM POSTDEATH CHALLENGES
Speaker: Kate Selway KC, Radcliffe Chambers
21.11.24 | 6.30 – 10.30pm | Event | Social SLS ANNUAL QUIZ AND PIZZA NIGHT
Venue: Rogues Bar, Guildford
27.11.24 | 6.00 – 8.00pm | Event | Social AGM AND SURREY LEGAL HORIZONS LECTURE Venue: TBC
For more information on all Surrey Law Society Training & Events, please visit: www.surreylawsociety.org.uk
The Law Society’s Bicentenary: Celebrating 200 years
About the Bicentenary
In 2025 the Law Society of England and Wales will celebrate its 200th anniversary. This is a huge milestone in our history and an exciting moment to be part of.
Our bicentenary will be about feeling proud of the Law Society and the legal profession and celebrating our diverse community. We want to engage with members more than ever before and we want to demonstrate the impact of the profession on a public platform. Our 200 years will also be a moment to reflect – on where we are now, on how far the profession has come, and where it is headed.
To celebrate this, we are planning a year-long programme of activities and events, showcasing the past, present and future of the Law Society and the legal profession.
The programme has been in the making for the past year and has been developed in tandem with our members, including local law societies and Council members. The bicentenary programme’s guiding thematic principles have been identified with members through the practicing certificate fee member consultation last year.
What the year will look like?
The bicentenary celebrations will start in October 2024, in line with the opening of the new legal year, and run throughout 2025.
The bicentennial programme itself will draw together existing work across the organisation and create new initiatives specifically for the bicentennial year. These include activities such as:
• A digital exhibition showcasing the history of the profession.
• An enhanced Presidential roadshow with special events across England and Wales focusing on local stories championing solicitors and the profession. We will base this tour on a ‘history road map’, highlighting important stories from the past and present.
• Admissions ceremonies with a unique 200-year focus and feel.
• International receptions and webinars engaging the significant member community working outside England and Wales.
• A Gazette special feature
• Creation of an expert art advisory group to help us diversify our current portrait collection and plan how it can better reflect and engage the modern profession.
• Launch of the Reframing Justice report (read about the project and our Year 1 findings) alongside the culmination of our work on ethics and 21st Century Justice.
Alongside our confirmed events, we would also like to open 113 Chancery Lane to the public as part of the much-loved Open House Festival weekend and showcase our heritage and beautiful historic building.
How you can support
We are keen to engage with our members across England and Wales to seek ideas and input for stories we might tell in a history of the profession. For this, we would like to understand the experience of regional law societies, particularly their experiences of celebrating similar milestones, and how they may wish to support the bicentenary programme.
We would be grateful to receive any ideas, be they significant solicitor stories from your region or milestones past and present. All ideas will feed into the research we are undertaking into historic and contemporary stories for the creation of our digital history and history road map.
If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to share information or a story of the profession in your area please contact amy.murat@lawsociety.org.uk ■
Amy Murat Bicentennial Programme Manager Law Society
8 Reasons Solicitors Prefer Clio for Their Practices
In the fast-paced and competitive legal industry, solicitors need innovative tools to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive growth. Clio, the leading legal software, has become the go-to solution for solicitors across the UK. By leveraging Clio's powerful features and integrations, solicitors can transform their practice, achieve greater efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. Let's explore why solicitors choose Clio as their trusted legal software solution.
1. Streamlined Workflows: Clio's features centralise case information, reducing manual tasks and saving time.
“Since moving to Clio, we've saved time, our client service has improved, and our profits have increased. We only wish we'd made the move sooner” - Ali Bukhari, Founder, Bukhari Chambers.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: Solicitors can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and clients, fostering teamwork and improving service.
3. Remote Work Capabilities: Clio's cloud-based platform enables solicitors to work from anywhere, ensuring productivity and client service.
“With Clio, I could successfully support remote working and build a practice with lower overheads. Over the past three years, Clio has become the essential tool for our firm's growth.” - Arun Chauhan, Founder, Tenet Law.
4. Time and Expense Tracking: Simplified tracking and accurate invoicing improve cash flow and client trust.
“Clio has helped tighten our time recording and increased our chargeable hours. It is a fantastic tool for reconciling and tracking transactions in my client account. I can not imagine going back to the way I used to manage my client accounting.” Adele Hunt, Practice Manager, East Devon Law.
5. Financial Management: Insights into firm finances drive growth with our Law Firm Performance Dashboard and with integrations with popular accounting software.
6. Client Relationship Management: Features like client intake, onboarding, and appointment scheduling enhance client satisfaction and loyalty through Clio Grow.
“Clio Grow has helped save my practice. I’ve been a Clio Grow customer for over a year, and the volume of leads my firm receives would be impossible to track without Clio Grow. The system is intuitive and easy to use.” - Lara Evans, Practice Manager, Ubique Legal.
7. Comprehensive Support and Training: Clio provides exceptional support and resources for a smooth transition and ongoing learning.
8. Industry Recognition and Trust: Trusted by thousands of solicitors and compliant with GDPR and SRA compliances.
“The Law Society is delighted that Clio is one of its recommended partners and offers a completely cloud-based case management software. We identified Clio as a supplier that suits our members’ needs, especially as business efficiency is central to performance.”—Fiona O’Mahony, Law Society of England & Wales.
Solicitors choose Clio for its ability to transform legal workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive growth. Join the thousands of solicitors who have chosen Clio as their trusted legal software solution and experience the transformative power it brings to your practice. Start your Clio journey today. Plans from just £49 per user/per month.
To read more Clio customer success stories, visit our site, Clio.com/uk/customers. ■
Solicitors and Law Firms Insurance News
With 20 years within the insurance industry, specialist insurance broker, Chris Cotterill provides Solicitors and Law Firms with top tips and advice on insurance and mitigating potential risks. With extensive knowledge on compliance and risk management structures, Chris can provide all-encompassing risk advice for any business, especially those with a growing reliance on technology.
Insurance Renewals - What to watch out for:
Over the last 12 months I have experienced first-hand, where law firms have struggled to navigate a renewal process, often due to an oversight, the miscalculation of potential risks or inaccuracy within their renewal terms. Below are a few tips on how to avoid this from happening to you.
Do:
• Carefully select an insurance broker to navigate the complex renewal process with you. Someone who can provide a constructive roadmap to obtaining suitable and competitive renewal terms and explain why particular insurers have been chosen.
• Work on risk mitigation solutions using new technology and 3rd party consultants.
• Do agree a marketing strategy with your broker, well in advance of the renewal. Don’t be tempted to remarket year on year.
Don’t
• Ignore your claims experience. If there is a trend of claims in probate or large claims noted, then discuss with your broker how these are being resolved and what lessons have been learnt.
• Never leave it to the last minute. Hoping that you will obtain a positive claims experience a week before renewal, rarely ends well!
Raising Claim Awareness
Some of the more common claims for solicitors is ID fraud, to the point where the fraudster will meet you face to face with a fake passport. Some firms are also getting caught out in similar situations to the Dreamvar case in 2018. Even though you have known your clients for a number of years, solicitors further down the chain may not have the same strict ID checks that you have.
Some of the leading insurers have also noticed an increase in claims relating to Probate matters and may soon be overtaking conveyancing claims as one of the main risks to law firms. As well as training there are alternative insurance products for this type of work.
The Team at Konsileo
We are here to provide best advice on your firm’s insurance requirements. We work in partnership with compliance advisors and offer cyber risk tools to mitigate risks and raise awareness with your team.
• I will help with the completion of the proposal form to ensure that work splits are accurate and let you know what insurers are looking for on certain sections.
• Our close relationships with insurers let us know what firms they are looking for and where best to place your business.
• We can provide Cyber external scans to test your IT systems.
• Executor & Inheritance insurance to minimise Probate claims. ■
Chris Cotterill Client Director 07788601
Chris Cotterill
Solicitor firms in Greater London have together raised an incredible £90,101 in this year’s Will Aid campaign that sees hundreds of solicitors donate time in the month of November to write basic Wills.
By taking part, they have not only helped raise vital funds for some of the UK’s best-loved charities – they have attracted new clients, boosted their reach and given peace of mind to thousands of people who now have a professionally drawn-up Will.
40 firms across Greater London joined a total of 443 nationally in this year’s Will Aid, the annual charity Will-writing scheme that sees hundreds of solicitors around the UK donate time in the month of November to write basic Wills.
Instead of charging their usual fee, participating solicitors instead invite clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid, with donations benefiting the Will Aid partner charities.
It has been running since 1988 and has encouraged more than 350,000 people to write their Will with a regulated and insured solicitor and, in so doing has raised more than £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies.
Kay Stewart at Esher-based Audley Chaucer Solicitors, which raised an outstanding £24,480, said: “It’s incredible to be the top donating firm in Greater London. We fully support the work of the Will Aid campaign, helping people in our communities to get their wishes clearly laid out, bringing them peace of mind, as well as helping the amazing charities that do so much good work both here and abroad.
Solicitor firms in Greater London raise £90,000 in annual Will Aid will-writing campaign
“There are so many benefits in taking part – we meet new clients, strengthen relationships with existing ones, boost our firm’s profile in the wider area and it’s a great team-building exercise for our teams.
“We really encourage any colleagues who are interested in taking part to find out more, it’s a thoroughly worthwhile campaign to take part in.”
Will Aid Campaign Director Peter de Vena Franks said: “Each and every firm which takes part makes an incredible difference each year, and we thank all the teams who have worked so hard for these outstanding results.
“We encourage solicitor firms, new or returning, to sign up to Will Aid 2024 and use this opportunity to support some of the UK’s best-loved charities, all while welcoming new clients and boosting the profile of your business.
“Participating in Will Aid is simple and beneficial for all involved. If your firm has any questions before registering for this year, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our website, one of our team members will be more than happy to assist.”
Ready to join Will Aid this year and win some new clients as well as changing lives for the better?
To take part in Will Aid, follow these simple steps: Call the Will Aid team on 0300 0300 013 or visit willaid.org.uk/solicitors/ register ■
Revamped range of support for solicitors through The Solicitors’ Charity
Wellbeing support for solicitors and their dependents in England and Wales
The range of support available for solicitors in England and Wales through The Solicitors’ Charity has shifted. With a renewed focus on holistic wellbeing, the charity has refreshed its approach to support, and offers more types of help than ever for solicitors. It’s time to take a fresh look at The Solicitors’ Charity and its comprehensive support for emotional, financial, professional, and physical wellbeing.
Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity shared: “You may not have thought of “wellbeing support” and “The Solicitors’ Charity” in the same breath. However, things have changed, and it may be that we can help (if not now, but at some time in the future) with some of the wellbeing challenges that you or colleagues may be experiencing”.
“People’s situations are all different and we have a wide range of clients approaching us for help because of a huge variety of challenges that they face. This could include struggling with the cost of living and money management, debt, ill health, disability, distress through domestic violence, and anxiety, which may be caused by work-related stress or life-related trauma”.
The Solicitors’ Charity offers assistance with various aspects of wellbeing, using its wellbeing pillars (as shown below).
• Emotional
Through established partnerships with providers in the field of psychotherapy, the charity can offer an initial assessment followed by sessions with a qualified therapist, where these are indicated. The Solicitors’ Charity also part-funds the mental health and wellbeing charity, LawCare, which is staffed with fully trained volunteers including many lawyers, providing a phone and email peer support helpline.
• Financial
If individuals are struggling with finances and money management, The Solicitors’ Charity has services in place which can help with budgeting and drawing up a practical money management plan. If the situation is more serious, Breathing Spaces and Debt Relief Orders can be negotiated.
However, we know how threatening dealing with debt can be, as a solicitor, and the charity can sometimes help to clear these. The Solicitors’ Charity can also make direct financial awards for day-to-day support to individuals experiencing challenging times for solicitors who qualify for its financial eligibility criteria.
• Professional
Some solicitors may be returning to work after a break or may need to change the sector of law that they practice in, or even to move on from the law. Perhaps they have been made redundant and need support with securing their next career opportunity. Once again, The Solicitors’ Charity funds sessions offering vital career transition counselling support. The charity has also helped with the cost of Practicing Certificates for those with the chance of a job but no current income, and even with awards for work and interview clothes.
• Physical
Solicitors of any age can experience physical illness or disabilities which affect their ability to work or manage at home. The Solicitors’ Charity can provide occupational health assessments designed to identify adaptations that may help. The charity has also funded specialist equipment, where this is not available through the NHS.
The Solicitors’ Charity offers a wide range of support services to solicitors, former solicitors, and their dependants in England and Wales. The majority of the wellbeing support offered does not require any financial eligibility checks, just proof of current or previous registration with the SRA.
All dealings with The Solicitors’ Charity are strictly confidential; the charity is independent, and support is provided discretely, non-judgementally and in confidence.
Unclaimed client balances can help to fund services
If you are (or your firm is) looking for a meaningful way of giving back and making an impact on the profession, consider donating unclaimed client balances (RCBs) to The Solicitors' Charity. It's a simple action, but it goes a long way. Not only does it assist law firms in meeting their regulatory obligations, but it also provides a crucial stream of funding for the continued provision of wellbeing packages for solicitors and their families. The Solicitors' Charity indemnifies all donations of this kind, so should you ever need any unclaimed balances back, you can claim the funds back at any time.
Any voluntary donations are also welcome from individuals, firms, and Local Law Societies. https://thesolicitorscharity.org/support-our-work/ make-a-donation/
People approach the Charity for help for all sorts of reasons - because of struggles with the cost of living and money management, ill health, disability, distress through domestic violence, and anxiety, often caused by work-related stress or life-connected trauma.
Booking Now Open
We are delighted to share with you the shortlisted nominations for the SLS Legal Awards 2024. The Surrey Law Society Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to all members who made submissions this year, we were overwhelmed by the response and had a record number of entries.
1. LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (20+ FEE EARNERS)
DMH Stallard
Elite Law Solicitors
Howell-Jones LLP
Peacock & Co Solicitors
Taylor Rose MW
3. LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Burrow, Meadows & Co
Diarmuid Devlin, Taylor Rose MW
Karin Walker, KGW Family Law
Natalie Payne, Morr & Co LLP
Victoria Clarke, Elite Law Solicitors
5. CLIENT EXPERIENCE AWARD
Elite Law Solicitors
Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP
Russell-Cooke LLP
7. EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Howell-Jones LLP
Morr & Co LLP
Rosewood Solicitors
Stowe Family Law LLP
2. LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (UNDER 20 FEE EARNERS)
KGW Family Law
Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP
Rosewood Solicitors
Stowe Family Law LLP
4. JUNIOR LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Camilla Brown, Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP
Gemma Barilli, Howell-Jones LLP
Niamh Phelan, Peacock & Co Solicitors
Rebekah Sutcliffe, Morr & Co LLP
6. PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM OF THE YEAR
Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Howell-Jones LLP
Morr & Co LLP
Russell-Cooke LLP
8. PROPERTY LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR
Howell-Jones LLP
Meadows & Co
Peacock & Co Solicitors
Taylor Rose MW
9. FAMILY LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR
DMH Stallard
Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Elite Law Solicitors
Russell-Cooke LLP
Stowe Family Law LLP
11. TEAM THE YEAR
DMH Stallard (Corporate Team Guildford)
Elite Law Solicitors (Costs Department)
Knights PLC (Private Wealth Team)
Moore Barlow (Wealth Disputes Team)
10. SUPPORT TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Burrow, Meadows & Co
Izzie Budden, DMH Stallard
Lauren Keir, Rosewood Solicitors
Sarah Howard, Elite Law Solicitors
BOOKING IS OPEN!
We are excited to announce that booking is now open for the SLS Legal Awards 2024, taking place at G Live in Guildford on the evening of Thursday 3rd October 2024
This prestigious event will celebrate excellence in the legal profession, with winners announced in 11 award categories. All our shortlisted nominees will be recognised for their outstanding work over the past year. Additionally, we will present a special Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the reputation of the profession during their career as a solicitor in Surrey.
The evening promises to be as spectacular as ever, featuring a drinks reception, an exceptional threecourse dinner, and fantastic entertainment. Our special guest speaker this year is Alex Macqueen, a BAFTA-nominated actor known for his roles in The Thick of It and The Inbetweeners. What many might not know is that Alex is also a qualified barrister and Master of the Bench at London’s Middle Temple. Having grown up in Surrey, he is the perfect host for the evening.
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the exceptional work of the legal profession. We are delighted to offer an early bird rate for bookings made before Friday 26th July, as well as a ‘Second Table’ discount. The more colleagues you bring to celebrate this fantastic occasion, the better!
For details on how to purchase tickets, please visit awards.surreylawsociety.org.uk or contact Elouise Enright at elouise.enright@surreylawsociety.org.uk.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so don’t delay in reserving your space!
We look forward to celebrating with you!
ABOUT ALEX MACQUEEN
Alex Macqueen is a BAFTA nominated actor and qualified Barrister.
He is best known for his roles as Julius Nicholson in the BBC’s ‘Thick Of It’ and Neil’s Dad in the Channel 4 comedy ‘The Inbetweeners’. Most recently, he starred opposite Hugh Bonneville in the ‘Downton Abbey Movie 2’, Will Ferrell in Jesse Armstrong’s ‘Downhill’, and Michael Caine in Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘Youth’, as well as with Idris Elba in the TV series, ‘Hijack’.
Alex is a very experienced and engaging speaker, sharing anecdotes from the world of film and TV, and also insights from his experience as a Barrister and Master of the Bench, at London’s Middle Temple.
He has a long association working with Sir Kenneth Branagh, which began when he was directed by him in Disney’s ‘Cinderella’, before going on to star opposite him in the West End version of ‘The Painkiller’, and the Sony Classic movie, ‘All Is True’.
Alex was nominated for a BAFTA for the HBO comedy, ‘Sally For Ever’ and an Evening Standard Award for the Film 4 thriller, ‘The Hide’. He’s also appeared in family favourites, The Durrells, Outnumbered, Miranda, Peaky Blinders, The IT Crowd, Black Mirror and This Is England . . . to name but a few.
As well as chairing the ‘Downing Street Debates’ at Number 10, Alex has hosted conferences and awards including the ULTRA Travel Awards, Simpsons Healthcare conference and the Middle Temple Annual Dinner.
Predatory Marriages: Invalid Wills and Intestacy
Arecent case heard in the Central London County Court highlights the risks associated with socalled ‘predatory marriages’.
Robert Harrington, who died in 2020 aged 94, left the entirety of his estate to his wife of 11 months, Guixiang Qin, who was 39 years his junior. The will was contested by Mr Harrington’s daughter Jill Langley and was ultimately found to be invalid due to lack of testamentary capacity, want of knowledge and approval and undue influence by Recorder Robert McAllister. It was found that Qin was the “guiding hand” behind the new will, with a view to benefitting herself financially.
Whether Mr Harrington was mentally fit to enter the marriage itself was not a question the Court was asked to decide. However, it was noted by capacity assessor Dr Hugh Series that the “law gives a relatively low threshold for marriage”, as distinct from the “much more specific understanding of the estate and potential claimants on that estate” that is required to write a will.
With Mr Harrington’s will found to be invalid, in part due his failure to satisfy this higher standard of testamentary capacity, he is now deemed to have died intestate. Intestacy rules govern how a deceased person’s estate should pass in the event they do not have a will in place.
Despite finding that Qin had exercised undue influence over Mr Harrington in the execution of his will, it is thought that she is expected to receive around £475,000 from his £680,000 estate, due to how surviving spouses are treated under the laws of intestacy. His daughter is expected to receive around £200,000 and Qin has been ordered to pay in excess of £130,000 in legal fees.
The outcome of the case highlights the disparity between the threshold of mental capacity required to make a will, and that which is required to enter a marriage. The result allows for a concerning loophole in which the lower mental capacity required to marry can be exploited by individuals who seek to benefit from a vulnerable person’s estate through the laws of intestacy.
Crucially, entering a marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes any prior will made under English law. This means that unless another valid will is put in place, a surviving spouse will automatically receive the majority of, if not the entire, estate after death. This can have disastrous results for family and friends who find themselves no longer beneficiaries, either at all, or not to the same extent as they had been previously under the rules of intestacy. Ultimately, the automatic revocation of a pre-existing will, combined with the laws of intestacy, mean that marriage can be used as a tool of financial abuse by those seeking to inherit from vulnerable individuals.
The Law Commission is aware of the concerns surrounding ‘predatory marriages’ and as part of a wider consultation on the law of wills is considering reforms to the rule that marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes a will. What is clear is that there is a careful balance to be struck between ensuring widow(er)s are protected when a spouse has not made another will to provide for them, and the real risk that the present rules allow vulnerable individuals like Mr Harrington to be exploited for financial gain.
The final report and draft Bill are due to be published in early 2025. ■
By Philip Collins Partner, Contested Estates at Winckworth Sherwood
Why Sustainability Matters for Law Firms
In recent years, the importance of sustainability has surged across all sectors, including the legal industry, as we begin to recognise that the time to act must be now to ensure we protect our living environment both for the duration of our own lifetimes and for future generations.
As the weather becomes more unpredictable, it serves as a timely reminder that by committing to sustainable practices we are not only protecting the environment but also our long-term economic stability and social wellbeing.
As stewards of justice and advisors on compliance, law firms have a unique role in the global effort to combat climate change. Understanding and implementing sustainability measures is not only about fulfilling regulatory requirements but also about demonstrating corporate responsibility, enhancing firm reputation, and meeting the growing expectations of clients and employees alike. But as with many new initiatives, it can often be overwhelming to take that first step or even know where to start.
Before taking that first leap it can be useful to understand the ‘why’ before attempting to dive straight into the ‘how.’ The Paris Agreement was set out in 2015 with the aim of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change by limiting global temperature rise in the 21st century to 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to curb it further to an increase of 1.5°C. Unfortunately, if we don’t act now on achieving net zero by 2050, it looks as though this target is not achievable.
Building on this humanity-wide goal, in April of last year, the Law Society issued guidance highlighting that all Law firms are required to assess their annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and establish targets to reduce them, with the goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Aside from mandated and guided regulatory compliance such as the Paris Agreement and from the Law Society – there is also several essential considerations that fall outside of the legislative realm:
1. Client Expectations: Increasingly, clients are looking for legal partners who share their commitment to sustainability. Demonstrating robust environmental practices can differentiate your firm in a competitive market.
2. Operational Efficiency: Implementing sustainability practices often leads to cost savings through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and streamlined operations.
3. Employee Engagement: A strong sustainability program can attract and retain top talent. Employees today value working for organisations that are socially and environmentally responsible. 4. Corporate Responsibility: Beyond compliance and market positioning, there is a moral imperative to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Law firms can lead by example, inspiring clients and peers to follow suit.
Of course, embarking on this sustainable journey as an industry isn’t something that has to be done alone – and certainly shouldn’t. The environment is our joint responsibility and so too is how we work to preserve it.
As the first property data business to support the Pledge to Net Zero initiative, Landmark Information Group have made a firm commitment to take a leading role in the transition to a net zero carbon economy.
Whilst our dedicated sustainability team are working hard in-house to achieve our own green goals, they’re also on hand to support law firms as they tackle this urgent transition. Our sustainability training services with the credibility of a CPD accreditation, are designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference – wherever they are on their firm’s green journey.
We’re also heavily committed to investing in partnerships that ensure our clients are supported all the way. Our latest partnership with Net Zero Now is a pivotal piece in helping us to achieve this level of support. From initial training, education and support on knowing where to start, right through to platform delivery to quantify and manage a company’s carbon footprint and follow on consulting support.
Learn more about Landmark’s Sustainability Training Services at https://www.landmark.co.uk/legal-conveyancing/sustainabilitytraining-services/. ■
Council Member’s Report
BY SUSHILA ABRAHAM
As the Council meeting on 2nd July, we had the SRA provide a report on their activities. Questions were raised about the quality assurance around the SQE exams including the assessments like conduct and ethics training for those coming into the profession. Given the recent debacle in the errors around marking of the exam papers where some 175 candidates failed and the stress those candidates had to undergo. If they had not appealed many would not have realised that they in fact had passed. Questions were raised as to the numbers doubling taking the SQE.
No doubt you would have all read in the press about the SRA’s decision to regulate CILEX members. The increase in the Compensation Fund levy has been raised and the SRA have not provided the evidence to justify the increase.
There is a potential impact of proposed changes to the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) on the legal profession. Solicitors Journal, Today’s Wills and Probate The SRA will be consulting on proposals to update their approach to issuing financial penalties to law firms and solicitors. They are proposing amendments to their band-based approach which will involve new fining bands. There will also be changes to their published fining guidance. The financial penalties consultation will end on Friday 20th September 2024. Here is the link: https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/consultation-listing/ financial-penalties-further-developing-framework/ SRA Consumer Protection Review – The ability for Solicitors to continue to handle Client money. You can find the response from the Law Society on the SLS website. Further news in relation to the work of the international team at the Law Society - The Law Society has been in discussion with the Bar Council of India on the opening of the Indian legal market to foreign lawyers. It has now been confirmed that the Indian legal market will be open to UK law firms by the end of July.
The Criminal Justice system is crumbling with backlogs spiralling leaving victims and defendants waiting years for justice. There is a decline of Criminal Defence Lawyers, and this has not helped with the reduction in legal aid fees, lawyers facing a lot of stress and poor working conditions.
The large Family Court backlogs are having an impact on children and families. We hope that any new government will get to grips with the failing court system and bring about changes to help families at an early stage of breakdown.
Hague – 19 Convention – the UK government has ratified the Hague Convention of 2nd July 2019 which provides a framework for recognising and enforcing judgments between the UK and the other contracting states. It will now provide a greater certainty for business and consumers who litigate in England and Wales.
No doubt you would have all read that following the release of the TA6 property Information Form in March 2024, the Property Lawyers Action Group (PLAG) called for a SGM of Law Society members to debate and vote on a motion of no confidence in the ability of the Law Society in representing its members who undertake conveyancing. The SGM has been called and this will be on 23rd July 2024 at the Law Society and online.
The Law Society has launched the TA6 consultation and is inviting you to sign up and take part in the consultation. You can details on how to sign up at https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/ topics/property/sign-up-to-take-part-in-ta6-form-consultation.
The Law Society Interim Report on the 21st Century Justice project - The aim of this programme is to tackle some of the biggest problems in the justice system and increasing access to justice. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/21st-centuryjustice
I would once again request that if you have not updated your details on MyLS then please do it and if you have not registered on MyLS then please do register in order to receive updates etc.
Please do let me know if you have any issues that you wish to discuss with me or would like me to take to the Law Society. ■
Sushila Abraham Law Society Council Member for Surrey
Sushila Abraham
Affordable Justice seeks to expand its disruption of the traditional legal landscape
The business model operated by non-profit family law firm Affordable Justice has proven so successful that the company is proactively exploring other sectors in which vulnerable and underrepresented people are not eligible for legal aid yet still need access to affordable legal support. Such sectors include immigration and social justice cases.
The law firm is able to replicate a similar model in which the usual profit element of the fees is stripped out, without compromising the overall quality and professionalism of the legal services as a whole. It is keen to talk to foundations and other charities who struggle to find affordable legal representation.
Affordable Justice founder and director Lisa Hilder is showcasing to interested parties the family law firm's unique structure - this structure is based on an Alternative Business Structure with charitable status yet offers the same (if not better) quality of service as its commercial colleagues despite charging less than a third of average fees.
Since its launch in 2016, Affordable Justice has helped more than 1100 women access what are usually prohibitively expensive legal services to help them escape from often damaging and dangerous abusive relationships. With stringent barriers to legal aid eligibility, as introduced by the LAPSO changes to legal aid funding legislation in 2012, women were disproportionately affected by the cuts to funding.
"It is vital that the quality of the legal advice and support is not compromised by the reduction in fees, so it is important to be able to attract the same level of talent as our commercial colleagues by matching salary expectations," commented Lisa Hilder. "Within that there is also a need to be hyper focused on a demographic that risks being under- or mis-represented. This enables us to build a groundswell of momentum that is going to give them a much fairer and achievable chance of success."
Affordable Justice is a firm that is founded by women and operates purely for its women client base. It is particularly proud of its feminist roots, describing its operations as having a ‘golden thread of feminism' running through everything it does. It acknowledges that other demographics have rights but is keen not to get drawn into any discussions around excluding certain sectors of the population, focusing positively on including those it specifically champions.
"It has long been acknowledged that the family law courts system is deeply flawed in the way it operates, particularly to the detriment of women. The very nature of abuse and control means that abusive men can exploit its different procedures and processes, placing women in increasingly vulnerable positions," continued Lisa Hilder. "By being single minded in its focus, Affordable Justice is able to challenge the inherent system and slowly change it bit by bit by isolating and eroding those areas of weakness and restructuring a more robust response." ■
Surrey Law Society Sponsors University of Law Awards Evening in Guildford
In May, SLS President Dawn Lawson and CEO Helen Opie attended the final University of Law Awards evening at the Guildford Campus, marking a significant milestone before the campus closes later this year. The evening was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, celebrating their outstanding achievements in the field of law.
On the evening, Dawn had the honour of presenting the award for the highest average mark on the PGDL. Surrey Law Society has proudly sponsored this award for many years, demonstrating its commitment to supporting and encouraging academic excellence within the legal community.
This year, the award was presented to George Budd, whose academic performance set him apart as a deserving winner. George not only secured the highest average mark on the PGDL but also won the Fearon & Co Prize for Land & Contract.
The closure of the Guildford Campus marks the end of an era for the University of Law and the Surrey Law Society's involvement with this particular initiative. Over the years, the Guildford Campus has been a hub of legal education, nurturing countless students who have gone on to make significant contributions to the legal field and many of whom are Surrey Law Society members.
Dawn Lawson, on behalf of SLS, expressed her pride in the achievements of all the students and her gratitude for being part of such a memorable event. The Surrey Law Society is honoured to have been a part of this significant event and extends its congratulations to all the winners. ■
Dawn Lawson and George Budd
Surrey Law Society's Sailing for a Cure Charity Event: A Resounding Success
On a beautiful evening in April, Surrey Law Society hosted its inaugural Sailing for a Cure Legal Charity Event, which raised an impressive £2,500 for Cancer Research UK. This fantastic event took place aboard the New Southern Belle, cruising along the River Thames from Hampton Court to Richmond. The evening brought together professionals from various law firms, including Moore Barlow, Dutton Gregory Solicitors, Taylor Rose MW, Nichols Marcy Dawson, Peacock & Co Solicitors, S Abraham Solicitors, Elite Law Solicitors, Emin Read Solicitors, and Charles Russell Speechlys, all united in support of this worthy cause.
The success of this event was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Evelyn Partners, Landmark Information Group, Chadwick Nott Legal Recruitment, Finders International, and Pro Drive IT. Their contributions were invaluable, and we extend our sincere thanks for their involvement.
Guests were treated to live music from The Forty Fives, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere aboard the boat. The evening also featured an entertaining auction, expertly compered by Adrian Turnham, and a raffle with an array of fantastic prizes secured by Dawn.
The funds raised at the Sailing for a Cure event will go directly to Cancer Research UK, supporting their vital work in the fight against cancer. The evening was not just about raising money, but also about coming together as a community to make a difference. The support and enthusiasm of everyone involved were truly inspiring, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing cancer research and supporting those affected by the disease.
For those who were unable to join us on the night, there is still an opportunity to contribute to this important cause. Donations can be made via our Cancer Research UK fundraising page: https://fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/sailing-for-a-cure-a-legal-charity-event. Every contribution helps to make a difference in the fight against cancer, and we encourage anyone who can to donate and support this crucial cause.
The Surrey Law Society is proud of the success of the Sailing for a Cure event and grateful for the overwhelming support from the legal community and our sponsors. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event. Your generosity and commitment are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in supporting Cancer Research UK in the future.■
The Importance of Hybrid Working for Recruiting at Law Firms
The legal industry, traditionally known for its officebased work culture and in-person presence has been undergoing significant changes in recent years. The most notable shift has been the growing adoption of hybrid working models. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing law firms to rethink how they operate and how they attract and retain talent. The ongoing debate outside the legal profession is focused on large corporates and their preference on a full return to the office, however, for law firms, particularly the regional teams, embracing hybrid working should be viewed as a tool for them to stay competitive in an often candidate-led market.
The Evolving Expectations of Legal Professionals
Today’s legal professionals, particularly the younger generation, prioritise work-life balance and flexibility. The traditional model of long hours spent in the office 5 days-a-week is becoming less appealing, with this typically expected for City firms paying significant salaries.
Hybrid working is also valued by senior lawyers. The flexibility enables them to allocate time for school runs etc and the split between office and home allows for better work-life balance, reduced commuting time, and increased job satisfaction.
Competitive Advantage in Recruitment
In the competitive landscape of legal recruitment, offering hybrid working can be a significant differentiator. Talented lawyers can have numerous opportunities and could be more likely to choose firms that offer some form of flexibility.
Moreover, hybrid working can broaden the talent pool. By allowing hybrid work, law firms can recruit from a wider geographical area, it can also be particularly beneficial for specialised roles where the talent pool is smaller. It also allows firms to tap into diverse talent, including those who may have responsibilities or other commitments that make traditional office-only-based roles less feasible.
Retention and Employee Satisfaction
Retaining talented staff is just as important as attracting them and a lack of flexible working options can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout, potentially prompting employees to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Hybrid working has the potential to enhance employee retention. It demonstrates that the firm values its employees’ wellbeing and trusts them to manage their work with a degree of autonomy. This autonomy is also important for senior lawyers who could be more interested in roles where they can be trusted to complete their work at home as well as in the office.
Enhancing Productivity and Innovation
Contrary to some traditional views, hybrid working can boost productivity. Many legal professionals find that they are more focused and efficient when working remotely, free from the usual office distractions. Hybrid working allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks, whether that means quiet, uninterrupted work from home or collaborative sessions in the office. The time saved in commuting can also be significant and enables employees to spend more time working.
Furthermore, a hybrid model can foster innovation. By integrating hybrid work, firms are often compelled to adopt new technologies and rethink their processes, which could in turn provide more efficient workflows. It also encourages a culture of flexibility and adaptability, traits that are increasingly important in the legal market.
Challenges
It’s important to note that a middle ground must often be reached between firms and candidates, junior solicitors must be aware that competition for favoured NQ positions is still strong and therefore can’t expect to have every demand on flexibility to be met. Similarly, individuals at the senior end looking to work fully remotely will find themselves with a small pool of firms willing to accommodate this setup.
Many firms have a concern about maintaining a strong firm culture in a hybrid environment, which is certainly a key consideration. It requires intentional efforts to foster connections and collaboration among employees, whether they are at home or in the office. These challenges can often be remedied by effective use of virtual meetings, team-building activities, and clear communication channels.
We do work with many smaller firms who may not have the best technology and infrastructure to fully accommodate hybrid working. However, firms in this situation must look at it as an investment, as hybrid working is no longer a trend or a benefit for candidates but a key consideration in their job search.
Conclusion
Hybrid working is a key strategy for attracting and retaining top talent. By offering flexibility, law firms can enhance job satisfaction, broaden their talent pool, and remain competitive in the recruitment market. Embracing hybrid working requires thoughtful implementation, but in an era where work-life balance and flexibility are still highly important topics, law firms that fail to offer hybrid working options could suffer in the competitive legal recruitment market. ■
By Will Webster, Chadwick Nott
Safeguarding Estate Administration: The 4 key areas of Family Tree Verification
In the probate genealogy industry, family tree verification ensures that inheritances and estates are rightfully distributed to the correct beneficiaries. This is a vital step for solicitors and other legal professionals dealing with the administration of a client’s estate. We will delve into the four crucial areas that emphasise the importance of family tree verification, highlighting why legal professionals should lean on the unique expertise and resources of a probate genealogy company.
Importance of a Valid Will
As we know, a Will outlines the deceased's wishes and intentions to distribute their assets. However, it's not uncommon for discrepancies to arise, whether due to outdated wills, wills not properly witnessed, or the absence of a will altogether. If the Will is invalid, then the rules of intestacy will apply. This is where family tree verification becomes essential.
Validating the family tree ensures that the correct beneficiaries are identified, and the assets are distributed according to the deceased's true intentions. Without a reliable family tree, there is a risk of distributing the estate incorrectly, which can lead to legal disputes and emotional distress for all parties involved.
Relying on Family Testimonials (Don't Do It)
Family testimonials can be a valuable source of information when piecing together a family's history. However, they are often riddled with inaccuracies, omissions, or biased perspectives. Relying solely on family testimonials for genealogical research can lead to incomplete or incorrect family trees.
To avoid such complications, it is essential to cross-reference and validate the information obtained from family testimonials with official records and other credible sources that may only be accessible by a Probate Genealogist. At Finders International, we are experienced in using an arsenal of tools to ensure the accuracy of family trees.
Ensuring the Full Family Tree is Known (Finding Other Branches)
One common pitfall is working exclusively on the immediate family, overlooking other branches of the family tree. In probate cases, unknown distant relatives may have a legitimate claim to the estate, making it vital to explore and verify the complete family tree.
The diligent exploration of all branches of the family tree can uncover potential heirs who might otherwise go unnoticed. By expanding the search and confirming the authenticity of these extended family connections, Finders International can help ensure that rightful heirs receive their due inheritance.
Importance of Worldwide Research
In many cases, family members may be scattered across the globe and may have migrated, changed names, or settled in different countries, making it challenging to track their whereabouts.
International research is crucial to locating distant relatives and establishing their rightful claims. This often involves engaging with international records, immigration documents, and collaborating with genealogists or experts in different regions. Our dedicated International Research and Asset teams are here to assist in such matters and elevate the burden of what can be a headache area for legal professionals.
Case Study
On instruction, the solicitors were only aware of the Deceased's child, David. However, our investigation uncovered paperwork relating to an Aviva personal pension and retirement investment account. These documents identified Ruth as the beneficiary, the Deceased's wife, who the solicitors initially assumed was a half-sibling to the Deceased.
Further investigation led to the discovery of the marriage record between the Deceased and Ruth and a third marriage for the Deceased. Unfortunately, the Deceased's third wife had predeceased him, and there were no surviving children from their union.
We successfully located Ruth, who now uses her mother's maiden name. Through a representative visit, Ruth confirmed numerous details about her relationship with the Deceased, including the fact that their marriage had ended in divorce and that they had no children together.
Unaware of the Deceased's second or third marriages, the solicitors were surprised by our findings. Our thorough research unearthed crucial information about the Deceased's marital history and provided clarity on potential beneficiaries, ultimately aiding the solicitors in their probate proceedings. Without our involvement, the solicitors may have faced significant delays, legal complications, and potential disputes regarding the distribution of the estate.
If you need a family tree verified or would like to get in contact regarding any of our services, please contact us via email on quotes@findersinternational.co.uk or visit our website www. findersinternational.co.uk. ■
King Charles III announced as new Patron of The Solicitors’ Charity
The Solicitors’ Charity Chair, Ginny Cannon (pictured), is delighted to learn that King Charles III will be the Charity's new Royal Patron
The Solicitors’ Charity is delighted to learn that King Charles III will be its new Royal Patron.
Following His Majesty The King’s Accession in September 2022, a major review of more than 1,000 Royal Patronages and charity Presidencies was undertaken. To mark the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, the conclusions were shared with The Solicitors’ Charity this week.
Queen Elizabeth II was patron of 492 organisations, while King Charles III was affiliated to 441 and Queen Camilla 100. Following the review, just over 830 have been retained by the king and queen or passed to other members of the royal family.
The Solicitors’ Charity is honoured that His Majesty has accepted the patronage of The Solicitors’ Charity. The late Queen Elizabeth II was the Charity’s previous Royal Patron.
The Solicitors’ Charity has been supporting solicitors since 1858. It provides comprehensive support to improve the wellbeing of solicitors, helping them to overcome life’s challenges.
Chair, Ginny Cannon, said: “We are honoured and thrilled that His Majesty The King is to become our Royal Patron. Royal patronage is a huge endorsement of the vital services we offer to solicitors and the positive impact we make on the lives of the people we help.
We are delighted to welcome His Majesty as Patron of the Charity.”
The patronage was announced by the Royal Household to mark the first anniversary of the Coronation. The Solicitors’ Charity was told that King Charles III was “delighted” to accept the role.
Royal patronage endorses the work of more than 800 charities retained by Their Majesties and Members of The Royal Family, including military organisations, and professional and public service bodies in Britain and the Commonwealth. It allows their achievements and valuable contributions to society to be more widely recognised and promoted.
Find out more about the Charity’s work at: thesolicitorscharity.org
The Solicitors’ Charity provides comprehensive support to improve the wellbeing of solicitors, helping them to overcome life’s challenges.
People approach the Charity for help for all sorts of reasons - because of struggles with the cost of living and money management, ill health, disability, distress through domestic violence, and anxiety, often caused by work-related stress or lifeconnected trauma.
Conveyancers urged to utilise RATI to mitigate transaction fall throughs
X-Press Legal Services is urging conveyancers to offer clients Residential Abortive Transaction Insurance (RATI) at the start of every instruction.
Having worked in partnership with insurer LPG since last autumn to offer RATI to its legal clients, X-Press can reveal an 80 percent take up of the insurance product by consumers when presented alongside conveyancing fees.
With almost 65,000 property transactions falling through during the first quarter of 2024*, X-Press believes RATI is proving a powerful tool in protecting both consumers cash and conveyancers’ reputations.
“Early indications are that RATI is an incredibly effective conveyancing asset in raising consumer confidence and promoting transparency through the transaction process,” commented Frances Brown, Director of X-Press Legal Services Surrey. “Most consumers wouldn’t dream of booking a holiday without travel insurance these days and we believe a similar sea change is underway when it comes to entering property transactions. Consumers are concerned about transactions failing and want to mitigate their financial risk. At under £70 this insurance is both a sensible and affordable solution. By working in partnership with
the insurance industry to offer RATI we believe law firms can reduce the emotional and financial stress of property transactions which is positive news for all parties.”
X-Press Legal Services partnership with LPG ensures RATI is available to all its clients via the firm’s Intelligent Online Conveyancing System. The product costs just £69 per transaction and covers a spectrum of consumer costs including mortgage arrangement fees, professional fees (including legal costs) and disbursements.
Law firms interested in RATI can order it directly via X-Press Legal Services’ Intelligent Conveyancing Online System ICOS. For further information get in touch with Frances and the Surrey team on 0330 159 5368, email central.1368@xpresslegal.uk or visit the website xpresslegal.co.uk ■
Sunak isn’t the only one calling an election this summer!
As the Surrey JLD term nears its end, with the last day of this being 31st August 2024, it is now time for the annual SJLD election and for enthusiastic junior lawyers in Surrey looking to support and network with their fellow junior lawyers, increase their own skillset outside of their workplace and grow their own personal brand to apply to be part of the SJLD committee! Who is eligible to apply? Well, if you are a junior lawyer in Surrey, then you are eligible! That means that you could be a 0-5 years PQE Solicitor or Barrister, a Pupil Barrister, a Trainee Solicitor, a junior In-House lawyer either qualified or training, a CILEX member or trainee, a Paralegal, a Legal Assistant, a University student – the list goes on! You also do not need to have any prior experience.
What roles are available? Surrey JLD is looking to do things much differently next year, for the benefit of both its committee members and its standard SJLD members, and so the following roles only are available. That said, if you see a role that is not available that you feel you would like to propose to us, then we very much welcome your creativity and encourage you to submit a nomination for the same, setting out why we should consider voting for such a position and ultimately voting for you to fill said position. This is how I started out on the SJLD, when back in 2021 I proposed the new role of Universities & Colleges Representative when I applied to be part of the SJLD committee myself and, after the committee voted by majority to accept this proposal and elect me to fill this role, I was in and have never looked back since!
• Vice Chair
• Sponsorship Representative
• National JLD Representative
• Surrey Law Society Representative
• Secretary
• Digital Marketing Representative
• Charity Representative
• Events Representative x2
• Diversity & Inclusion Representative
• Universities & Colleges Representative
How do you nominate yourself? To nominate yourself, all you have to do is email sjldelection@gmail.com by Friday 16th August at 17:00 with your application, setting out which position(s) you would like to nominate yourself for and why you would be the best fit for the Surrey JLD committee and the particular role(s) in question. There is no word count, so feel free to expand on what is relevant to you and to the position(s) in question. We will consider your application in full, regardless of length. To help your application stand out, it is very helpful to mention what it would personally mean to you to join our committee, since that helps bring applications to life. Applications also shine when you state any ideas for initiatives and how you plan to go about them, so that we, as the committee, can foresee exactly what you will bring to the role(s) you have applied for over another applicant.
Why should you apply? Surrey JLD is one of the most active local junior lawyer division committees in England and Wales and is a fantastic organisation to be a part of. So, if you are a committed, hard-working and passionate junior lawyer wanting to throw yourself into the Surrey junior lawyer community, then joining Surrey JLD is for you. Not only do you meet inspiring committee members and standard members alike through meetings, networking events and other initiatives, you will also grow as an individual yourself and help those around you to grow too. Firms look favourably on those who go above and beyond just their fee-earning responsibilities and at those who are showing/have shown that they are able to forge new, long-lasting relationships that may, in the future, even materialise into bringing in new work and referrals for your team. We have also seen personal success stories of past and present committee members, with Martin Whitehorn having won a Legal Hero award at the same Law Society awards ceremony in 2023 and Bethany Walker having been shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year at the Surrey Law Society Awards in 2022 for her work, including that on the SJLD committee. The more you know, the more you grow and joining our committee is an excellent opportunity to benefit in more ways than one and support your fellow junior lawyers and yourself all at once.
What time commitment is involved? Depending on the role and how much you put into it, no more than 1 to 3 hours per month to 1 to 3 hours a week, would be a good indicator. We are all supportive of one another and all help each other out and are understanding of our fee-earning roles taking the utmost priority and SJLD being a voluntary position. We have regular hour-long committee meetings on the first Tuesday of each month via Teams between 19:00 and 20:00 where we meet to discuss our initiatives and work on upcoming projects.
The SJLD committee will then review all nominations, which shall remain anonymous to the committee, and will hold an election on Tuesday 20th August. You will be informed either way of whether or not you have been elected following the election. Handovers will then take place by 30th August, with the new term, as above, starting on 1st September 2024.
Should you have any queries about being involved on the SJLD committee, then please do feel free to get in touch with me, Bethany Walker, or another member of the committee and we would be more than happy to chat with you. If you would prefer to email us your query, then please do so at surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com. You can also reach us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
If the above is not enough persuasion to get involved, then perhaps these photos will give you an insight into all that we get up to here at Surrey JLD and the fantastic relationships forged between committee members and SJLD members alike!
Surrey Junior Lawyers Division Report
INHERITANCE TAX VALUATIONS AND AUCTIONS
Ewbank’s specialises in providing clear market value inheritance tax valuations of the contents of properties both large and small in accordance with the valuation requirements of the Inheritance Act 1984. We are fully conversant with all the requirements of the authorities and can give comprehensive advice and support to those faced with the responsibility of being an executor or trustee, perhaps for the first time. A professional valuation ensures that values are less likely to be subject to detailed enquiry by the Tax Authorities; this assists considerably in hastening the process.
• Ewbank’s value fine art, antiques, memorabilia, classic and modern cars, collectables and collections of all types for the purpose of providing written valuations on an open market value basis in accordance with HM Revenue and customs guidelines.
• Good advice from professionals with strong knowledge of market values can help maximise sale proceeds to achieve the best results for the deceased’s estate and the beneficiaries where goods are being sold.
• The circumstances where probate valuation is required are often difficult and the team do their utmost to provide service with integrity, empathy and discretion.
• In addition to providing valuations, Ewbank’s can also arrange the clearance of any remaining contents from properties as required. The majority is recycled, re-used or donated to charity.
• All valuations are prepared under the valuation standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Red Book. Competitive fees are arranged by agreement in advance of accepting instructions and charges are discounted when instructions for sale are given.
• Ewbank’s was established in 1990 in Surrey and is a family firm with a global customer base, and clients from all over the world. Selling to buyers from over 70 counties worldwide. We hold specialist sales across all areas throughout the year.
01483 223 101
info@ewbankauctions.co.uk www.ewbanks.co.uk
THE ART AND CRAFT OF JUDGMENT WRITING
A Primer for Common Law Judges
By Max Barrett
WE ALL KNOW WHICH JUDGES SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
The title of this excellent book from Globe is “The Art and Craft of Judgment Writing”, with the subtitle “A Primer for Common Law Judges”and it is just that! The author is a Irish judge called Max Barrett. All the usual judicial suspects are present in the book including my favourites, Lords Denning, and Reid. If you have ever wondered how judgments materialize, then this is the book for you.
As the author says, judges are increasingly aware that the best way of enhancing public confidence in court systems is not only by providing a quality service but doing so compassionately and respectfully. And the Lord Chief Justice has just reminded the judiciary of this approach!
For the twenty-first century, the art and craft of judgment-writing is a critical element of this process. This title from Globe Law reviews the judgments of historically great judgment-writers from across the world: the USA, UK and the wider common law world covering Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Israel, and New Zealand. The book is written not from the perspective of what the Judge Barrett can teach but with the aim of “identifying essential elements of good judgment-writing in great judgments and insightful commentary”. And he does it brilliantly.
The author is Dr Max Barrett, who is a judge of the High Court of Ireland. The work contains individual chapters which focus on subjects such as judgment purpose, length, style, and structure, concurring and dissenting judgments, judgment-writing for children and vulnerable parties, as well as more general lessons in good writing offered by great authors from George Orwell (UK) to Mark Twain (USA).
Among the primers gleaned from great common law judges are these: a good judgment possesses an ability to rise above immediate facts and to see a problem in its wider perspective; a sense of empathy/ sympathy for those faring badly is always important, and that there is nothing wrong with language that is occasionally flowery and ornate. Although we are rightly advised that the best judgments are “crisp and persuasive”, and generally they are.
Celebrated authors such Twain suggest these tips: every element of a judgment should be necessary to that judgment and any unnecessary element excised; any person or event included in a judgment should be included for a reason, and that a judge should always use the right word for what she wants to state, ‘not its second cousin’.
Globe Law and Business notes that the book is “intended for novice superior court judges, their more seasoned colleagues and all with an interest in legal writing (including legal practitioners, law teachers and law students)”.
In the lower courts where cases start, the judiciary are required to write judgments which are not necessarily in the law reports but the judges should find the book of great value. And, as our colleagues agree, judges at all court levels should find the additional chapter on ex tempore judgments of help. ■
CIVIL PROCEDURE 2024The White Book Service 2024
Two Volumes
SWEET & MAXWELL/THOMSON REUTERS
Editor-in-Chief: Lord Justice Peter Coulson
REMAINING THE MOST DETAILED AND DURABLE OF ALL THE CIVIL PRACTITIONER TITLES IN A CHANGING LEGAL WORLD
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
“ Civil Procedure 2024”, also known as “The White Book Service 2024”, continues to offer us the most comprehensive service in paper and digital formats in all matters relating to professional practice. It remains the fundamental purchase for all civil practitioners as working patterns continue to change in 2020s. Always read the Preface each year for the changes which have recently taken place. The White Book is rightly relied upon by more judges and lawyers than any other legal text. It’s trusted for its authority and commentary as the ultimate expression of “all things civil procedure”. For those new to the work, the “White Book” contains the sources of law relating to the practice and procedures of the High Court and the County Court for the handling of civil litigation, subject to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). These sources are supplemented by unequalled substantial expert commentary relied upon in court by more judges and lawyers than any other legal text and is trusted for its authority and commentary.
It sets out the latest amendments made to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and brings the book up to date with all CPR amendments published in the supplements to the last edition. All relevant commentary has been updated, together with recent and important case law, plus new and updated editions of the various Court Guides. Also available are supplements in print, and an eBook powered by Thomson Reuters ProView and online at Westlaw UK. The aim is to intelligently connect your civil litigation work with the book’s content, expertise, and technologies whilst advances continue to be made in the way we do our profes
“The White Book” itself builds on a long and interesting historic evolution. Its publishing pedigree can be traced back to the 1870s, during which the first edition of ‘Annual Practice’ was published following the restructuring of the English civil courts. It was eventually renamed ‘Supreme Court Practice’, the last edition of which came out in 1998. Finally -- and coinciding with the coming into effect of the Civil Procedure Rules in 1999 -- it underwent a further name change to the now familiar ‘Civil Procedure’.
Ever venerable, yet ever young, and resolutely current with frequent updates, “The White Book” maintains its reputation as the ultimate authority on the civil procedure rules – and predictably will remain indispensable to judges and practitioners alike. So, if you practice in the civil courts, this is a work of reference -- plus resource base -- that should help you maintain the highest standards of advocacy.
Volume 1 holds the core materials needed for practising in the civil courtsCounty Court, High Court, and the Court of Appeal. It is principally devoted to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), Practice Directions and Pre-Action Protocols, together with substantial and comprehensive expert commentary. Volume 2 offers materials relating to special procedures, Procedural and Court Guides, legislation, and commentary on other, substantive, proceedings like housing, business tenancies, insolvency, and useful commentaries on contempt of court and limitation legislation, plus extended commentaries on the CPR generally, Rights of Audience, ADR and interim remedies, and other general resources, including jurisdictional & procedural legislation.
With the White Book 2024 you receive the latest edition of Costs & Funding. The date of publication of the 2024 annual hardback edition is cited as May 2024 ■
3 ways to boost productivity with an effective legal software platform
In today's fast-paced legal landscape, efficiency and productivity are key to success. The old adage “time is money” has never been truer than in the legal profession. For law firms that are putting powerful technology at the heart of their business, addressing inefficiencies is having a dramatic and positive impact on their bottom line. They are finding that investing in the right practice management software reaps dividends for their practice both in the short and long term.
However, the introduction and implementation of new legal technology is just the beginning. It is also critical that those using the software are made aware of all the powerful functionality available to them that will support their everyday work. This short article highlights three unique and highly undervalued ways that effective legal software can drive law firm efficiency and end-user productivity.
1. Capitalise on an extensive document library
An effective legal software platform provides your firm with a library of up-to-date forms, precedents and further documentation templates to cover all common areas of law, including those specific to the jurisdiction in which you practice. It also enables you to add, modify and automate your own templates. Having enhanced editing capabilities available within your solution standardises document production and ensures consistency, compliance, as well as improve client service and communication within your practice.
The efficient drafting of documentation is pivotal to the practice of law. By merging client and matter information previously inputted into your legal software platform, details can then be automatically included at the point of document creation, saving significant time and improving the accuracy of content.
2. Unlock the power of automation
Innovative document automation via your legal software platform boosts productivity across your firm. Ensuring accuracy and minimising risk, the automation of processes and the collection of information can greatly reduce errors or omissions which could otherwise negatively impact the level of service you offer.
The levels of automation available can vary from platform to platform, but an effective legal software solution will empower legal professionals to repurpose inputted matter information again and again across documents such as forms and precedents that are generated throughout the course of the particular matter. This removes the need to manually enter information each time, simplifying the document creation process, ensuring quality and accuracy of working and limiting duplication of work.
3. Reap the benefits of regular updates
In today's ever evolving legal landscape, the ability to anticipate and promptly respond to changes in the law is not just best practice, it's an absolute necessity. Law firms that fail to stay up to date with legal developments can encounter various challenges and consequences.
An effective legal software platform should be dedicated to ensuring all legal documents, components, rates and calculations embedded within the software are aligned with legislation and appropriate for the area of law in which you practice. You should have confidence that your provider is constantly monitoring all areas of law and updating as necessary.
This automation of updates within the system will speed up your day-to-day work as well as bring peace of mind and assured compliance to your firm.
Whatever your software’s capabilities, ensuring that you are not only financially investing in the right technology, but also are fully aware and optimising its full functionality will boost productivity across your law firm.
For more information, please visit www.leap.co.uk ■
By Gareth Walker CEO, Leap UK
Firms using LEAP make more money
Committed to creating intelligent software customised to meet the needs of legal professionals, LEAP employs a dedicated team of specialist developers who present innovative AI solutions to automate routine tasks, simplify document management, and enhance decision-making, allowing lawyers to do what they do best - practise law.
