None of the editorial or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. Benham Publishing would like to point out that all editorial comment and articles are the responsibility of the originators and may or may not reflect the opinions of Benham Media. No responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracies that may occur, correct at time of going to press. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
DISCLAIMER
The Hampshire Incorporated Law Society welcomes all persons eligible for membership regardless of sex, race, religion, age or sexual orientation.
All views expressed in this publication are the views of the individual writers and not the society unless specifically stated to be otherwise. All statements as to the law are for discussion between members and should not be relied upon as an accurate statement of the law, are of a general nature and do not constitute advice in any particular case or circumstance.
Members of the public should not seek to rely on anything published in this magazine in court but seek qualified Legal Advice.
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President’s Review
DECEMBER 2024
Kevin Richardson
Welcome to the December/Christmas edition of the Hampshire Law Society magazine. Since becoming acting president I have been surprised by the additional amount of e-mails and organisation that is required in the post and it is not until you start the role that you actually understand the additional work that it creates however this with the support of the committee, Nicola our admin assistant, Rachel and her team at Orion Marketing, it becomes manageable and enjoyable as a result of the diverse additional responsibilities and organisation skills required beyond the day job.
Since our September edition, it continued to be very busy for HILS, who in conjunction with the local JLD organised and attended a Halloween Ball at the Solent Hotel on 25th October. Spooky fun was had by all, I believe, as sadly I was not able to personally attend. A special shoutout and thanks to George Napier and the committee at the JLD for their assistance and collaboration in organising the event, to our Honorary Secretary Mo Aldridge for her unwavering organisation, enthusiasm and fantastic Halloween decorations, Andrew Prismall at HW Conveyancing for adding his DJ skills to the evening and our main sponsor Pump Court all without whom the event could not have been the success that it was.
After the Halloween Ball, I had the privilege of being invited to and attending the Bournemouth Law Society’s remembrance and re-dedication service on 11th November at the Bournemouth Combined court centre when the memorial stone remembering those within the legal profession died and gave their all during the first world war. The service was very moving including the last post plated expertly by a committee member from the society. The time of reflection allowed me and all those who attended to put into perspective how fortunate we are to have the lives that we do thanks to those that gave their all.
Mo also attended, in my absence the Berks, Bucks and Oxon annual dinner which was in a Bollywood style on 22nd November.
We have already begun preparations for the visit to Southampton of the president of the Law Society in July 2025 and as I write the HILS committee are preparing for our AGM and Christmas Dinner which is scheduled to take place on 5th December, hopefully this will see me taking over as President and Teresa Mills at Churchers being appointed Vice President, and so another year of supporting, developing and being the voice for our members will continue as well as a number of social events to be planned over the next 12 months.
I finish then, as I started, by paying tribute and thanks to the committee, our admin and marketing teams, our sponsors and more importantly our members without whom none of this would be possible. I am incredibly passionate about HILS and the part it plays in helping and supporting our member firms and individuals and I am very much looking forward collectively with the committee to increasing membership and providing the support that our members need from us in the next and coming years.
Finally, albeit it feels way to early, especially for me, to wish our members, sponsors and committee seasons greetings and best wishes for 2025 ■
Kevin Richardson President Hampshire Law Society
Hampshire Law Society Contacts
The following is an up-to-date list of committee members’ names and addresses and the sub committees to which they belong
Hampshire Law Society are looking for new Committee Members.
If you would like to join us please contact our administrator Nicola Jennings. The committee meet every other month either via zoom or at an office. It is normally a Tuesday at 5.45pm. We would love to welcome you to our Committee.
Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/ company/hampshireincorporated-law-society/
CIS’ters
CIS’ters is a small charity that was set up in September 1995 for females age 18+ who as children had been sexually abused by a member of their immediate or extended family. Initially only for females within Eastleigh the selfhelp group was quickly approached by individuals from outside of that area and then further and further away. This was primarily because (a) there were so few groups of this description and (b) nothing that focused on the topic as it related to abuse within a family environment.
Currently, at any one time, CIS’ters provides emotional support to 500+ Members across England and Wales, of which 51% are residents in Hampshire. Others may have never lived in Hampshire, or they might have moved away from Hampshire at some point after becoming a Member.
The name CIS’ters was created in 1995 and represented at that time Childhood Incest Survivors (CIS) and the siblings that were abused within the same family (‘ters). Not long after we were set up we extended the invitation to become a Member (which is free) to non-incest as this then covered non-blood relatives.
We are not a therapy group, nor do we offer counselling. We are, and remain, a peer led and peer support group, offering emotional support via email, phone and also face to face meetings where this is possible and practicable.
Funding remains a major issue for our small charity. Focus from the public remains, rightly, on the plight and needs of child victims. However, the majority of child victims do not disclose and may never do so, but those that do in adulthood need help from society too. Charities like ours remain unspoken about, unseen, just as the topic of sexual abuse is one that is seen as being committed by outsiders, rather than those who are part of the family environment.
In addition to providing confidential emotional support to our Members, we continue to do what we can to raise the issue of familial sexual abuse, and the impact it can have into adulthood. For those seeking emotional support, we need funding to remain in existence. Can you help us?
Please take time to look at our website and particularly these pages:
https://www.cisters.org.uk/the-impact/ and https://www.cisters. org.uk/podcastsnewsletterssurvivors-voices/
If nothing else is possible, please let others know about our website.
Thank you,
Gillian, (Founder of CIS’ters)
CPD Programme 2025
THE LEASEHOLD AND FREEHOLD REFORM ACT 2024 & THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER REFORM IN LEASEHOLD ARRANGEMENTS – THE IMPACT FOR PROPERTY LAWYERS
Thursday 16 January 2025 | 1.00 – 2.00 pm Via Zoom
Matthew Lewis has spent his career advising and assisting clients with their residential leasehold relationships. Matt is an honorary consultant for the national charity (FPRA), a member of the IRPM and co-founder of LMP.
Following the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 receiving Royal Assent, and the confirmation of a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, this session will look at the headlines relevant to property lawyers, with a specific emphasis on residential conveyancing.
Whilst not yet in force, there are some considerations which lawyers ought to be thinking about now.
As well as exploring the headlines, we will look at the top tips for lawyers working in the industry now.
SDLT
Thursday 6 February 2025 | 1.30 – 4.30pm
Botleigh Grange Hotel
Paul Clark has been a commercial property solicitor for over 40 years. He is an expert on many aspects of commercial property law and is a popular and engaging speaker.
Details to be confirmed
FAMILY FINANCE
Thursday 27 February 2025 | 3.00-4.30pm Via Zoom
No 18 Chambers
iPAG 2: At a glance
The PAG report provides a goldmine of information in the area of pensions on divorce and provides great practical guidance and clarity on many issues.
Richard Carroll will look at the changes made by PAG 2 and identify the key issue
RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | 2.00-5.00pm
Botleigh Grange Hotel
Ian Quayle, lecturer for 16 years for CLT amongst others and will be presenting the following:
Detail to be confirmed
Kindly sponsored by:-
ACTIONSTEP WEBINAR
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 12.00 -2.00pm Via Zoom
Details to be confirmed
PROBATE - TRUSTS; FROM SETTING UP TO WINDING UP
Tuesday 25 March 2025 | 1.30 – 4.30pm Botleigh Grange Hotel
Helen Forster, Solicitor and Trusts and Estates Practitioner qualifying in 2009.
Trusts can be a valuable tool for planning purposes in private client work; however, whilst many practitioners have prepared trusts either inter vivos or on death, management of these moving forward can be problematic, and clients should always be advised fully of the tax liabilities and advantages of each trust before proceeding with setting these up.
You also need to be aware of how to set up a trust, and the pitfalls of negligent drafting.
In addition, trustees must be informed of their duties and obligations, including the new registration of trusts regime that has come into force; a failure to advise clients properly can result in issues in the long term…
This session will run through the different types of trust, how they work, how to draft them and the potential pitfalls.
What you will learn:-
• The most common types of trusts
• Taxation of Trusts
• How to calculate exit charges for relevant property trusts
• Trust drafting and the pitfalls
• The TRS
Kindly sponsored by :-
CPD Programme 2025 (Cont.)
CONVEYANCING SEMINAR
Monday 28 April 2025 | 3.00-4.30pm Via Zoom
Richard Snape, is a consultant with Davitt Jones Bould. He is a renowned speaker on all aspects of Real Estate Law and he lectures nationwide to a wide audience. Richard has a reputation for delivering practical advice in an entertaining and engaging way.
Details to be confirmed
FAMILY LAW
Wednesday 14 May 2025 | 3.00-4.30pm Via Zoom
3PB
Details to be confirmed
RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING
Tuesday 3 June 2025 | 2.00-5.00pm
Botleigh Grange Hotel
Ian Quayle, lecturer for 16 years for CLT amongst others and will be presenting the following: Detail to be confirmed
Kindly sponsored by:-
PROBATE UPDATE
Tuesday 24 June 2025 | 3.00-4.30pm Via Zoom
Kerry Morgan-Gould, Kerry Morgan-Gould Kerry is a Partner and Head of the Trusts & Estates Team at Ashfords LLP. Kerry has been qualified for 12 years.
She advises private individuals, charities and trustees in relation to all matters arising out of contentious Wills, Trusts and Estates. In addition, Kerry also advises clients in relation to contentious Court of Protection matters.
Detail to be confirmed
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The programme will be updated once additional information received from speakers ~ Information will be distributed via email and in the quarterly magazine.
You can find more detail on each lecture on our www.hampshirelawsociety.co.uk
PRICING
ZOOM: 1.5 hour lecture = £35.00 (Non Member £50.00)
LIVE: 3 hour lecture= £90.00 (Non Member £130.00)
Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End
For Zoom Lectures the link will be provided in the days prior to the event Handouts will be emailed prior to each lecture
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All applications will receive a written confirmation of booking Payment can be made securely online or is required with the registration form. No places can be reserved without payment
Booking is subject to availability of places
Delegates may be substituted at any time with an appropriate additional payment for any non-members
HILS accepts no responsibility for the views or opinions as expressed by the speakers, chairman or any other persons at the event
HILS reserves the right to alter the venue, programme and the speakers at any time
Claiming the member rate remains the responsibility of the claimant however HILS will ensure that you are charged the appropriate fee once membership status checked
Your membership also entitles you to attend live and online seminars run by some of our neighbouring law societies –check the website for details.
HILS Halloween Disco
This year we decided to ‘branch out’ and offer a new event. The Hampshire Law Society and South Hampshire Junior Lawyers Division joint Halloween Disco. It was fantastic to work with the JLD to put forward an opportunity for both our memberships and wider audience to have the chance to attend a spooky new party.
Massive thanks must be given to our sponsor - Pump Court Chambers as well as the Solent Hotel and Spa who allowed us to petrify one of their entertainment spaces. The event would also have not been possible without the excellent DJ skills of Andrew Prismall from HW Conveyancing and the unwavering support of Rachel Tombs from Orion Legal Marketing.
The atmosphere was scary, ghastly and mysterious with animatronic ghosts and ghouls as well as horrors creeping through the walls and around the graveyard. We were accompanied by moving hands and skeletons at dinner. There were tricks, there were treats and all around lots of fun.
We had lovely food and plenty of sweets before we took to the dancefloor to dance the night away. Plenty of lively conversation, laughter and screams. We hope that everyone who attended had a great time.
If you have any ideas of other events or competitions you would like to see HILS put on or you want to participate in then please email administration@ hampshirelawsociety.co.uk with the details. ■
Who Owns and Controls Your Law Firm's Data?
Law firms increasingly rely on technology to streamline their operations in the modern digital age. Legal software solutions have become indispensable, from case management to billing and time tracking. However, a fundamental question often needs to be addressed: who owns the data entered into these systems, and how easily can it be moved elsewhere?
Understanding the Data Ownership
Data ownership refers to legal rights and control over digital datasets. For law firms, this includes client information, case notes, billing records, and confidential strategies. Clear data ownership is essential due to ethical obligations. However, third-party legal software can complicate this, risking data loss, breaches, or legal disputes. Transparent contracts defining data ownership are crucial to protect the firm's interests and client confidentiality.
Significance of Data Portability
Data portability—seamlessly transferring data from one system to another—intersects with data ownership. For law firms, data portability holds immense value due to various reasons:
• Flexibility: As law firms evolve or their needs change, switching to a more suitable software solution should be effortless, and data portability ensures just that.
• Security and Backups: Exporting data empowers firms to create independent backups, enhancing data security and protecting against potential loss or breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: In certain jurisdictions, individuals can access or transfer personal data between service providers. Law firms must ensure their software providers facilitate compliance with such regulations.
Bigger Picture: Asking the Right Questions
When engaging software providers in discussions about data management, law firms must scrutinise responses diligently. Law firms can effectively safeguard their interests and client confidentiality by understanding the subtleties within the provider's answers. Here are the key queries to pose regarding data ownership and portability:
• Ownership of Data: Providers must acknowledge that the law firm retains ownership of all data entered.
• Data Retrieval Upon Termination: Ensure contracts guarantee a simple and complete data retrieval process post-termination. Data Export Options: Seek responses offering standard, open-format data export options for system compatibility.
• Export Costs: Watch for high fees or complex pricing hindering data portability rights.
• Data Transfer Security: Providers should show data protection measures, encryption, and secure transfer protocols.
Take control of your law firm's data with Clio, the #1 choice for honest, transparent legal tech. Book a personalised product walkthrough with our Clio experts and see how Clio can improve your data management. Visit Clio.com/uk to learn more. ■
Biscoes Solicitors are very proud to announce that they have three new trainee solicitors. Following its strategic approach to growth, the firm encourages its staff to embark on new educational paths to develop their professional skills and gain relevant qualifications. Biscoes is keen on supporting its staff in gaining these qualifications through various pathways, such as training contracts, CILEx, or the SQE route.
Biscoes Expands Operations by Acquiring Small Law Firm in Bordon
Biscoes Solicitors, a leading legal firm serving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, is delighted to announce its acquisition of KJ Cox Solicitors, based in Bordon. The merger, effective from 1st November 2024, marks an exciting new chapter for both firms as they join forces to deliver enhanced legal services to clients across the region.
KJ Cox Solicitors, founded by Kellie-Jayne Cox, brings over 20 years of legal experience to the merger. The firm is deeply rooted in the Bordon community and has earned the trust of clients throughout Alton, Bordon, and the surrounding areas. The acquisition offers KJ Cox Solicitors the opportunity to expand its services, benefiting from Biscoes’ broader range of legal expertise and extensive resources.
Biscoes Solicitors Take On Three New Trainee Solicitors
L-R: Saaqib Akhtar, Ella Welch, and Charlie Sherwood
Saaqib Akhtar, Ella Welch, and Charlie Sherwood all started their training contracts at the end of September this year after a series of interviews and assessment days with a group of current trainees and lawyers at Biscoes’ head office in Portsmouth. The three have all started their first seats within different departments, and the firm wishes them the best of luck with their future learning at Biscoes.
Biscoes Solicitors will continue to serve the communities of Alton and Bordon, maintaining the same personalised, communityfocused approach that clients have come to rely on. The team remains dedicated to offering home visits for clients unable to attend the office and will continue to support local initiatives, including free monthly legal clinics at Alton Community Centre and Dementia Friendly services at Alton Assembly Rooms.
The acquisition strengthens both firms’ ability to deliver comprehensive legal solutions while upholding the values of accessibility, professionalism, and community support.
Biscoes were pleased to have two of their team members nominated for awards at the recent LawNet Awards. India Jefferson-Grant, Associate Chartered Legal Executive in our Mental Health team, was shortlisted for Rising Star - under 35 years, and Naomi Taylor, a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in our Commercial Debt Recovery Team, was nominated for Trainee of the Year.
Glanvilles Solicitors host their annual Port Solent Charity Quiz in aid of Rowans Hospice!
On the 13th of November, Glanvilles Solicitors hosted their annual charity quiz in aid of their charity of the year, Rowans Hospice. Inviting local professional businesses within the Hampshire area for an evening of fun trivia!
Glanvilles gratitude and thanks go towards everyone who attended and took part, with it being lovely to see everyone come together in aid of this fantastic local charity.
Biscoes Solicitors Team Members Shortlisted at LawNet Awards.
Naomi, who was highly commended in her category, said, “I am incredibly grateful to Biscoes and Alison Lee for nominating me for the Trainee of the Year Award. Not only did I feel recognised for all my hard work, but I also felt like I was a part of something positive. Being shortlisted for such an award amongst so many was an achievement; however, to be highly commended as Trainee of the Year was a huge privilege.”
With everyone’s support they collectively raised £740 for Rowans Hospice. The money raised will help Rowans Hospice provide palliative and end of life care to the highest quality for those living with a life-limiting illness within the Southeast of Hampshire.
Glanvilles wish to send a special thank you to Stanbury Chameleon and Vanilla Catering for supporting this event, and also to their Corporate Partner, Lance Terry, for being such a spectacular quizmaster!
Naomi Taylor and India Jefferson-Grant
D
espite over 20 years’ experience in the law, establishing and nurturing awardwinning legal teams, and building a muchadmired reputation in the profession, Paul Sams admits that the past six months as Managing Partner of Dutton Gregory Solicitors have been the most challenging of his career.
“The best way I can think of to describe it is with a comparison to the fairy that sits on the top of a Christmas tree,” says Paul Sams when asked about his new role at Dutton Gregory. “You know what your job is, that people are looking up at you, but you are also acutely aware of the precarious nature of the sharp branches you are sat on.”
It has been six months since Paul stepped down from running the hugely successful property department at Dutton Gregory, and up to become the firm’s Managing Partner.
“Even with all the insight I was given, and no matter how much I felt I understood the challenges ahead, I was still astounded by the amount and variety of business functions within a firm of 200 people across six offices, that I completely took for granted as a Head of Department.”
“Valuable Support”
The credit for the smooth transition, Paul quickly gives to those around him. “Obviously I was elected to the role by my fellow Partners, but
L
eading regional law firm Paris Smith received the prestigious Best Place to Work title at the second annual Hampshire Business Awards last week.
Supported by Hampshire County Council, the Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of businesses from across the county, with 370 guests celebrating winners across 16 competitive categories.
Peter Taylor, Senior Partner, Paris Smith:
MANAGING PARTNER: The First Six Months
“I am only just getting started”.
I have also received welcome, support and patience from management teams and staff across the firm.”
“I have always enjoyed exploring how things operate, and the depth of functionality beneath the surface of modern legal services has been fascinating to explore. From technology and finance, to marketing and facilities management, I am learning more and more each day.”
Paul is also grateful for the counsel of his predecessor. “I was delighted when Andrew Tilley, Dutton Gregory’s first Managing Partner, agreed to stay on at the firm as a Consultant. Having access to his experience and knowledge has proved a valuable support.”
“Review of Resources”
A self-confessed technology enthusiast, with over 22,000 followers and ranked a ‘Top Legal Influencer’ on LinkedIn, one of the first projects Paul has undertaken is the research and development of new Practice Management Software at Dutton Gregory.
“All modern law firms need to lean into technology and not for the reasons people often assume,” he explains. “From software to AI, there is a wealth of digital tools that can make our lives easier. Of course, there are financial savings through efficiency and streamlining, but the real benefit is giving staff more time to engage with their clients.”
“Clients would rather see their money spent on personal attention than the typing up of correspondence, so by letting technology help with administration, the client is satisfied, the lawyer can take on more clients and the business’ growth is future-proofed. I do not
believe technology is about replacing people, but providing support so they can enhance their skills and do the work they enjoy.”
This approach to technology, including investment in the highest levels of cyber security, has been one of the reasons for successful mergers and new offices across the UK, fuelling Dutton Gregory’s ambition and drive for growth.
“We also believe in fiscal responsibility and not living in an overdraft,” says Paul. “I am fortunate that Andrew has provided the firm with a strong financial base ably assisted by Graham Carr who is an excellent CFO”.
“People Power”
And, finally, it is the personal accountability that makes Paul stand out as Managing Partner. His emphasis on transparency and openness can be evidenced in monthly video updates for staff, office visits and the invitation for questions at every opportunity.
“In my experience, staff always want to know more. If you try to operate ‘behind the scenes’ people will worry something is going on and usually assume it is negative. As Managing Partner, I have experienced scrutiny and how it can lead to interpretation and reaction. The best way to deal with it is to be open and honest.’
“Law is a people business. It employs people, represents people, develops people and helps people move forward with their lives. That is one of the things I love about the legal profession and, though being Managing Partner can be lonely, and it is hard when you have to make difficult decisions you know not everyone will like, I feel like I am only just getting started and am very much looking forward to the years ahead.”
Paris Smith wins Best Place to Work at Hampshire Business Awards
“A lot of hard work goes into making sure we are a place where people can be themselves, be authentic and show vulnerability, particularly in a time when mental stress and mental resilience are so important. Encouraging open communication in the firm is a challenge but one way we have achieved it is at the outset of our journey about mental wellbeing our senior leadership team was prepared to show their own vulnerability. If they can do that it encourages others to come forward and recognise it’s okay not to be okay.”
Paula Al-Yousif, HR Director, Paris Smith:
“Winning the ‘Best Place to Work’ at the Hampshire Business Awards 2024 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive and dynamic work environment. At Paris Smith, we believe that our
people are our greatest asset, and this accolade reflects their dedication, passion and collaborative spirit. We are immensely proud of our team and will continue to invest in their growth and wellbeing, ensuring Paris Smith remains a place where everyone can thrive and excel.”
Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said that as a businessman, he understood the challenges and rewards of running your own company. “It’s wonderful to see so many businesses here tonight. Hampshire is home to some brilliant world-leading companies and plays a pivotal role in driving the UK’s economy,” he said.
During the evening, guests raised a significant sum for the event’s nominated charity, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Law firms increasingly rely on technology to manage their operations efficiently. Software solutions like case management, time tracking, and billing have become indispensable. However, a crucial question often overlooked in the excitement of digitising legal processes is who owns the data you input into these systems, and how portable is it?
Understanding data ownership
Data ownership concerns the legal rights and complete control over a particular digital data set. In the context of law firms, this data can range from sensitive client information to case notes, billing records, and proprietary firm strategies. Unsurprisingly, law firms must have unequivocal ownership of their data, considering the confidentiality and ethical obligations they bear to their clients.
However, the lines of ownership can blur when data is stored and managed through third-party legal software providers. This underscores the need for clear contractual agreements that specify data ownership rights. These agreements provide a sense of security and protection, ensuring that the firm’s interests and those of its clients are adequately protected.
The importance of data portability
Data portability is closely linked to data ownership—the ability to quickly transfer data from one system to another without hindrance. For law firms, data portability is essential for several reasons:
Benefits of Using Clio Manage:
• Flexibility: As firms grow or their needs change, they may find that their current software no longer meets their demands. Data portability ensures that transitioning to a more suitable solution is seamless.
• Backups and Security: Exporting data enables firms to create backups independently of their software providers, adding an extra layer of security against data loss or breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: In some jurisdictions, regulations grant individuals the right to access or transfer personal data from one service provider to another. Law firms must ensure their software providers can facilitate compliance with such regulations.
Asking the right questions
When discussing the provisions for data management with a software provider, UK law firms must scrutinise the responses carefully. Understanding the nuances in the provider’s answers can help ensure that the firm’s interests and those of its clients are adequately protected.
Here’s what to watch out for in the responses to key questions concerning data ownership and portability:
• Who legally owns the data entered into the provider’s system?
Watch out for: Vague or non-specific language that doesn’t explicitly state that the law firm retains ownership of all data entered. Ideally, the provider’s response should unequivocally affirm the firm’s ownership rights.
• What happens to the data if the firm decides to terminate the contract?
Watch out for: Terms that imply data retention by the provider after contract termination or clauses that make data retrieval cumbersome or conditional upon additional fees. The response should clearly outline a smooth and complete data return process to the firm upon termination.
Understanding Data Ownership and Portability: How to Select Law Firm Software with Confidence
• How easily can the firm export data, and in what formats?
Watch out for: Limited export options or formats that are not compatible with other systems, making it difficult for the firm to use their data elsewhere. Look for responses indicating a range of standard, open-format options (e.g., CSV, XML, PDF) that ensure usability across different platforms.
• Are there any costs associated with exporting data from the system?
Watch out for: High fees or convoluted pricing structures related to data export. While it’s reasonable for providers to charge for extensive data extraction services, firms should be wary of any practices that seem designed to deter them from exercising their right to data portability.
• How does the provider ensure the security of data during transfer?
Watch out for: Generic assurances without specific safety protocols or standards mentioned. Providers should be able to articulate the encryption methods, secure transfer protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS), and other data protection measures they employ to safeguard data during export or transfer processes.
Best practices for law firms
The importance of data portability
To safeguard their interests and those of their clients, law firms should adopt the following best practices:
• Review Contracts Carefully: Pay close attention to data ownership and portability terms. Consult with counsel if any provisions seem unclear or unfavourable.
• Audit Compliance and Security Standards: Ensure that the software provider’s practices align with industry standards like GDPR in the UK, which places emphasis on data protection and user rights.
• Plan for the Future: When choosing a software solution, consider potential future needs and challenges related to data portability and ownership.
Final thoughts on data portability for law firms
Data is one of the most valuable assets a law firm possesses. Selecting a software provider is not just about the features and functionalities; it’s also about ensuring your firm maintains control over its data. Law firms can protect their client’s interests by prioritising data ownership and portability in their technology choices, providing peace of mind in a world where data is king.success for your firm.
Discover why Clio is the clear choice for honest, portable legal technology. Visit clio.com/uk/compare/. ■
Sarah Murphy, GM EMEA, Clio Legal Technology
Lester Aldridge Achieves Strong Rankings in Chambers UK 2025
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge has once again achieved notable success in Chambers UK, with 16 lawyers and 10 practice areas ranked in the 2025 guide. Many individuals and practice areas either maintained or improved their rankings, underscoring the firm’s commitment to excellence. The rankings emphasise the firm’s expertise and dedication to client satisfaction, showcasing its broad capabilities across multiple sectors.
Chambers and Partners is the world’s leading legal rankings and intelligence company. For over 30 years, Chambers has differentiated the very best legal talent by identifying and ranking law firm departments and lawyers globally via independent and impartial intelligence and market insight.
Key individual achievements include Laura Guntrip, who has been ranked Band 1 UK-wide for Healthcare: Regulatory, Kate Stewart, newly ranked Band 3 for Real Estate Litigation in the South West, and Lisa Watson-Cook, newly ranked Band 4 UKwide for Charities. Rebecca Walker has also progressed to Band 3 in Restructuring/Insolvency. Other standout rankings include:
• Tom Alder (Planning, The South, Band 2)
• Kevin Barnett (Employment, South West, Band 3)
• Matthew Barrow (Real Estate, The South, Eminent Practitioner)
• Mark Benham (Real Estate, The South, Band 2)
• Grant Esterhuizen (Corporate/M&A, The South, Band 2)
• Chris Evans (Litigation, The South, Band 2; Professional Negligence, The South, Band 2)
• David Healy (Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant, South West, Band 3)
• Linda Jacques (Transport: Logistics, UK-wide, Band 3)
• Liz Oaten (Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant, The South, Band 3)
• Rosemary Sharp (Family/Matrimonial, Southampton and surrounds, Up and Coming)
• Roger Woolley – Real Estate (The South, Band 2) Emerging talents have also been recognised, with Alice Thursfield (née Straight) listed as an “Associate to Watch” for Healthcare: Regulatory UK-wide.
On the team front, Healthcare: Private Sector rose to Band 3 UK-wide, Real Estate Litigation increased to Band 3 in The South, and Planning moved up to Band 2 in The South, reflecting the firm’s continued excellence and growth.
Matthew Barrow, Managing Partner, said, “These rankings reflect our commitment to excellence, supported by the positive feedback from clients and peers.”
In addition, Lester Aldridge’s Private Wealth Law team continues to hold a strong position in Chambers HNW 2024 (published in July 2024), with Oliver Phipps recognised for his cross-border expertise.
For further details, please visit the Chambers & Partners website.
New Associate Joins Lester Aldridge Real Estate Development Team
Lester Aldridge is pleased to welcome Shaun Webb to the firm’s Real Estate Development team in Southampton as an Associate.
With over a decade of experience in the real estate sector, Shaun brings a wealth of expertise, particularly in residential development and strategic land, which he has specialised in since 2018. A Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx), Shaun has worked with a broad range of clients, including national housebuilders, PLCs, private developers, and individuals, assisting them with land acquisitions, option agreements, conditional contracts, promotion agreements, overage agreements, and development agreements.
Shaun expressed his enthusiasm about joining the firm: “I am delighted to be joining such an established and recognised firm within the real estate industry, and I am excited to bring my land development and acquisition experience to the team.”
Lester Aldridge Welcomes Senior Associate Sabah Siddiq to Planning & Environment Team
Lester Aldridge is pleased to announce that Sabah Siddiq has joined the firm’s Planning & Environment team as a Senior Associate. Sabah brings extensive experience in planning and environmental law, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
With over fifteen years of experience working for both local planning authorities across the south and private practice, Sabah’s expertise spans a broad range of issues. She advises and negotiates on complex s106 agreements, nutrient mitigation agreements, highway agreements, and Biodiversity Net Gain, as well as matters involving the Community Infrastructure Levy, judicial reviews, planning statutory appeals, listed buildings, and planning enforcement.
Sabah’s diverse background, including time spent working in both public and private sectors, provides a unique perspective that complements the team’s approach to addressing clients’ needs in the complex landscape of planning and environmental law.
Sabah expressed her enthusiasm about joining the team: “I am delighted to have joined Lester Aldridge’s Planning and Environment team as a Senior Associate solicitor and progress my career in planning with the firm. I look forward to working with the team and taking on new challenges.”
Sam Wylie, Partner at Lester Aldridge, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Shaun to the team. His extensive experience in land development and strategic land acquisition will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow our Real Estate practice.”
Shaun’s arrival reinforces Lester Aldridge’s commitment to providing expert legal services across all aspects of real estate development.
Tom Alder, Partner and Head of the firm’s Planning team added: “We are pleased to welcome Sabah to the team. Her vast experience with both local authorities and the private sector, strengthens our ability to offer comprehensive and practical advice to our clients. I am confident Sabah will be a great asset to our team as we continue to grow and support our clients in navigating the complexities of planning and environmental law.”
Lester Aldridge’s Planning & Environment team advises national and regional developers on all legal aspects of planning. Sabah’s appointment reinforces the firm’s commitment to providing expert guidance and solutions in the ever-evolving areas of planning and environmental law.
Steele Raymond scores top in national Future Lawyers guide
Leading Bournemouth-based law firm Steele Raymond has been named a Legal 500 Future Lawyers winner for 2024/25 in seven categories, including securing top spot in the UK for work/life balance.
Each year, the Legal 500 Future Lawyers guide publishes a list of the top UK law firms with results being based on anonymous survey responses from over 2,000 trainees from more than 100 firms. Trainees were asked to score their employing firm on 14 aspects of both work and lifestyle. Now celebrating its 20th edition, the guide is highly regarded amongst students considering a career in the legal profession.
Alongside scoring top marks for work/life balance, Steele Raymond also achieved first-class results in the survey for social life; inclusiveness; quality of work; sustainability; legal technology and client contact.
Shaun Guppy, Corporate Partner and Training Principal at Steele Raymond, said:
“We are delighted to have achieved such a strong set of results in this year’s awards, not least first place in the UK for work/life balance and second place overall for inclusiveness.
“We pride ourselves on providing our trainee solicitors with a clear, structured and transparent career path, as well as a notable work/ life balance. So many people across the firm go out of their way to put time and energy into ensuring our trainees have a fantastic training experience with us and these results come as a result of that dedication.”
Steele Raymond has a long-standing track record of providing its young lawyers with a platform and an environment in which they are able to thrive. Nurturing talent is central to the firm’s success, with five of the firm’s partners, Chairman, Tim Stone, Training Principal, Shaun Guppy, Nick Davies, Craig Hardman and Emma Stainwright all alumni of the Steele Raymond training programme, together with a number of other fee earners at various levels throughout the firm.
Speaking on the firm’s continued success, Managing Partner, Jennifer Rogerson commented: “The Future Lawyers awards are testament to the collaborative, supportive and trusting culture that we have at Steele Raymond. We seek to recruit the very best people who love what they do and enjoy coming to work, an experience that is reflected from our trainees to our partners.”
Steele Raymond’s Legal 500 Future Leaders results in all awarded categories were as follows:
1st for Work/Life balance – 96.7 out of 100
2nd for Social Life – 93.3 out of 100
2nd for Inclusiveness – 90 out of 100
5th for Quality of Work – 90 out of 100
5th for Sustainability – 90 out of 100
Top 10 for Legal Technology (7th) – 83.3 out of 100
Top 20 for Client Contact (13th) – 86.7 out of 100
Steele Raymond is recruiting now for September 2026 and September 2027 intakes of its Training Programme, alongside its 2025 LLB Undergraduate Placement Scheme.
New commercial property partner joins Steele Raymond
L
eading regional law firm, Steele Raymond is pleased to welcome Luc Algar as a partner to the firm’s expanding Commercial Property team.
Luc brings nearly 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial property, having advised and assisted a diverse range of clients including property investors, lenders, developers and occupiers across various sectors. Luc joins from regional firm Moore Barlow, where he led the Real Estate division.
Luc’s appointment enhances an already talented and accomplished commercial property team at Bournemouth-based Steele Raymond, which is one of the largest in the region. The team boasts some of the region’s top talent and was ranked Tier 1 in this year’s Legal 500 guide for the 20th consecutive year. Luc himself is also a ranked lawyer in the Legal 500.
Jennifer Rogerson, Managing Partner at Steele Raymond, said: “We are delighted to welcome Luc to Steele Raymond. His appointment is a significant addition to our team and underscores our ongoing commitment to building a team of outstanding lawyers dedicated to supporting our clients achieve their ambitions.
“Luc’s vast experience and proven track record in all aspects of commercial property law will complement the strengths of our other four commercial property partners and wider team.”
New hires boost Steele Raymond’s extensive property litigation team
L
eading regional law firm, Steele Raymond, has strengthened its property litigation team with two key appointments. Farouk Vahdati joins as a Solicitor, following the addition of Lauren Meade as Senior Associate earlier this year. These appointments further enhance its expertise.
Over the past two years, the team has grown from three to seven litigators and it is now one of the largest standalone property litigation teams on the South Coast. This growth has enabled Steele Raymond to expand both the scope and size of the commercial and residential property work they handle. Clients nationwide are receiving invaluable support on a broad spectrum of property-related disputes.
Commenting on the team’s remarkable expansion, Partner and Head of Property Litigation, David Crockford, who also serves as the new Chair for the South Coast Region of the Property Litigation Association, said: “I’m immensely proud to lead a hand-picked team of exceptional quality litigators in what has become a busy practice. Over the last two years, we have strengthened the team and are now well-placed to provide our clients with responsive, tailored services to help them resolve complex matters effectively and favourably.”
Based in Bournemouth, Steele Raymond’s property litigation team – including David and fellow Partner, Hannah Dare - covers highend residential property disputes and general commercial property
Luc added: “Steele Raymond’s reputation is second to none and I’m excited to join this forward-thinking, agile, and dynamic firm. I’ve always been impressed with their proactive and solutions-focused approach, and their reputation for leading the way. I very much look forward to working with the team and contributing to the firm’s continued growth.”
Luc joins a commercial property team of twelve which includes partners Chris Twaits, Carol Elliott and Martin Logan, and Managing Partner, Jennifer Rogerson. The team forms part of Steele Raymond’s wider Property Group, which includes experts in residential development and property litigation.
The announcement of Luc’s appointment follows the recent recruitment of two specialist property litigation lawyers – Lauren Meade and Farouk Vahdati – earlier this year, making the team one of the largest standalone property litigation teams on the south coast and further strengthening capabilities across all aspects of commercial property and residential development.
issues between tenants and landlords and works with developers and housebuilders to resolve disputes. They also help with property insolvency work.
Farouk, a Bournemouth and Solent University alumnus is recently qualified and joins Steele Raymond from Warner Goodman LLP. He advises landlords and tenants on a range of residential and commercial property matters, specializing in lease extensions, boundary disputes and adverse possession.
Lauren, who came to Steele Raymond from Womble Bond Dickinson, is an experienced and highly skilled litigator across all aspects of property litigation, with significant expertise in asset management work. She specialises in commercial landlord and tenant disputes, focusing on lease renewals, dilapidations, and forfeiture and possession proceedings. As a member of both the Property Litigation Association and the Bournemouth Property Association, Lauren’s appointment further strengthens the property litigation practice and the expertise Steele Raymond offers its clients.
The team’s expanded expertise ensures they are well-equipped to handle the evolving needs of their clients in property litigation.
Trethowans named in The Times Best Law Firms 2025
Trethowans, has once again been recognised as one of The Times Best Law Firms – the newspaper’s prestigious annual list of the top 250 legal practices in England and Wales.
Compiled by the international market research company Statista, the 2025 list is based on thousands of recommendations from solicitors, who vote for the lawyers and firms they hold in the highest regard. The votes cover a wide range of categories, including business, public, and private client services.
Solicitors are not allowed to vote for themselves, and each can only vote once, ensuring the list remains a definitive reflection of the most respected firms in the legal industry.
Mike Watson, Managing Partner at Trethowans, said: “To be recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2025 is testament to our people, who continuously deliver outstanding service to our clients.
GOur team consistently go above and beyond, addressing our clients’ needs with skill and dedication. This recognition is especially meaningful as it is based on the votes of our peers within the legal industry, reflecting the high regard in which Trethowans is held. We are grateful to everyone who voted.”
This accolade follows Trethowans’ recent recognition in the Legal 500 2025, where the firm achieved top-tier status in several areas, including Corporate and Commercial, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence (claimant) and Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate. In addition, the firm was recommended by the Chambers Guide 2025, with multiple teams ranked across the south and UK-wide.
To view The Times Best Law Firms 2025, visit: https://www.thetimes. com/article/best-law-firms-9kh6q236r
Grant Cameron represents wife in successfully challenging enforceability of pre-nuptial agreement
rant Cameron, Partner and Head of Trethowans’ family team in Southampton, has successfully represented a wife in challenging the enforceability of a pre-nuptial agreement in ND v KD [2024]. This financial relief claim centred on a £3.2 million marital estate, where the couple had been married for 10 years and shared an 8-year-old child.
The pre-nuptial agreement, signed just three days before the wedding, stipulated that each party retain their separate property, including assets acquired during the marriage. While the agreement was intended to protect both parties’ interests, key issues led to its invalidation.
Her Honour Judge Harris found that the wife signed under undue pressure. Contributing factors included the timing of negotiations
(just six weeks before the wedding), the husband’s insistence that he would not marry without the agreement, and an evident power imbalance between the parties.
Moreover, the agreement’s terms failed to meet the wife’s and child’s needs, excluded provisions for the child, and were never reviewed during the 10-year marriage despite triggering events. The husband’s property dealings left the wife with minimal interests in key assets, further highlighting the agreement’s inequity.
The court ultimately awarded the wife £1.6 million, emphasising that while nuptial agreements can be upheld, they must be fair, provide for children, and align with the parties’ financial circumstances. This case underscores the importance of timing, fairness, and the need for review in marital agreements.
Grant Cameron
Shentons Solicitors Makes History with Appointment of its First Female Senior Partner
Shentons Solicitors, a traditional high street law firm in Winchester with a proud history spanning over 200 years, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chloe Jay as its first female Senior Partner. Chloe is only the sixth person to hold the position in 50 years, as those who take up the role lead the firm for many years at a time.
Chloe joined Shentons as a solicitor in 2012 and was promoted to partner in 2016. Her passion for law and business, coupled with her strong leadership qualities and dedication to the justice system, made her an obvious choice.
Chloe says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as Senior Partner, and I want to continue to build on the firm’s excellent reputation both for client care and as a genuinely flexible and inclusive workplace for our staff. I am excited for the future!”
Yasmin Hoque, a consultant solicitor at law firm Jurit LLP, has been included in the Top 50 Most Influential Muslim List in Europe for 2024.
Now in its third year, the Influential Muslim List spearheaded by EqualityX, is reserved for the most inspirational individuals of the Muslim community.
The list recognises and celebrates the achievements of Muslim professionals whose work has brought distinction to Muslim communities and enhanced the reputation of Muslims. Those awarded the accolade have a solid track record of making a positive difference in their chosen field and in society, whilst influencing with impact to improve workplace culture.
The previous Senior Partner Shaun Underhill says, “I am delighted to be passing the baton onto Chloe, who became an equity partner in 2020 following the birth of her second child. I know she will continue to be a driver for change at the firm whilst being committed to delivering excellent legal services to our clients.”
Chloe will continue to practise criminal law, where she has built an outstanding reputation. In her new role, she will oversee the strategic direction of the firm, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Shentons is proud to have Chloe at the helm as it continues to build on its legacy of solving the legal problems of their clients.
Hampshire lawyer recognised in Europe’s Top 50 Most Influential Muslim List for second year running
A private client solicitor, based in Southampton, Yasmin has an Islamic Alimiyyah qualification to advise on Sharia law for local and international clients on private wealth matters, and specialises in advising on succession planning – from wills and probate, to charity law and personal tax. She is one of the few people to be awarded the EqualityX accolade for the second year in a row.
Commenting on Yasmin’s achievement, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE, founder of EqualityX, said:
“We’d like to congratulate Yasmin on being recognised as one of the Top 50 Influential Muslims in Europe. This achievement reflects her dedication and profound impact within her community and professional field.
“Out of the hundreds of entries we received, Yasmin’s authenticity and courage in embracing her faith in the workplace distinguished her, together with her efforts to address and highlight the challenges faced by Muslims, which is truly commendable.”
Yasmin who is a consultant solicitor specialising in private wealth and tax at Jurit LLP, commented:
“I am delighted to have been recognised in this way. It feels like a certification and validation of all the work going on behind the scenes to deliver on the blend of faith and law which many said not to pursue. I am honoured to share this with so many other influential people in this space, and feel very blessed to be included.”
Jo Summers, a Partner in the Private Wealth & Tax team at Jurit, who is herself an expert in Sharia Law, concluded: “Well done to Yasmin on receiving this much-deserved award. Her commitment to go above and beyond in all that she does for her Muslim and non-Muslim clients is commendable, and we are incredibly pleased for Yasmin that she has been recognised in this way.”
What Do Law Firm Professionals Need to Know About Risk Intelligence?
Law firms are increasingly seen as vital gatekeepers in the fight against financial crime. As the pressure to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations intensifies, firms must navigate a myriad of risks while maintaining their client service standards. This article outlines the key risk factors law firms face regarding AML compliance and offers best practices to establish robust risk assessment programs, drawing on insights from Amy Bell, founder of Teal Compliance and Chair of the UK Law Society’s Money Laundering Task Force, as featured in our recently launched guide, developed with First AML
Understanding Client Risk
Law firms play a critical role in preventing money laundering, with non-compliance carrying severe consequences such as reputational damage, regulatory sanctions, and criminal liability. AML legislation requires firms to conduct client due diligence to determine whether clients are engaged in criminal activities, which is made more challenging by the ever-evolving nature of money laundering schemes and regulatory demands.
Evolving Legislation: A Risk-Based Approach
AML regulations have shifted from fixed requirements to a risk-based framework, enabling firms to tailor risk assessments based on national, industry, and firm-specific factors. This approach allows firms to address their unique risk exposures more effectively.
Key Risk Indicators
Risk assessments require an understanding of various factors that can signal potential money laundering, including:
• Services Offered: High-risk services, such as real estate transactions, involve significant values and opportunities to obscure fund origins.
• Geographical Jurisdictions: Transactions in high-risk countries identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), necessitate enhanced due diligence due to inadequate AML controls or significant corruption concerns.
• Client Profiles: High-risk indicators include international clients, complex entities, unusual transaction patterns, and wealth sources like cryptocurrency.
Tailored Risk Assessments
AML risk assessments should be customized to each firm’s circumstances. For example, a multinational firm handling highvalue transactions faces different risks than a local firm focused on wills and divorces.
Practical Challenges and Solutions
Implementing effective AML programs often encounter hurdles, including:
1. Weaponised incompetence: Staff may see AML processes as barriers to client service.
• Solution: Provide concise training and workflow-integrated guidance to empower staff to execute AML procedures effectively.
2. Excessive effort: Manually switching between systems wastes time and friction.
• Solution: Integrate AML functionality into practice management systems like Actionstep to streamline processes.
3. Lack of understanding: Lawyers may struggle to apply due diligence consistently.
• Solution: Use dynamic prompts tailored to clients and matters to guide informed decisions.
Best AML Practices for UK Law Firms
UK law firms can strengthen their AML programs with these six strategies:
• Define normal practices: Establish baselines to identify unusual or high-risk activities.
• Customise assessments: Tailor risk assessments to reflect the specific needs of each department in your firms.
• Provide continuous training: Invest in ongoing education to keep staff informed of regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with peers: Learn from industry colleagues and other firms to share insights.
• Leverage technology: Simplify workflows by integrating AML tools like those from First AML into your practice management system.
• Be proactive from the start: Avoid shortcuts to build sustainable, compliant programme from the outset and reduce your law firm’s risks long-term.
By adopting these practices and using technology-driven solutions, law firms can effectively manage AML compliance while enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining strong client service. Proactively addressing AML risks not only mitigates potential liabilities but also reinforces a firm’s reputation for integrity.
For a deeper dive into these strategies, we invite you to download our comprehensive guide on AML compliance tailored for law firm professionals.
Oliver Tromp Regional Vice President, UK at Actionstep
Case study – Nina’s Story: How support from The Solicitors’ Charity helped her on road to recovery
Giving birth to twins whilst in hospital caused Nina lifechanging injuries and multiple medical complications. Unable to work, or to provide hands-on care for her babies for a time, she contacted The Solicitors’ Charity to see if it could help with the cost of immediate childcare to enable her to start the long recovery back to health and mobility
The poll by the Will-writing charity, which surveyed more than 2,000 Talking to Nina now, one would have no idea of the extremely difficult period she has been through over the last 18 months, but the trauma is still there all the time. She is articulate and eager to help with the case study interview. And she is clearly bursting with good news as she has just secured a new job!
She goes on to say: “I’m delighted to be going back to work in a manageable role that can be done from home and one that has fixed hours. With two young twins, and being a single parent, I need to have time to look after them. I now have physical limitations which make commuting difficult.
“I don’t know how I would have got through if I had not contacted The Solicitors’ Charity. I wasn’t aware of its existence, and it was only because a good friend had found it that I was aware. I was uncomfortable about contacting the charity as I am super-independent, but I was desperate for help.”
Working as a freelancer for most of her career, she lost her job during the pandemic, as did many in certain sectors of the law. She did not qualify for the furlough scheme, as she was not a
permanent employee. Nina had just about got back on her feet after the COVID-19 disruption and back into work, when disaster struck again.
She worked long hours to accumulate some surplus to fund her maternity leave but could not have foreseen how the experience of childbirth and its complications would adversely affect her physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Nina had prudently taken out a critical illness insurance policy but found that when she came to make a claim, she did not qualify for a pay-out because the range of medical conditions specified did not include hers.
“The Solicitors’ Charity was a lifesaver. My levels of stress were high, I was dealing with the aftermath of the birth, making sure I had applied for statutory help I was entitled to and looking after the twins. Finding the charity was a Godsend and, knowing it would help, lifted a huge weight from me.”
Funding from the charity enabled Nina to engage childcare to help to look after her twin babies while she recovered from her injuries. She’s feeling more optimistic about the future and wants to encourage more people to contact the charity to find out if it can help them.
Get Help - https://thesolicitorscharity.org/supporting-you/ make-an-enquiry/
If you would like more information about The Solicitors’ Charity support, or to make a donation to the charity, visit thesolicitorscharity.org
Reducing Legal Costs for the NHS
Everyone knows that the NHS is under financial pressures. A popular complaint is that compensation claims, and more specifically, claimant legal costs, take money away from provision of healthcare services. However, Kym Provan, Partner and head of Enable Law’s Southampton clinical negligence team, explains here how an earlier admission of liability could save the NHS substantial sums of money as well as providing much needed help for those who have been injured by negligent medical treatment.
Legal Costs in Medical Negligence Claims
Litigation is expensive and medical negligence cases are particularly so. They frequently rely upon expert evidence from multiple medical disciplines and can take years to conclude. Claimant medical negligence lawyers are often criticised in the popular press for being responsible for huge legal fees that have to be paid by the NHS in relation to compensation claims brought by those who have been injured because of substandard medical care.
Over the years successive governments have brought in various measures to try to limit the level of legal costs that have to be paid by the losing party in litigation. In 2013, the way in which personal injury and clinical negligence cases are funded changed, so that the injured party became responsible for paying a success fee to their solicitor if their claim was successful, and the insurance premium necessary to fund the expert reports needed to prove their claim. Previously these costs had to be met by the losing Defendant.
Also in 2013, Costs Budgeting and the requirement for legal costs to be proportionate to the claim brought were introduced. Essentially the courts sought to try to control the level of costs that a losing party had to pay for a case and to make sure that those costs were proportionate to the value of the claim. Fixed costs have been introduced for lower value personal injury claims, and this scheme has now been extended so that it applies to the majority of personal injury cases with a value of £100,000 or less. These restrictions are due to be extended to apply to most clinical negligence claims imminently.
Despite this, there is no escaping the fact that the legal costs payable by the NHS for clinical negligence claims are very substantial. In the financial year 2023/2024, NHS statistics show that they incurred liability for £545,140,288 of Claimant legal costs. During the same year, they also incurred £166,889.578 of their own legal costs in contesting compensation claims. This totals in excess of £700 million in legal costs in a single year and accounts for just over 25% of the total spend on clinical negligence compensation claims. (Compensation payments incurred during the same period were a little in excess of £2.1 billion.) Annual statisticsNHS Resolution
A key factor that determines the level of legal costs, is the length of time that the cases are contested for. Obviously the NHS, as a public body, should rightly contest claims where there is a valid and realistic defence. However, I am involved in many cases every year, where I seriously question why they continue to be disputed.
Duty of Candour and Internal Investigation Reports
Since 2014, there has been a legal duty of candour applicable to all NHS Trusts (and other healthcare providers since 2015). It is a criminal offence not to tell a patient or their family when something has gone wrong. NHS Trusts also have processes
in place to carry out an internal investigation if someone suffers significant injury unexpectedly. Reports are produced detailing the conclusions of these investigations (these reports have various names such as Root Cause Analysis report, (RCA) Serious Untoward Incident report, (SUI) Serious Incident Requiring Investigation report (SIRI) etc. Declining to Admit Failings Identified in an Internal Investigation
You would think that if an internal investigation concludes that mistakes were made in the treatment provided to a patient, and that the patient has likely suffered injury as a result, that the NHS Trust would admit liability at a very early stage when told that the patient intends to claim compensation. However, time and time again, we see that this is not the case. On several occasions, I have written to an NHS Trust at the outset and invited them to formally agree to stand by the findings of their internal investigation, thereby avoiding the need to incur thousands of pounds of legal costs investigating the standard of care provided. I have never yet had a case where the NHS Trust has agreed to admit the failings identified in the report, without receiving a formal Letter of Claim.
I currently have a case where the internal investigation report found multiple failings to identify and treat symptoms of sepsis in a young child who suffered brain injury as a consequence. Even after obtaining expert reports and sending a Letter of Claim alleging the failings identified in the internal investigation report, the Trust has denied that they are at fault for failing to spot the signs of sepsis. I have no doubt that ultimately my client will be successful, but the legal costs to prove fault, when the Trust is determined to deny liability, are likely to be several hundred thousand pounds. In the meantime, my client, who is a minor, and their family are left to struggle on without the financial help they desperately require to meet my client’s needs.
Delays in Admitting Liability in Litigated Cases
I have another case that has been running for over 5 years. My client suffered nerve damage after spinal surgery which has significantly affected her mobility. At her follow-up appointment, the surgeon told my client that it was her (the surgeon’s) fault, she was very sorry, and she had put one of the screws in the wrong place but that it was now too late to do anything about it. However, when we sent a formal Letter of Claim to the NHS Trust, they denied that it was negligent to put the screw in the wrong place, denied that it was negligent to fail to correct the error as soon as it was noticed and denied that the misplaced screw had caused my client’s injuries. Court proceedings were issued, and the Trust successfully argued that the issue of liability – that is whether they were at fault and whether any negligence on their part had caused my client’s injuries, should be determined first before the value of the claim was considered. Expert medical evidence was needed from three different medical disciplines just to consider the issue of liability. Expert reports were exchanged, and the Trust appeared to have expert evidence which supported their position. The Trial was listed for December 2024 and a settlement meeting was booked for October 2024 to see if agreement could be reached without the need for a (very expensive) Trial.
As is customary in this type of litigation, the experts met to discuss their respective positions and produced a joint statement. On reading the joint statement of the orthopaedic surgeons, it became clear that the Trust’s expert had in fact produced
a second report in May 2024, which had not been disclosed at the time. It transpired that in this report, the expert had altered his view and essentially agreed that the screw should have been removed within days of the surgery and that this would have avoided my client’s injuries. Yet still, the Trust did not admit liability.
We had asked the Trust on several occasions whether they were intending to make any financial offers of settlement at the settlement meeting, or if they were only going to consider the issues of liability. We received no response and therefore had to prepare for the meeting on the basis that either form of offer might be made. On the evening before the settlement meeting, I received a call from the Trust’s solicitor to advise that they were not going to attend the meeting. Instead they were going to admit liability for the Claimant’s injuries.
This decision was made by the Trust less than eight weeks before the Trial was due to start. The experts in the case are clinicians still working in medical practice. They have to arrange leave to give evidence at court hearings months in advance and cancellation charges will already apply. My client’s legal fees, which ultimately the Trust will have to pay, are in the region of £300,000 to get to this point.
We will now need to go back to the court for a new timetable of evidence to consider the value of the claim. This will involve obtaining expert evidence from multiple different experts as my client needs help with many aspects of daily living, single level accommodation, specialist equipment and rehabilitation therapies. These costs will always have been needed, but the costs incurred up to now could largely have been avoided if the Trust had admitted liability for my client’s injuries from the outset. More importantly, if that had been done, the case would likely have been finished by now and my client would have the help that she desperately needs in place. As it is, my client has had 6 years of pain and suffering without any help, and the additional stress of going through contested litigation.
Conclusion
Even though the legal costs associated with medical negligence litigation are considerable, there are ways to effectively and fairly limit these costs. This is particularly so, when it is clear that the claimant has a strong case in terms of being able to demonstrate that their injuries are the result of negligent treatment. If an admission of liability is made at an early stage, this means that the claimant can access funds to pay for the rehabilitation and support that they need, maximising their chance of making the best recovery possible. This in turn improves quality of life for the claimant, but often reduces the overall value of the claim, and therefore further reduces the costs payable by the NHS.
Why NHS Trusts insist on denying liability in the face of a strong claim in so many such cases is unclear. One theory is that NHS Trusts, or perhaps more accurately, NHS Resolution, (the litigation arm of the NHS) are worried that by accepting liability, they leave themselves open to claims for unreasonable amounts of compensation. However, the reality is that a competent and specialist claimant clinical negligence solicitor will always seek to recover the amount amount of compensation required to meet their client’s lifetime needs no less but also no more.
Kym Provan Partner & head of Enable
Law’s Southampton clinical negligence team
Private Client Lawyer –Chamberlains Solicitors
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Office Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Salary: Competitive
Location: Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1ST
Role Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive with 5+years PQE to join our well established high-street law firm. You will join a small but effective team and will manage your own caseload from day one.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their organisational skills, meet deadlines and work well under pressure, whilst managing client expectation. The ideal candidate will be dealing with a variety of matters covering Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate administrations, applications for Grants of Probate, submission of Inheritance Tax Returns, Court of Protection matters and Declarations of Trust.
Required Skills and Experience:
• 5+ years PQE
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, show flexibility and prioritise workloads.
• Flexibility in support of other members of staff.
• Membership of STEP and/or SFE desirable but not required. Please apply with covering letter and CV to jpc@chamberlainslaw.co.uk
put
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Will you help your clients include a gift in their Will, ensuring dogs a lifetime of love and care?
A gift to Dogs Trust can help take care of around 14,000 dogs in one of our 21 rehoming centres, located across the UK. Gifts in Wills fund 40% of our vital work, and with the help of solicitors like you, we can continue to give abandoned dogs the
Spotlight on the Committee
Committee Member
Naomi Taylor
Work Firm: Biscoes Legal Services Limited
Area of Expertise:
Commercial Debt Recovery and Dispute Resolution
What attracted you to work in the law: I was always very good at arguing and sticking up for other people and the law made sense to me.
What is your biggest career achievement:
Achieving the “Highly Commended Trainee of the Year” Award at LawNet 2024
What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: Having the opportunity to meet fellow lawyers and learning about the industry from a completely different angle than just working in it.
Why do you think HILS is important: We are here to support lawyers, not just by providing training and providing industry updates, but also a safe space for other lawyers to share their challenges and knowledge with each other.
Personal
Who inspires you: My child
What was the last book you read: Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton
What is your favourite film: I don’t believe in a favourite movie – I have too many. If I had to choose though it would be Alien or Aliens.
What is the next place on your travel bucket list: Japan
Name one item you cannot live without and why: My phone, my life is on it
What is your favourite quote:
“It’s very easy to look at the work and think this is all so cruel and so mean. It is important not to become bitter from it”.- Ru Paul
Missing Wills
Duncan Stuart Macdonald Cobb
DOB 06.03.1973
DOD 22.07.2024
Address –
59a Oxford Avenue, Southampton, SO14 0DP
Francis Drake
DOB – 26/02/1952
DOD – 30/10/2024
Address –
19 Ash Close, Hythe, Southampton SO45 3PY
Work Firm: Churchers
Area of Expertise: Private Client
Committee Member
Theresa Mills
What attracted you to work in the law: I enjoy the academic challenge and problem solving. There is also a great feeling from helping people.
What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on:
It surprises me how many people contact us with misinformed views of what we do based on TV. I have never done a formal “reading of the Will” with a family but very often families are surprised it is not part of the estate administration as standard.
What is your biggest career achievement:
Earlier this year I became accredited as a Lifetime Lawyer. This is important to me as I am a firm believer in legal services being inclusive.
What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: I enjoy meeting the wider legal network locally. As a solicitor in private client we do not deal with other lawyers on a day to day basis so it is nice to meet others.
Why do you think HILS is important: I am a strong believer in being part of your local law society for professional development and the sense of community.
Personal
What is the next place on your travel bucket list: I would like to do a Disney cruise to the Norwegian fjords Name one item you cannot live without and why: Tea, the answer to most situations.
ADRIENNE EDGERLEY HARRIS, Council MemberYOUR VOICE AT THE LAW SOCIETY
Council Members Report December 2024
In this issue, I am going to concentrate on two issues: criminal legal aid and proposals by the SRA to stop us holding client money.
Criminal Legal Aid- a development and a recap £24m has been announced (14 Nov 2024) for the criminal justice system by the new Labour Government. This is £18.5m funding for the lowest of the fees for police station work. There is also £5.1m for the most serious offences in the youth court which will mean that pay will increase by £598.59 per case.
Solicitors who work or commute to work in areas with fewer than 2 legal aid providers, as well as the Isle of Wight, will have their travel time reimbursed as well as providers willing to travel from surrounding schemes into those areas.
Meanwhile, The Law Society (TLS) is working in the background to progress the recommendations made by Sir Christopher Bellamy in his independent review of criminal legal aid back in November 2021. Three years on and the government in power at the time has still failed to implement the 15% uplift in fees that Sir Christopher recommended as a minimum immediate requirement.
TLS has continued to respond to government consultations on funding and lower crime fees. As a result of lobbying by TLS, the scope of payment for pre-charge engagement on cases that start on or after 1 October 2022 was extended.
In September 2024, the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) opened the tender for 10-year criminal legal aid contracts to start on 1 October 2025. Firms wishing to start contracts and join duty rotas from October 2025 had to tender by 22 October 2024.
TLS has stated that it considers it is wrong that the tender requires firms to bid before the UK government outlines its response to the judicial review recommendations (judgment was in January 2024) and the MOJ’s consultation on police station and youth court fees, which would see a 2% increase in rates.
Unfortunately, the underlying hourly rates remain so low that unless they are increased substantially, there will be neither an incentive for current solicitors to remain offering criminal legal aid nor an incentive to start doing so.
A statistic for you: more than 1,400 duty solicitors have left since 2017 – a 26% drop.
TLS is a member of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board, chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor, whose remit is to recommend changes to criminal legal aid schemes to the government- although sadly no on the funding improvements needed to support criminal defence solicitors.
Client Accounts under threat
If being cynical, you might say that the latest consultation from the SRA on stopping solicitors holding client money is a direct response to take attention away from their catastrophic mishandling of the failure of Axiom Ince.
Do have a look at the proposals which start from the premise that there is no justification for solicitors holding client money. They include (1) paying all interest earned on client money to the client; (2) using third party managed accounts; (3) increased reporting by accountants to the SRA; (4) suggesting a set time, perhaps 12 weeks, for the return of client money at the end of a matter.
It is estimated that about 7000 firms (26%) hold client money.
The consultation closes on 21sst February 2025 so please let me know if you have any thoughts that I can contribute to Council or to a response by HILS that I anticipate will be forthcoming.
Contact me at: aedgerleyharris@shentons.co.uk or 01962 844544 ■
Adrienne Edgerley Harris Council Member for the South Constituency
Adrienne Edgerley Harris
HOW TO WRITE A PERFECT LAWYER PROFILE – ARE YOU HIDING YOUR LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL?
Having a strong, well-crafted lawyer profile is crucial for attracting new clients. Yet, many lawyers struggle to showcase their skills and expertise effectively. This hesitation can result in missed opportunities, leaving potential clients unaware of the true value they could offer. For lawyers, the question becomes: are you hiding your light under a bushel? This article aims to address that very issue, offering guidance on how to enhance your professional lawyer profile to better reflect your abilities and achievements
THE ROLE OF LAWYER PROFILES IN BUILDING TRUST
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful lawyer-client relationship. For potential clients, the process of selecting a lawyer often starts with researching and understanding their qualifications, making the quality of a lawyer’s profile vital. A well-crafted lawyer profile can establish credibility, build trust, and create a positive first impression before a client even steps into your office.
Solicitor and barrister profiles/bios are the second most visited pages on legal websites after the home page and tend to have the highest conversion rate for website users. Fact.
Why? Well, this is where a would-be instructor of your legal services gets to check out what they are ‘buying’. They want to know you are competent, experienced, and trustworthy. Don’t underestimate the power of these biographies – if your lawyer profile falls short, the chances are you’ll never get that call or email about a new instruction.
It is even more shocking that solicitors and barristers are often asked to write their profiles themselves. Lawyers and barristers are not professional copywriters, and more than a few suffer from ‘imposter syndrome’, finding it uncomfortable and difficult to wax lyrical about their achievements. They often sell themselves short, if they sell themselves at all.
KEY ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE LAWYER PROFILE
Creating an engaging lawyer profile involves several key components that ensure it stands out and resonates with potential clients:
Professional Photo: The First Impression
A high-quality, professional photo can make a strong first impression. It humanises the profile, helping potential clients to feel more connected and at ease.
Writing a Compelling Bio: How to Stand Out
A bio should go beyond mere qualifications. It should tell your story, highlight what drives you, and convey your passion for the law. Lawyer profiles don’t have to be arrogant or boastful, but they should catch the eye, spark interest, and confirm to the reader that you are the person for the job. All too often we see two-line profiles that don’t actually say anything, or the other extreme, a long and rambling chronological history.
Highlighting Specialisations and Areas of Expertise
Clients often seek lawyers with specific expertise. Clearly listing your specialisations makes it easier for clients to find the right match.
The Importance of Transparency in Your Lawyer Profile
Being open about your experience and achievements builds trust. Clients appreciate honesty, whether it’s about your years of experience or the types of cases you specialise in.
Common Mistakes Lawyers Make with Their Profiles
Even skilled lawyers can fall into traps when crafting their lawyer profiles. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Being Too Humble: How It Can Backfire
While humility is often valued, downplaying your achievements can lead to a perception that you lack experience or confidence. It’s important to assert your successes and strengths.
Outdated Profiles: The Danger of Leaving Information Untouched
Lawyer profiles are often penned when someone first joins a set or law firm, then remain untouched and static for years, while the legal professionals’ experience and expertise continue to grow.
Overly Technical Language: Making Your Lawyer Profile ClientFriendly
Avoid legal jargon that may confuse potential clients. Instead, use clear, simple language to describe your services and expertise.
How to Make Your Lawyer Profile More Engaging
To attract clients, your lawyer profile should be more than just informative—it should be engaging:
Using Storytelling to Humanise Your Experience
Sharing anecdotes about past cases or your journey into law can make your lawyer profile more relatable and engaging for potential clients.
Incorporating Client Testimonials and Case Studies
Positive feedback from past clients is one of the best ways to build credibility. Featuring testimonials can significantly increase client trust and interest.
The Role of Video Introductions in Lawyer Profiles
A brief video introduction can create a personal connection, allowing clients to see and hear you directly before meeting in person.
Optimising Your Lawyer Profile for Visibility
Making sure your profile reaches the right audience is essential for maximising its impact:
Using Relevant Keywords and Phrases Naturally
Including terms like “experienced family lawyer” or “corporate law specialist” can help clients find you more easily.
Local Visibility: How to Make Your Profile Relevant in Your Region
Highlighting your location and including details relevant to your area can make you more visible to clients searching for legal services nearby.
Structuring Your Profile for Easy Navigation
A well-organised lawyer profile with clear headings, bullet points, and concise language makes it easier for clients to find the information they need.
Case Studies: Successful Lawyer Profiles
At Orion Legal Marketing, we have written many lawyer profiles—literally hundreds. We normally hold a short interview with the person in question, asking about their background, expertise, niche or challenging work, successes, soft skills, and more, before drafting the profile for them.
We avoid jargon and strike the right balance between too much and too little detail. Importantly, we focus on what the target audience will value most about the lawyer’s skills and experience, rather than simply listing credentials. This approach results in profiles that are engaging yet professional, tailored to highlight the unique strengths of each individual. Seeing a glowing review of the breadth and depth of your expertise is much more palatable to those with a modest demeanour when written by an independent third party.
CONCLUSION
A well-crafted lawyer profile is more than just a professional necessity— it’s an opportunity to connect with clients, showcase your expertise, and build lasting trust. Don’t let modesty hold you back. By taking steps to refine and enhance your lawyer profile, you ensure that your light shines brightly, attracting the clients you deserve. Don’t neglect this key part of your website—this is often your first opportunity to showcase your team’s expertise, personality, and accomplishments. Make your website lawyer profiles as professional as you are. Let your light shine..
Festive season survival tips
As the holiday season approaches, a mix of joy and anxiety fills the air, particularly in the legal sector, where tight deadlines and client demands add to the pressure. The hustle and bustle of family gatherings, gift shopping, and meal preparations can quickly lead to stress. Given the challenges in the world today many people feel more anxious than joyful, making the festivities feel less like a time for celebration and more like a test of endurance - especially if work is already busy and you’re putting in long hours
In this article, we’ll share practical tips to help you navigate the chaos and embrace the Christmas spirit a little more.
1. Take a proper break: Make the most of the holiday by fully stepping away from work. Resist the urge to check emails or tackle projects during your time off. This is your chance to recharge, so give yourself permission to completely disconnect and relax.
2. Set an out-of-office message: It sounds obvious, but make sure you set an out-of-office email reply to let people know you won’t be available during the holidays. Include a date when you’ll return and provide alternative contacts if urgent issues arise. This allows you to disconnect without worrying about incoming requests.
3. Use technology wisely: While technology can help you stay connected, it can also increase stress if you are supposed to be taking time off. Consider turning off notifications for workrelated apps during your time off to create a clearer separation between work and holiday relaxation.
4. Master the art of prioritisation: The key to a stress-free break is prioritising. Let go of the idea that everything must be perfect. Make a list of your top priorities – activities and traditions that genuinely matter to you, your family, and your friends. Focus your time and energy on these, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks that don’t have to be done by you.
5. Learn how to say ‘no’: It’s okay to politely, but firmly, say no invitations or requests that will cause you unnecessary stress. Your mental health is more important than obligations that don’t bring you joy. Prioritise your wellbeing and choose activities that help you relax and enjoy the season.
6. Create boundaries: Setting boundaries is vital during all holidays. Whether it’s about gifts, gatherings, or the length of family visits, communicate openly with friends and family about your limits. Establishing clear boundaries helps manage expectations and ensures that you have the time and energy to enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Practise self-care: In the midst of the hustle and bustle, carve out some time for yourself. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a brisk winter walk, or a long bath, self-care is essential, not a luxury, especially during such a busy time.
8. Be flexible and keep realistic expectations: The festive period can be unpredictable, with changes in the weather or last-minute changes to plans. Staying open to adjustments can make things easier. Remember, the holidays aren’t always perfect like in movies. Embrace the flaws and accept your family and friends as they are, even if things don’t go exactly as you hoped.
9. Connect with others: This can be a great time of year to be with people. Try to reach out to friends and family and attend gatherings that bring everyone together. Spending time with others can (sometimes) help reduce holiday stress.
10. Plan for the new year: Be mindful of the post-holiday slump. To help with this, plan some fun activities like a weekend trip or take time to relax. Before you go back to work, set aside a few quiet days to look over your schedule, prioritise your tasks, and set realistic goals.
The festive season is a time to be kind to yourself. By setting priorities, establishing boundaries, and embracing flexibility, you can enjoy this festive period with a renewed sense of joy. Remember, taking a break is not only good for your wellbeing but will also boost your productivity and creativity when you return to work. So, relax and make the most of your well-deserved time off.
At LawCare, we understand that the holidays can be challenging for some. If you find the season difficult and need someone to talk to, our free, independent, and confidential helpline is here for you throughout the festive period (except weekends and bank holidays). Call 0800 279 6888, email support@lawcare.org.uk or visit www.lawcare.org.uk
The Importance of Providing Auction Legal Packs Early: A Key to Success
When discussing the sale of properties at auction, one topic always stands out as crucial: the timely provision of legal packs. While many solicitors may already be familiar with the importance of this, it remains an issue that still presents challenges for both sellers and auctioneers.
While it’s true that the delay in legal packs isn’t always within the solicitor’s control, it is often the case that the seller doesn’t appoint their solicitor early enough or fails to provide the necessary documentation in a timely manner. Unfortunately, this creates unnecessary frustration for both the auctioneer and potential buyers. In some cases, the delayed delivery of legal documentation can even have significant financial implications for the seller.
We’ve encountered situations where potential buyers lost interest in a lot simply because they didn’t receive the legal pack with enough time to consult with their own solicitor. This is particularly true for investment properties, where prospective buyers are making decisions based on logic and financial considerations rather than emotional attachment. This is in stark contrast to many private treaty purchases by owneroccupiers, who will have their heart set on a particular property. Having invested time, effort, money, and of course emotion in the purchase, they will be far more prepared to ‘take a view’ and accept inconvenient delays as they occur. Auction buyers, however, are typically more transactional in their approach, they often prefer a “take it or leave it” stance, and a late legal pack can make them walk away.
It’s important to recognize that even the loss of just one bidder can have a significant impact on the outcome of an auction. The presence of an additional bidder can push the final sale price higher, potentially raising the sale price considerably. Early provision of the legal pack helps to ensure that all interested parties have sufficient time to review the documents, and it maximizes the potential for competitive bidding.
Another important issue is transparency. This is key when it comes to disclosing any issues or disputes related to the property. Sometimes, sellers or their solicitors hold back certain matters, hoping to avoid drawing attention to them. However, this approach is often counterproductive. If buyers only learn of issues at the last moment, they’re more likely to assume there are other undisclosed problems and back out of bidding altogether. Buyers appreciate transparency and are often willing to overlook minor issues if they are informed early on and given the opportunity to assess them properly.
In our experience, being upfront and transparent from the outset is always the best strategy. Buyers at auction tend to be pragmatic and are more likely to accept issues if they know exactly what they’re dealing with. Clear, timely communication builds trust and allows buyers to approach the auction with confidence.
The value of providing legal packs early extends beyond the buyers themselves. Auctioneers also benefit from having a clear picture of the property’s legal standing well ahead of time. When legal packs arrive late, auctioneers are often forced to field queries from frustrated buyers or repeatedly chase solicitors and sellers for updates.
For sellers, the provision of a comprehensive and timely legal pack demonstrates professionalism and seriousness about the sale. Sellers who delay this crucial step risk sending the wrong message to potential buyers. A late or incomplete legal pack can raise red flags, leading buyers to question whether the seller is hiding something or whether the property has other, unseen complications. This hesitation can result in fewer bids, less competition, and ultimately a lower final sale price.
Moreover, when legal packs are delayed, sellers often find themselves scrambling to address last-minute concerns raised by prospective buyers. This can be both stressful and costly. In contrast, sellers who prepare in advance and provide the necessary documents early allow buyers the time and space to properly evaluate the property, reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues arising.
The role of solicitors in this process cannot be overstated. Solicitors should prioritize communication with their clients and emphasize the importance of early preparation. Sellers often underestimate the time required to gather all necessary documentation, such as title deeds, planning permissions, or lease agreements. Solicitors must guide their clients through this process, ensuring that all documents are accurate, complete, and ready for review well ahead of the auction.
As we near the end of the 2024 auction season and prepare for our final sale, we encourage all solicitors to consider the benefits of providing the legal pack well in advance of the auction. It not only improves the chances of a successful sale but also helps to secure the best possible sale price. Early legal packs foster trust, encourage competition, and reduce the risk of complications or disputes.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue building strong partnerships with solicitors, sellers, and buyers to ensure the best outcomes for all parties involved in auction sales. Providing the legal pack early is one small but vital step toward that success. By working together, we can create a smoother, more transparent auction process that benefits everyone.
Joe Rocks
There’s a lot of talking about conveyancing reform going on (isn’t there always), does it mean the return of the
There was an official looking document when I first walked into Land Charges in 1987 entitled “Local Land Charges - How can we eliminate delays?” The narrative on making conveyancing in general a shorter and less stressful process has not stopped, and even brought about the rise and dramatic fall of HIPs (Home Information Packs) in 2008-2010.
So what of the numerous, new initiatives? Well I saw a lot of presentations in my time as Chairman of the searches trade body, but only one actually got me truly interested.
Property Logbooks – my initial thoughts were that it must be another bundle of incomplete and outdated property information sat under an Estate Agents counter. How wrong I was, and the RLBA (Residential Logbooks Association) Chairman, Nigel Walley certainly put me right, so I asked him if he minded doing an interview for this magazine.
Hi Nigel, thank you for doing this interview. What is the background to the emergence of Property Logbook?
No problem Andrew, I’m always happy to educate those involved in conveyancing on the truth behind the logbooks and why they should have a bright future.
In the last two years digital Property Logbooks for our homes have moved from concept to reality with almost half a million homes in the UK now having one. There is a vibrant and competitive market for logbooks emerging, as the six Logbook providers represented by the Residential Logbook Association (RLBA) will attest. Their impact is beginning to be felt in the Conveyancing industry, but knowledge and awareness is lagging behind.
Logbooks are now compulsory in EU countries like France and Belgium and we expect Ireland to follow soon. In each of these countries it seems like New Build properties are the early adopters, followed by homes that have had significant renovation.
So what is a Property Logbook, Nigel?
A Property Logbook is like a dashboard, a user manual and a service history combined in a single digital tool for homeowners. Most importantly, they can contain full transaction and change of ownership records as well as keeping all the information created during a sale in shareable, digital form. We already have equivalent apps now for high-end our cars but, until recently, few of us had them for our homes. As our residential property become more complex, with installations of smart home, security and green energy systems increasing, the need to centrally manage digital records and accounts is becoming pressing.
A Property Logbook turns all these separate data points into a ‘digital asset’ that grows in usefulness and value over time.
As well as helping with buying and selling, a Property Logbook has functions that are relevant throughout the lifecycle of property ownership, and across multiple industries. Depending on your provider, they should be able to produce, host and share data on maintenance, building work, council services and even lettings and rental.
A Property Logbook is therefore a record of a property, a place where documents can be stored, and links provided to arm the owner with all the information they need to know about their home and to manage it in the digital age.
Why does a homeowner need a Property Logbook?
As data around property is increasingly liberated and shared across professional systems, the amount of information on our homes held by government and industry is ballooning. What is remarkable is how little
of it is routinely available to the homeowner. The RLBA believes a homeowner should have either ownership, oversight or, at least, access to all public data about what, for most of us, is the most expensive asset we will ever buy.
More than that, a homeowner should have a tool to store the kind of private data about a property that only they would ever have access to. This might include maintenance or performance records, construction details and running costs. This information could be made available to a committed buyer during a transaction. A digital Property Logbook is the only consumer-centric tool that puts the homeowner in the driving seat.
What information can be stored in a Property Logbook?
One again, this depends on the Logbook provider. The RLBA supports a vibrant and competitive market between Logbook providers, with innovation and variation encouraged. The Property Logbook for a listed Georgian house will have fundamentally different content and functionality to one used by a young couple in a flat full of smart devices. However, the RLBA has agreed a standard data core for each RLBA registered Logbook. This is so we can guarantee all players in the property market can build a standard way of integrating and sharing data. The data in a Logbook will include all the public data available on a property, as well as the private data mentioned above.
Are Property Logbooks and HIPS the same thing?
No. HIPS were just a specific snapshot of information about a home. A Property Logbook is a digital companion for the life of a property and will pass on to the next owner on sale. Most importantly, HIPs were dead information from the moment they were printed and were hard to validate. Logbooks have a large and growing set of links to live data sources that keep them perpetually up to date. A good logbook should be a tool to help a household manage their home and be able to output different reports to suit different user cases.
What is the difference between Property Logbooks and these new Sellers Information Packs?
As with HIPs, the new Sellers Information Pack (SIP) being launched by the Home Buying & Selling Group will be a snapshot in time to support a single transaction available as ‘upfront information’. They will be a one-off download of data about a home. Most Logbooks will have a functionality to output one of the packs, and we anticipate RLBA members being the primary suppliers of SIPs in the future. But the data transferred represents only a small subset of the information a Logbook can potentially hold. RLBAregistered Logbooks will be able to keep past SIPs in an archive, so an owner or buyer will be able to trace back the data from past transactions.
How do Property Logbooks benefit conveyancers?
Over time, as properties increasingly come to market with a Property Logbook, they will speed up the process of getting a property listed for sale, increase transparency and reduce fall through. So quicker, hassle-free sales. As the Logbook companies integrate systems with the Conveyancer CRMs, back office processes will be automated, and admin reduced. Our vision is that SIPs, and the Property Logbooks that produce them, will reduce the time and costs conveyancers face in the research part of any sale, and will free up time for conveyancers to deliver insight and value.
But it’s likely that Logbooks will also be part of the wider re-imagining of property sales. RLBA registered Logbooks will have the ability to connect directly
dreaded HIPs?
to systems used by all players in the industry and make data available in ways not envisaged by the current system. Partners we are working with include the identity industry. The growing shift towards ‘passportable’ identity checks mean that a vendor can get a KYC/AML check done before they even bother an agent, host it in their Logbook and present it at every stage of the sale process.
The RLBA is also working with the mortgage industry, which is looking to access Logbook data at the start of the process to pre-clear properties for mortgages (so properties can also be marketed as ‘Mortgage Ready’).
What else do conveyancers need to think about? Logbooks have emerged at the same time as a wider debate on how the legal industry should view ‘digital assets’. The RLBA were contributors to the recent Law Commission Consultation on ‘digital assets’ and we pointed out that a modern home now contains a growing array of systems, services and apps, that need to be handed over on sale. The new BASPI form now includes questions about whether a Property Logbook is present to support a sale, and includes them in the list of ‘digital assets’ that need to be included in the fixtures and fittings review.
The RLBA are currently working with the Home Buying & Selling Group and the DPMSG to investigate how the handover of Property Logbooks and these other digital assets can be made a reserved legal activity, and have the process enshrined in the CQS.
What’s the RLBA’s role in all this?
The RLBA is committed to establishing Logbooks as a primary tool we use to manage our homes. We want to create a competitive market, but one based on standards, rules and verification.
For buying and selling we are determined that, along with participating in the digitisation of property sales, Logbooks will support the fight against property fraud. At the heart of this is the RLBA Logbook Register, which is being built at the moment. Our system of Logbook registration will ensure that Logbooks can only be registered by the legal owners and, most importantly, will ensure there is only ever one recognised Logbook for any property.
If a Logbook provider is a member of the RLBA, and their Logbooks are listed with the RLBA Logbook Register, we can guarantee that ownership has been verified, and agreed data standards complied with. Over time we anticipate the Register’s systems will be integrated with all Estate Agency and Conveyancer CRMs and a Logbook check will be a standard, automated step in any sale.
What should Conveyancers do next?
The RLBA are keen to drive awareness of logbooks into the conveyancing world. The most important thing is for everyone to experiment and learn about Logbooks. Every conveyancer should set up a Logbook for their own home from an RLBA Registered provider, and every conveyancing firm should ask the RLBA or individual Logbook companies to demo their products and explain them to their teams.
But most importantly, conveyancers should work with the RLBA or individual providers to look at how Logbooks can help improve their core business and in particular drive return business, referrals and onsale of further legal services. All of the RLBA providers are clear, we intend to be strategic partners to the conveyancing industry, not competitors. A faster, more transparent industry will benefit everyone.
Andrew Prismall Managing Director of HW Conveyancing Searches
Optimising Law Firm Efficiency and Profitability with AI and Automated time recording
The legal industry has traditionally been resistant to change, but the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an undeniable opportunity to enhance efficiency and profitability for law firms. At a time when competition is fierce, the ability to deliver high-quality services while controlling costs is key. AI, when integrated effectively, allows law firms to meet these challenges head-on, offering tools that streamline operations and provide more value to both lawyers and their clients.
AI has a profound impact on staff productivity. Human resources are the most expensive and vital asset in any law firm. By taking over repetitive, low-value tasks like legal research, document drafting, and even matter analysis, AI allows lawyers to focus on higher-value activities that require human expertise. AI-driven research tools, for instance, sift through vast legal databases in a fraction of the time it would take a lawyer, offering comprehensive insights while reducing possible errors from lapses in human concentration.
This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also provides an opportunity for legal professionals to enhance their skill sets. Lawyers can now focus on strategic, high-level work, thereby creating more value for clients while increasing their own billing potential. However, AI is not a replacement for human judgment. It acts as a powerful complement, augmenting the lawyer's role rather than diminishing it. To this end, law firms must embrace the idea that AI will redefine—not replace—how legal services are delivered.
Driving Efficiency Through Cloud Technology
To fully leverage AI, law firms must ensure that their internal infrastructure can support these innovations. Many law firms have already migrated their practice management systems to the cloud, where centralised data storage offers a perfect environment for AI applications to thrive. With access to a vast array of client information, case documents, and workflow data, AI can efficiently analyse and process large volumes of information, driving both innovation and operational improvements.
For those law firms that continue to rely on disconnected databases or outdated systems, the potential for AI-driven efficiencies is significantly reduced. If client and matter information is not organised and centralised, AI tools struggle to function effectively. The solution is to create cloud based practice management systems, ensuring that data is accessible, secure, and can be utilised effectively to improve both firm efficiency and client outcomes.
Increasing Billable Hours with Automated time recording
Another important technological development available to law firms is the ability to improve billing accuracy through automated time recording. Traditionally, time recording has been a manual process which can be prone to human error, leading to under-billing and revenue loss. Now, lawyers can track their billable hours more precisely. With powerful tools that automatically record and assign time to specific legal tasks, ensuring that no billable work goes
unrecorded. This improved accuracy not only enhances profitability but also alleviates the administrative burden on fee earners, allowing them to focus on more meaningful client interactions.
Such leading-edge technology provides a game-changing opportunity for law firms to optimise staff output, streamline operations, and drive profitability. Those firms that have put themselves in a place whereby they can embrace such technology, particularly by ensuring their data infrastructure is AI-ready, will be well-positioned to lead the way in the evolving legal landscape.
About LEAP
LEAP Legal Software has been helping law firms to become more efficient and profitable globally for more than 25 years. LEAP is committed to consistently providing world-class legal practice productivity solutions and has innovation at the heart of its research and development so that users continually have the best possible experience.
Dedicated to delivering cutting-edge and intelligent legal software solutions, LEAP’s team of specialist developers present innovative AI solutions that automate routine tasks, simplify document management, and enhance decisionmaking, allowing lawyers to do what they do best — practise law.
For more information, please visit www.leap.co.uk ■
By Gareth Walker CEO, Leap UK
Dye & Durham launches Unity® Practice Management
Dye & Durham launched Unity® Practice Management, offering small and medium-sized law firms a tailor-made software to keep their operations running smoothly while accessing Dye & Durham’s broader range of technology solutions, including conveyancing searches, AML, and a legal information AI assistant.
DeeDee is an always-on AI assistant available 24/7 to streamline tasks and boost law firms’ productivity. Powered by the latest models from OpenAI, DeeDee makes it easy to generate first drafts of documents, summarise legal principles, and start legal research. DeeDee is designed to help law firms get an edge in the coming “AI Age” of legal services.
DeeDee is now available within Dye & Durham’s Unity® Global Platform and Unity® Practice Management.
In addition to DeeDee, Unity® Practice Management features instant AML checks including PEP, Sanction, Adverse Media, Law Enforcement, and Disqualified Director checks for improved risk management.
Integrated Conveyancing Searches
Unity® Practice Management users also have integrated access to residential conveyancing searches that make due diligence on property transactions quick, easy, and accurate. And now, with Dye & Durham’s Best Value Search Packs, conveyancers can save time, effort, and money on every transaction. Comprised of Dye & Durham’s premium conveyancing reports, these Best Value Search Packs deliver all the data and insights needed for a typical property transaction, at market-leading prices.
Visit Dye & Durham’s website to learn more or contact their team at salesteamuk@dyedurham.com. ■
dyedurham.co.uk
Prompts
LEAP offers a fully integrated legal practice productivity solution, complete with premium, purpose-built legal AI tools. Ask any legal question and get it verified by a qualified lawyer with LawY, accelerate document creation with Prompts and find intricate details about your matters in seconds with Matter AI
LEAP AI is included in your LEAP subscription at no extra cost.
