Hampshire Legal September 2024 by Benham Publishing Limited

The Digital Revolution in Legal Services

Halloween Ball

Happenings in Hampshire

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

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PUBLISHER

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MEDIA No.

2049

PUBLISHED

September 2024 © Benham Publishing Ltd.

LEGAL NOTICE

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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2nd December 2024

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President’s Review

SEPTEMBER 2024

Kevin Richardson

Imust start my review with some unfortunate news and one that finds me elevated temporarily to the role of acting president.

For personal reasons Tom Mitchell, our President, is unable to continue in his role and while, of course, the circumstances which has led to my appointment are not such that I would want to accept such a privilege, nonetheless it is one which I will accept and fulfil to the best of my ability until December and our AGM when hopefully I may be elected formally as President.

I would like to thank Tom for his work during his tenure and the committee for trusting me with this esteemed position, albeit temporarily for now. As always, this is not about me but indeed the committee as a whole and I certainly will be relying heavily on the experience of the committee, which includes several past Presidents, for their continued support and guidance, a special mention to Mo Aldridge, Ian Robinson, Matthew Robbins and Adrienne Edgerley-Harris for their invaluable guidance, knowledge and experience.

I also must thank my fellow Directors at Biscoes who have allowed me to accept this position which was unexpected and will undoubtedly require their continued support and understanding so that I may spend time fulfilling my duties as acting President.

While therefore there has been an unexpected change at the top, it remains business as usual for HILS and the committee.

HILS continues to promote, educate and support local lawyers and their firms and stands as the voice for Hampshire’s legal community.

The Law Society President Nick Emerson visited Hampshire on 3rd July and we were fortunate enough, in his busy schedule, to be able to meet with him and he provided an insight as to his work and commitments as President and the plans of the Law Society going forward. The meeting was held at the offices of Trethowans in Botley and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them for allowing us to host the visit.

In the coming weeks there is a HILS social event, a walk in Portsmouth, which is taking place on 5th September, which I will be attending and will finish with a drink at a local pub in Old Portsmouth, I hope therefore to see as many of you there as possible and sincerely hope that the weather gods are kind.

This will be followed by my attendance at the Hampshire Pro Bono meeting on Wednesday 18th September being held at Southampton University.

Plans are also being finalised with the JLD for a charity ball at the Solent Hotel on Friday 25th October – more details will follow in the coming weeks.

That is all from me for now, but should any members or firms have any questions or indeed ideas for the promotion of HILS or events that we can run, or, indeed, if anyone is interested in joining the committee, then please do reach out to me directly.

■

Kevin Richardson President Hampshire Law Society

THE DATE AGM and Christmas Dinner Thursday 5 December 2024 –Kings Head, Wickham

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.

President

Kevin Richardson

Biscoes

Administrator

Nicola Jennings

PR (inc Social)

Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8AQ

Tel: 02392 660261

krichardson@biscoes-law.co.uk

Vice President

TBA

Honorary Secretary

Mo Aldridge

Jasper Vincent

44 Queensway, Southampton SO14 3GT Tel: 023 8063 3225

maldridge@jaspervincent.com

Honorary Treasurer

Kevin Richardson

Biscoes

Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8AQ

Tel: 02392 660261

krichardson@biscoes-law.co.uk

Immediate Past President

Mo Aldridge

Law Society Council Member

Adrienne Edgerley Harris

Shentons

Star Lane House

Staple Gardens

Winchester SO23 9AD adrienneedgerleyharris@gmail.com

Tel: 023 8044 7022 administration@hampshirelawsociety.co.uk

Complaints

Kevin Richardson krichardson@biscoes-law.co.uk

Education & Training

Mo Aldridge

Theresa Mills

Rachel Tombs

Nicola Jennings

Membership

Eliza Dowker (Chair) edowker@churchers.co.uk

Tebo Sebitlo

Naomi Taylor

Rachel Tombs

Contentious

Russell Evans (Chair) russell.david@yahoo.co.uk

Kevin Richardson

Michelle Hurst

Vicky Chivers

Non Contentious

Mo Aldridge (Chair) maldridge@jaspervincent.com

Matthew Robbins

Ian Robinson (Chair) irobinson@hotmail.co.uk

Mo Aldridge

Harry Dancer

Rachel Tombs

Regulatory

Adrienne Edgerley Harris (Chair) adrienneedgerleyharris@gmail.com

Kevin Richardson

Sarah Hallett

Giles Hall

James Saddler

Wessex Cancer Support has been the Law Society’s Charity of the Year since 2022.

What does Wessex Cancer Support do?

Wessex Cancer Support provides free, local and personalised emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Clients may have cancer themselves, be adjusting to life after cancer or supporting someone with cancer.

Through its four support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe [Waterside] and Newport [IOW], the charity offers a drop-in service, one-toone support, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities and community groups. It also runs weekly drop-in sessions in Andover and provides online services so people can access support from the comfort of their own home.

The charity runs groups in the heart of your community and transport on its Daisy Buses to help Isle of Wight and Channel Island patients get to hospital appointments on the mainland.

Wessex Cancer Support receives no government funding and relies entirely on charitable donations and fundraising to provide its services.

What does Wessex Cancer Support do?

“I don’t know where I’d be without Wessex Cancer Support. Because of them, my children have got their Mum back and I’m ready to rebuild my life.”

When 41-year-old single Mum, Rose, felt too tired to cook Christmas dinner, she put it down to stress.

“My Mum died at the start of the year and then my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. A few weeks later, I got my dream job as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. It meant juggling work, going back to University and caring for my children, who were eight and five.

I wanted a great Christmas after a tough year.

I was doing really well at University, but started to feel tired. I put it down to the stress and pressure I was under. Later that year, I failed the course.

I tried to concentrate on giving my children a great Christmas after a tough year, but it passed in a blur because I was exhausted. When the New Year arrived and I was still really tired, I saw my GP. Test showed it was likely I had Crohn’s or coeliac disease.

Everything changed.

I had routine cans and when I saw the screen, I knew it was serious. I was told I had aggressive bowel cancer and needed an operation. Further scans showed the cancer had spread to my ovaries and womb. I needed surgery and chemotherapy. I was shocked. I walked to collect my children from school feeling numb. Explaining to them that Mummy had cancer was hard and it really upset my daughter. Chemotherapy affected my nerves badly and I struggled to walk or talk. Eventually my treatment ended, but that Christmas was very quiet as the enormity of the year sunk in, and I struggled to cope with ongoing health conditions.

I knew I needed support.

I wanted a fresh start after a tough year, but I was diagnosed with a boneweakening condition as a result of my cancer treatment. My friends and family struggled to support me. I felt so lost and isolated, and I still needed to complete my University assignments. I didn’t know where to start.

Wessex Cancer Support was there for me.

II asked Wessex Cancer Support’s centre in Hythe for help. Together, we put together a package of support, just for me. I spoke to their befrienders, had counselling, massage and Reiki. Some days I just popped in for a cup of tea and a chat. They’re so kind and compassionate – the best people I’ve ever met. They were there for me again before my check-up and we celebrated together when I was given the all-clear. I have three years of check-ups ahead and I know they will be there for me, whatever lies ahead.

My children have got their Mum back.

Cancer has changed my outlook on life. When I was poorly, the only gift I wanted was time. I didn’t know if I would be here to see my children enjoy Christmas or their birthdays.

Wessex Cancer Support has given me the gifts of their time, compassion and kindness. Thanks to them, I can look forward again.”

How can I get involved?

There are so many ways you can help. Beyond the fundraising events organised by Hampshire Law Society, your own organisation could choose Wessex Cancer Support as its Charity of the Year, sponsor a fundraising event, provide auction prizes, or allow staff time to volunteer.

On a personal level you can raise sponsorship through one of its organised events, hold your own fundraising event or make a financial contribution by donating.

No act of kindness is too small and there are also ways to get involved without spending a penny. You could volunteer at events, in support centres or any of its shops, donate your preloved items or follow the charity on social media.

For more information on how to support, visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk or email Jo Merrett, jo.merrett@wessexcancer.org.uk

The charity is always pleased to speak to employees about the cancer support available and hopes you can raise awareness of the services it provides within your own organisation.

Whatever your contribution, it’ll make a huge difference to local people affected by cancer.

Contact

Wessex Cancer Support, 91-95 Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 2GG

Tel: 023 8067 2200, www.wessexcancer.org.uk

In the legal sector this can happen to anyone who works with clients who have experienced trauma such as domestic or other violence, child abuse, sexual assault, torture, fleeing their homeland as a refugee, personal injury, clinical negligence or a family break up.

LawCare hears from people across the legal sector who are experiencing vicarious trauma, some without realising it. They share stories like these:

• Struggling to switch off after viewing disturbing material.

• Encounters with suicide in their work.

• Seeking counselling after distressing news about a client.

• Work triggering past personal trauma.

• Feeling suicidal due to work-related trauma. This article will help you understand and recognise vicarious trauma in yourself, your colleagues, and the people you manage. It also explores the crucial role legal workplaces play in reducing this risk.

Recognising the signs

Continuous exposure to other peoples’ trauma can cause emotional exhaustion and decreased empathy in legal professionals. They might start to feel numb or disconnected from their work and clients, much like the trauma survivors themselves. Additional psychological symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts about clients’ cases, impacting both personal and professional life. Vicarious trauma can also strain relationships and contribute to feelings of isolation outside work as well.

Spotting the signs of vicarious trauma is crucial, common symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, along with increased irritability or anger.

• Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and pervasive thoughts about clients’ trauma.

• Physical symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches.

• Behavioural symptoms: withdrawing from social interactions, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and increased use of alcohol or drugs.

Vicarious trauma can also cause burnout, reduce job performance, and force people to pass cases to colleagues or leave their role entirely.

Reducing the risk of vicarious trauma

If you’re in a role that involves helping others through trauma, taking care of yourself is essential to provide the best support. There are ways to minimise the risk of vicarious trauma, even when working closely with clients facing challenging situations.

Discover what works best for you. Everyone is different and has varying levels of resilience and coping strategies that may change over time. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Set boundaries: Don’t bring traumatic work home. If you must, set limits. Don’t review upsetting material in the evenings; store it away and unwind with activities like going for a walk.

2. Be realistic about your role with clients. Don’t take responsibility for their whole life; guide them to the right resources and support.

3. Make sure you know how to recognise the signs of vicarious trauma and reach out for support when necessary. This can range from talking to a colleague to seeking support from a mental health professional.

Supporting your colleagues

If you’re concerned that a colleague may be struggling with vicarious trauma don’t be afraid to talk to them. They might not recognise what is happening or may feel they should handle their work and emotions

Understanding vicarious trauma in the legal workplace

Vicarious trauma occurs when people are indirectly exposed to trauma through their work with those who have experienced traumatic events.

alone. Let them know you’ve noticed changes in their behaviour and that you’re there to support them. Then listen and give them space to talk about what they’re experiencing. Consider directing them to additional support, such as LawCare, their GP, or counselling services provided your employer.

The role of legal workplaces

Legal workplaces are crucial in reducing the risk of vicarious trauma for employees. Robust strategies are needed to create a supportive and resilient work environment. Here are some suggested steps to achieve this:

1. Provide training to help employees recognise signs of vicarious trauma and understand its impact.

2. Train managers to recognise the signs of vicarious trauma in their teams and how to provide and signpost to appropriate support.

3. Provide confidential counselling services when necessary.

4. Encourage a healthy work-life balance that ensure reasonable work hours, breaks, and opportunities for employees to take a break from work.

5. Foster open communication, where employees feel safe sharing their experiences and emotions without stigma. Team meetings and peer support groups provide platforms for processing difficult cases, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

Seeking support from LawCare

LawCare offers free and confidential emotional support for people in the legal sector. You can contact LawCare if you’re experiencing vicarious trauma or if you just need someone to talk to about personal or workrelated matters. You can also get in touch with LawCare if you are worried about someone you work with.

Call LawCare on 0800 279 6888, email support@lawcare.org.uk or visit www.lawcare.org.uk to get in touch using the live online chat. There are also resources about vicarious trauma on the LawCare website.

Let’s talk about vicarious trauma webinar

On Thursday 5 September, from 12.30 to 1.30pm, join LawCare for a webinar about the impact of vicarious trauma on people working in the legal sector. The webinar offers an opportunity for you to enhance your understanding of vicarious trauma and its impact on mental health.

Vicarious trauma online training

awCare also offers a one-hour online training session on vicarious trauma and the next session is on Wednesday 2 October, 12 to 1pm.

This specialist training is delivered by counsellor and former solicitor Mary Jackson, who has extensive experience in facilitating vicarious trauma training. It is aimed at people in the legal sector who work with vulnerable clients or are exposed to traumatic images or experiences, such as in immigration, criminal, personal injury/clinical negligence, or family work. This training aims to introduce and develop an understanding of the concept of vicarious trauma and its potential emotional impact. Suggestions for recognising and managing vicarious trauma will also be provided.

Book your place on the training - https://lawcare.beaconforms.com/ form/47bdfec2 ■

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. ■

HILS Scavenger Hunt

08 – 19 July 2024

This July saw the third HILS Scavenger Hunt. We have received amazing feedback from the previous two events and so this year’s saw a similar format of a 2 week period to complete the hunt but an imaginative list of items!

1 Each in a different yoga pose

2 Each wearing or with an item or object of traditional legal attire or use

3 Each peeping over a wall or around a building

4 Each balancing on your left leg holding hands with the next team member whilst also each balancing something unusual on your head

5 All doing the most imaginative ‘cheers’ with any sort of drink or cocktail

6 Each wearing as many pairs of glasses as possible

7 All standing with an Exit sign

8 All outside a law firm or chambers with the letter ‘H’ ‘I’ ‘L’ or ‘S’ in its name

9 All outside a local court or police building looking guilty

10 The team forming a human pyramid (ideally with cheerleading attire)

11 The team all with their feet submerged in water

12 The team playing at a park (swing, slide, roundabout - at least 1 of these must be being used by the team in the picture)

13 The team at a restaurant with (at least 2) dolls/teddys in high chairs and feeding them

14 Each holding the largest fruit or vegetable they can hold / find

15 The team jumping as high as possible (hands in the air) all feet must be off the ground in the picture

As it has been each year, the pictures are testament to the joy, athleticism and imagination of our members. As always a great way to spend a few hours with family, friends and work colleagues. Always fascinating to see the inventive ways that the tasks are interpreted and as last year the Judges reported ‘having a hoot’ seeing all the pictures.

First prize was a Champagne Create Team and Chocolate Hamper for 4 and the Runners Up prize was a Large Box of Chocolates.

Congratulations to the two teams below Scavenger Hunt Winners: No Limits Scavenger Hunt Runners Up: Stowetally Got This

Once again, the beauty of this event is that it can be completed anywhere by anyone and the teams made up of any combination so it really can offer something for everyone. We are pleased that this year was once again engaged with and supported by our members and huge thanks to all those that took part. We hope that the fun can continue next year. ■

Future-Proof Your Law Firm: Legal Billing: Strategies for the Modern Law Firm

In the legal industry, the problem of inefficient billing practices is a significant hurdle to overcome. Many legal professionals find themselves struggling with the repetitive and time-consuming nature of billing tasks. According to Clio’s Legal Trends Report, solicitors only manage to record 2.6 billable hours per day, with the rest of their time consumed by administrative duties, including billing. Clio’s comprehensive legal billing software is the solution to this problem, as it effectively handles these administrative tasks, allowing law firms to focus on their legal work and improve productivity

The Importance of a Standardised Billing Process

A clear, standardised billing policy is essential for any law firm. It ensures consistency, reduces errors, and helps staff stay synchronised. Critical elements of an effective billing policy include:

1. Staff should use templates and guidelines for sending invoices, including details on billing descriptions and expenses.

2. Clearly outline each step of the billing process, from the initial logging of billable hours to the final approval and sending of invoices.

3. Use legal practice management software, like Clio Manage, to conduct electronic reviews and reduce errors.

4. Ensure the finance team knows the billing schedule and any outstanding payments.

5. Establish a straightforward process for handling disputes and collections, including standardised follow-up communications.

Invoice Requirements and Best Practices

A law firm must adhere to specific invoice requirements to ensure a seamless billing process. This entails using clear and concise billing descriptions that precisely depict the services rendered. Effective legal billing entries should offer adequate detail to substantiate the charges without inundating the client.

Examples of Clear Billing Descriptions:

“Met with client to review wills and answer questions.”

“Legal research to strengthen arguments for next month’s hearing.”

“Spoke about and recorded the facts of the case with the client.”

Additionally, firms working with larger clients might need to use LEDES (Legal Electronic Data Exchange Standard) billing codes to ensure compatibility with clients’ systems.

Improving Billing Productivity

To increase billing productivity, set clear client expectations, track time accurately, provide detailed descriptions, and bill frequently. Automation, such as Clio Manage, can quickly generate draft bills and automate bill reminders for timely payments.

Top Tips to Improve Billing Productivity:

• Set Clear Expectations: Communicate billing policies clearly to clients upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

• Accurate Time Recording: Use time recording tools to record all billable hours promptly and accurately.

• Frequent Billing: To maintain cash flow, send smaller, regular invoices instead of more significant, infrequent ones.

• Automation: Utilise billing software to automate routine tasks, such as generating invoices and sending reminders.

The Case for Online Payments

Online payments are another key strategy for improving billing efficiency and client satisfaction. According to a Law Society article, 66% of consumers prefer online payment methods. With its integrated Clio Payments feature, Clio’s legal billing software offers clients the flexibility to pay their legal bills online, leading to faster payments and higher client satisfaction. This feature ensures that law firms are responsive to their clients’ needs, enhancing the overall client experience.

Benefits of Online Payments:

1. Faster Payment Cycles: Online payments reduce the friction in the payment process, resulting in quicker payment cycles and improved cash flow.

2. Increased Convenience: Clients appreciate the ability to pay bills online at their convenience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Reduced Administrative Burden: Online payments minimise the time and effort spent on manual billing and collections, allowing solicitors to focus on billable work.

Clio Payments, integrated within Clio Manage, provides an all-in-one billing and payment solution. This feature allows law firms to offer clients various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and Pay-ByBank while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

The Role of Billing Software

Consider investing in specialised billing software like Clio Manage to significantly improve a law firm’s billing efficiency and accuracy. Clio’s software empowers you with customisable invoices, seamless accounting software integration, and robust security measures for client data protection.

Benefits of Using Clio Manage:

• Customisable Invoices: Create branded invoices tailored to your firm’s needs.

• Payment Flexibility: Accept payments via credit card, debit, or Payby-Bank transfers.

• Integration: Sync with popular accounting programs like QuickBooks Online and Xero.

• Automation: Automate routine billing tasks, reducing administrative burden and minimising errors.

For law firms looking to optimise their billing practices and enhance productivity, Clio’s legal billing software offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of the legal industry. With Clio, you can streamline your billing process, increase your billable hours, and drive success for your firm. Visit Clio.com/uk to learn more. ■

Louise Donnery, Blog Editor for Clio EMEA

PParis Smith launches Sports Law Practice

Partner Clive Dobbin appointed to Sport Resolutions’ National Panel

aris Smith, a leading law firm in the Central South, announces the launch of its new Sports Law Practice. This follows last week’s announcement that the firm has teamed up with Southampton FC as its Official Legal Partner for the next two years.

The team will be headed by partner Clive Dobbin, who was recently appointed as a Legal Member to the prestigious Sport Resolutions National Panel for 2024-2027, reflecting his exceptional expertise in sports law and dispute resolution.

Clive has a wealth of experience from serving on numerous sporting panels including UK Athletics, Lawn Tennis Association, British Equestrian Federation and formerly Britain American Football Association.

Clive heads a sports law team that includes employment lawyers Sarah Hayes, Adam Wheal and Andrew Willshire and other specialist solicitors from across the firm. This dedicated team of

specialist solicitors brings extensive experience in handling sportsrelated legal matters, offering comprehensive support to sports clubs, governing bodies, athletes and employees. They also provide support in family matters, residential property transactions and trusts, wills and estates to athletes and employees

Clive Dobbin, Partner & Head of the Employment team at Paris Smith:

“We are thrilled to introduce our new Sports Law Practice. Our team’s extensive experience and dedication to the sports sector will ensure that we provide top-tier legal support to our clients. Whether dealing with disciplinary issues, employment matters, property matters or commercial agreements, we are here to help our clients navigate the complexities of sports law with confidence and expertise.”

For more information about Paris Smith’s Sports Law Practice, please visit parissmith.co.uk/your-business/sports-law-solicitors.

Paris Smith Sports Law Team, left to right: Andrew Willshire, Sarah Hayes, Clive Dobbin & Adam Wheal

Clive Dobbin

Parker Bullen welcomes new Partner, Mark Barratt, to the Residential Property department

arker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands is delighted to announce the addition of Mark Barratt, Partner in the Residential Property department. Mark, who will be based at the firm’s new office at Strong House in Romsey, joins following the recent merger between Parker Bullen LLP and Kirklands Solicitors LLP, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the well-respected team.

With a career spanning over two decades, Mark has been dedicated to the field of residential conveyancing since leaving university in 2003. His extensive background includes working primarily in Hampshire, with a brief period in Lincolnshire, and he became a Licensed Conveyancer in 2021. Mark’s academic credentials include an LLB (Hons) Degree, further solidifying his comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in the property world.

Mark’s expertise encompasses all facets of residential conveyancing, including sales and purchases, remortgaging, and Transfer of Equity. His calm and reassuring approach has earned him a stellar reputation among clients, guiding them through every step of the process with clarity and ease. He understands the varied emotional landscapes of his clients, whether they are first-time buyers, individuals who have not experienced the property market in years, or those facing challenging personal circumstances.

“Buying or selling a home can be a nerve-wracking experience,” Mark explains. “I strive to make the process as smooth as possible, whether my clients are moving into their dream home or dealing with a sale due

to life changes such as divorce or bereavement. My goal is to take the unnecessary stress out of the equation and achieve timely, satisfactory results. I am delighted to be joining Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands at such a pivotal moment in the firm’s history, and look forward to working with my new colleagues, clients and the local business community in Romsey more over the coming months.”

Gareth Horner, Managing Partner, commented, “We are thrilled to have Mark join our team and are confident that his expertise and client-focused approach will be invaluable assets to Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands. His presence reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional service and legal guidance in residential property matters and further strengthens our property offering, particularly in Romsey.”

For more information or to discuss your next move with Mark or a member of the team, please visit the website www.parkerbullen.com or call 01794 513466.

We are delighted to announce a new Borrower Real Estate Finance team at Lester Aldridge.

Our specialist team, led by Partner David Fanchi, advises a wide range of borrowers, including developers, contractors, and domestic and international investors, on refinancings, buy-to-let acquisitions, bridging and portfolio properties. Incorporating the extensive experience and market knowledge of our Real Estate Finance and Commercial Real Estate teams, our specialist Borrower team provides a thorough understanding of the complex and diverse elements of real estate financing from a borrower’s perspective.

“Our goal is to offer borrowers unparalleled expertise and strategic advice tailored to their specific needs,” says David Fanchi. “With our vast experience and deep understanding of lender requirements, we are well-positioned to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Lester Aldridge Launches New Borrower Real Estate Finance Team

Our team members, with their significant experience representing lenders, work in close collaboration with brokers. This approach ensures that we address lender requirements with commercial insight and efficiency, always keeping our clients’ interests at the forefront.

Each transaction requires bespoke guidance. We engage with clients individually to discuss their specific needs, timelines, costs, and relevant processes tailored to their situations.

Learn more about our team’s capabilities: Lester Aldridge Borrower Real Estate Finance

L-R Phoebe Chandler, Chelsie Little, Anmol Ahluwalia and David Fanchi.

Mark Barratt.

L-R: Jonathan Webb, Melanie Lidstone-Land, Lisa WatsonCook, Tom Alder, Philippa Langton and Paul Markides.

Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge announces a significant milestone as it prepares to relocate its Southampton office to Mountbatten House, in the heart of Grosvenor Square, Southampton’s premier business district, this July.

Working in collaboration with Vibe Business Interiors, LA has designed a bespoke fit-out of its new office space to reflect the needs of both clients and staff in 2024. The new office, bringing all staff together on a single floorplate, boasts an “LA Café” hub, various formal and informal breakout areas, a “Collaboration Corner”, and more. It also uses the latest technology to facilitate greater communication and innovation.

Having served as the cornerstone of Lester Aldridge’s Southampton presence since its acquisition in 2001, the Carlton Crescent office has witnessed remarkable growth. The Southampton office now

Lester Aldridge Wins Property Law Firm of the Year for Second Consecutive Year

Leading law firm Lester Aldridge has once again been awarded the prestigious Property Law Firm of the Year title at the South Coast Property Awards 2024, marking their second consecutive win. The South Coast Property Awards celebrate exceptional achievements, recognising individuals and organisations that significantly contribute to the growth and success of the region’s property market. Showcasing agents, developers, planners, consultants, property lawyers, and dealmakers, the awards recognise the very best within the industry.

Lester Aldridge Elevates Southampton Presence with Relocation to Mountbatten House

houses seventy dedicated professionals across key departments, including Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial, Personal Injury, and LA Marine, the firm’s specialist marine and shipping law team. The relocation to Mountbatten House aligns with Lester Aldridge’s commitment to basing itself in Southampton city centre.

Reflecting on the impending move, Partner Tom Alder, who has been instrumental in shaping Lester Aldridge’s Southampton journey, expressed his enthusiasm: “As we celebrate 23 years of success in Southampton, we are delighted to announce the relocation to Mountbatten House.

“Our new, purpose-designed space embodies our ethos of collaboration, empowering our teams to thrive and deliver unparalleled legal expertise to our valued clients.”

The firm’s Real Estate team comprises highly skilled and experienced legal professionals with in-depth industry knowledge. This win reflects the team’s expertise and dedication. Their ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, provide tailored solutions, and deliver exceptional client service has earned them widespread recognition in the South Coast region and beyond.

Mark Benham, Head of Real Estate, accepted the award on behalf of the firm, stating, “Winning the award for two years in a row is a testament to how LA has become the legal adviser of choice for lenders, developers and investors in the south. We are investing heavily in our people to enable them to be the trusted advisors of the future for our clients.”

FROM DC to DG Employment Duo Welcomed to Dutton Gregory Solicitors

New members of Dutton Gregory Solicitors’ Employment Team, Darren Tibble, Partner, and Daryl Cowan, Consultant Solicitor.

With 55 years’ combined experience and highly regarded reputations in the ever-changing landscape of Employment Law, legal specialists and former colleagues, Daryl Cowan and Darren Tibble, have reunited at Dutton Gregory Solicitors.

Since his studies at the College of Law in York, Darren Tibble knew that he wanted to dedicate his legal career to matters of employment. His subsequent success has not only brought recommendations and calls for assistance from employers across the country, but also enabled him to bring over 18 years’ experience of legal practice at Partner level to Dutton Gregory Solicitors.

“Employment Law has evolved dramatically since I started over 25 years ago,’ says Darren. ‘Employees are savvier, they have access to more information and the media enjoys nothing more than reporting salacious cases from Employment Tribunals.’

‘However, with the higher profile and greater awareness of Employment Law inevitably comes misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations, especially when legislation is constantly changing and legal frameworks such as those within the Equality Act are being applied to an increasingly diverse range of cases.’

Before making the move to join Dutton Gregory Solicitors, Darren spent nine years at DC Employment Solicitors in Southampton where he met and worked with founder, Daryl Cowan, who has had a unique and fascinating legal career to date.

After qualifying as a solicitor at Southampton City Council with experience in Magistrates Court, planning and public prosecution, Daryl went on to provide in-house legal counsel to the South East Region of the National Farmers’ Union, dealing with cases including land boundaries, animal attacks and, most of all, employment law.

Stood: Mark Broad, Partner and Head of Employment Law

Seated: Consultant Solicitors, Daryl Cowan and Marianne Pieterse, with Partner, Darren Tibble.

In 2008, Daryl struck out on his own and started DC Employment Solicitors where he continued to take cases from the farming community, built a well-respected reputation in the field of horseracing and established an enviable network of HR clients across a range of corporate sectors.

“Whilst our work can often be a ‘crisis purchase’, the key to modern employment law is laying and constantly reviewing the groundwork,’ Daryl explains. ‘Whether it is an HR Manager of a large corporation, or a business owner taking on their first employee, our job is to guide and support an organisation so that it is compliant, protected and, should any individual matters arise, we can simply take them away to deal with quickly and efficiently.”

And Daryl’s appointment as a Consultant to Dutton Gregory Solicitors has come at a momentous time. “With a new government set to make huge changes to the rights of employees, company bosses, HR managers and employment professionals need to be alert, vigilant and proactive.”

On the reasons for choosing to join the employment team at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, both men are in agreement.

“The culture and future potential of the firm is really inspiring,’ says Darren. ‘As the firm expands with mergers and opening new offices across the country, it provides us with resources and support to serve existing clients, whilst giving us the capacity to help new ones.’

“We are delighted to welcome Darren and Daryl to the firm,” says Dutton Gregory Solicitors’ Head of Employment, Mark Broad.

“Their experience and knowledge will help clients face the variety of challenges, both known and unknown, that lie ahead, and we will maintain our reputation as a forward-thinking and client-focussed provider of employment solutions.’

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Dutton Gregory Supports Charlie’s Cycle Challenge

Dutton Gregory Solicitors was delighted to support 8-yearold Charlie Collis in his 220-mile bike ride from Cornwall to Southampton in aid of Southampton Football Club’s ‘Saints Foundation’ over the summer.

Having been inspired by former Saints footballer, Sam McQueen’s Big Bike Challenge from Liverpool to Southampton, Charlie Collis undertook his own cycling feat last year, pedalling 85 miles from Bristol to St Mary’s Stadium in three and a half days.

This year, Charlie raised the stakes by preparing to ride two and half times his previous distance over five days, all in aid of the Saints Foundation.

“I am raising money in memory of my Grandad,’ says Charlie. ‘He was a massive Saints fan who died in 2011 and is buried in Charleston, Cornwall where I will start my challenge.’ ‘

Dutton Gregory Charity Abseil

Lawyers are renowned for being risk averse, but not at Dutton Gregory Solicitors and College Chambers. A team of 20 lawyers took the plunge (thankfully none literally) in abseiling down the 115 meter Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise funds and awareness for Rose Road, a Southampton based children’s charity.

Teams from Dutton Gregory Solicitors, College Chambers and Rose Road took on the challenge in descending down the tower, and although they had glorious sunshine the cross winds kept them on their toes, and took some of them off their feet and the tower!

Emma Menzies, a Partner at Dutton Gregory and Head of the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence departments, and first to brave the abseil said, “It was a magnificent day for my colleagues and I to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower. The weather was glorious and the team spirit (The Rose Road Association, Dutton Gregory Solicitors and College Chambers) was incredible. And, to top it all off, we managed to raise a significant amount of money for this fabulous charity.”

Bethanie Lee, the Assistant Fundraising Manager for Rose Road commented on the day “Thank you so much to the 25 participants from Rose Road, Dutton Gregory and College Chambers who braved the 100 metre descent and abseiled Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower to raise money for Rose Road. It’s been a pleasure to meet and support them all with their fundraising, which allows us to keep our doors open and continue to support children and young people with complex disabilities, and their families, across Hampshire. It was such a fun day that helped raise not only vital funds for our charity, but an important awareness of the work we do and the need for our services.”

The team raised over £6,500 for the Rose Road charity, which provides direct care services, including overnight respite, community care and holiday and Saturday playschemes for children and young

When we heard Charlie’s story, we could not believe a boy his age had such ambition and determination,’ says Brianna Garley, Head of Dutton Gregory’s Charity Committee. “As supporters of the Saints Foundation, we were delighted to boost Charlie’s fundraising with a sponsorship donation.’

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/charliecollis-1717359067285 or search for ‘Charlie Collis’ on www.justgiving.com

adults with complex physical and learning disabilities and their families, as well as SEN support and advice. Although based in Southampton the charity supports families from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties.

Charlie Collis, 8, with his father Chris, and members of Dutton Gregory Solicitors’ Charity Committee, David Atton (far left) and Brianna Garley (far right).

Emma Menzies, a Partner at Dutton Gregory

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Dutton Gregory Family Team shortlisted for two national awards

The Family Team at Dutton Gregory Solicitors were shortlisted for two national awards at the Modern Law Private Client awards, being shortlisted for Family Law Team of the year, and Jon Whettingsteel family lawyer of the year.

Jon, who was highly commended in his category said, ‘being shortlisted for two national awards is a fantastic achievement, and shows how far this team have come in a relatively short time.’ Many of the team have joined the department in the last 18-24 months, including a merger with a firm in Woking, and I know this is only the beginning of even greater things. Even being shortlisted amongst such prestigious names was an achievement, but to be highly commended as family law of the year was a huge privilege.’

The awards took place at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool, and were hosted by Paul Sinha, best know from the television quiz show ‘The Chase’ and recognised the best from across the legal world in the areas of family and wills and probate law.

utton Gregory Solicitors is delighted to announce several promotions across its offices to individuals who have contributed to the firm’s impressive growth and reach across the UK over the past year.

In the firm’s property team, Naomi Williams has been made Senior Associate for her introduction and care of new clients, and Tom Whatley has received a promotion to Associate Solicitor in recognition of his professional development and increasing specialist knowledge.

Two of the Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning specialists, Bronwyn White and Charlotte Cole have been promoted to Senior Associate and Associate Solicitor respectively for their support, focus and commitment to both clients and colleagues.

Promotions at Dutton Gregory Solicitors

Elsewhere in the firm, Elizabeth Cooke-Smith and Elizabeth Eastley have been made Senior Associates in their respective departments of Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution. Both Elizabeths have made an impressive impact on clients and successfully built upon their network for contacts.

Finally, Shannon Montgomery has been made an Associate Solicitor of the Family Team for her client care, proactive representation of the firm at events and contributions online.

‘Whilst client service and legal practice are paramount, it is also the role of a successful law firm to support, nurture and provide opportunity to talented professionals,’ says Paul Sams, Managing Partner of Dutton Gregory Solicitors.

‘Every one of these individuals has earned their promotion through their ability and commitment to the firm, so it becomes an expression of both recognition and appreciation.’

BEST PRACTICE FOR FUNDING PROFESSIONAL INDEMNIT Y INSUR ANCE

Now that the dust has settled on the Spring PII renewal season, it looks like the new entries to the sector are signalling an end to the ‘hard’ market.

For those firms that are still in the traditional September renewal season, now is the crucial time to start thinking about preparing for the proposal forms. Your PII broker will be much better placed than me to help with this, however, I thought I would take this opportunity to offer some brief tips for paying for the (hopefully lower) premiums!

Many firms will do a great job negotiating a lower premium with their insurers and then pay thousands more than they need to by paying on a monthly basis. The ‘tick box’ option is often tempting, as most Compliance Officers for Legal Practices will want to put the whole arduous process behind them.

However, with lending being unregulated, there is no requirement for the funder to provide a comparable APR. The reality is that the cost of this funding is not dissimilar to a credit card with actual APRs of 20% not a rarity.

By getting independent finance, not only will you obtain a much more favourable interest rate, but more flexible terms allow you to fund over 12 months rather than the standard 10. Deferring the first payment and being able to fund over 18 months if you choose to lock into a longer policy is also a significant benefit. So, if you are looking to spread the cost, getting independent finance is definitely the best way forward.

How do you go about doing this?

Get funds in place early – You don’t have to wait to get your final figure before getting an approval in place. The most common reason we hear for firms not getting independent finance is because they run out of time waiting to hear back from their brokers. Instead, use last year’s figure and add 10%. It won’t harm your application if the figure comes in lower. Credit underwriters like to see firms using conservative figures. An Iceberg loan approval lasts 90 days, meaning you can have the funds approved and ready to go as early as June for 1st October renewal.

Don’t approach too many funders – Try to avoid using finance brokers. They can be useful if your financials aren’t as strong as desired, but most law firms should be able to get finance arranged by their bank or a direct funder. Finance brokers will often approach multiple funders, which results in more searches than necessary potentially downgrading your credit rating and, in turn, creating further difficulties down the road.

Provide clear and accurate information – Most PII loans via Iceberg can be approved via a FastTrack service, requiring one simple application form. Make sure it’s completed accurately and is easy to read. If you do need to provide more financial information, make sure it is correctly formatted and labelled clearly. Even if we aren’t using the Fast Track service you will usually only have to provide your last signed accounts and most recent management figures. You can never provide an underwriter with too much information, so if you provide forecasts then this will hold you in good stead.

If you would like further information on Iceberg’s PII or working capital funding options, then please feel free to call me or one of the team.

Ethan French Account Manager, Iceberg Group

Why Flat Fee Law Firms Shouldn’t Ignore Time Tracking

Discover the advantages of time tracking for flat fee law firms, including improving efficiency, justifying rate increases, and identifying areas for improvement.

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Law firms generally operate on one of two billing models: flat fee or billable hours. Flat fee firms charge a fixed amount for specific services, while billable hour firms charge based on time spent. Despite these differences, both types of firms can benefit from time tracking systems. This blog post highlights how flat fee law firms can use time tracking to improve efficiency, justify rate increases, and identify profitable services.

Improving efficiency with time tracking

Time tracking is a powerful tool for flat fee law firms aiming to enhance efficiency and profitability. By monitoring the time spent on tasks, firms can gain insights into how their time is used and where improvements are needed. This helps identify inefficiencies, manage resources better, and determine which tasks can be automated. Legal time tracking software can automate this process, reducing the administrative burden and freeing up time for billable work.

Time tracking also enhances client service by allowing firms to see how much time is spent on each client matter. This ensures that the value provided matches client expectations and fees, while also identifying potential issues early, enabling proactive solutions.

Justifying rate increases

Time tracking is crucial for justifying rate increases at flat fee law firms. By tracking time spent on various tasks and cases, firms can provide evidence of the resources invested in each client matter. This data serves as a powerful tool for demonstrating the expertise and effort required to deliver high-quality legal services.

With accurate time tracking data, firms can engage in informed discussions with clients about rate adjustments. Presenting a detailed breakdown of time spent on different aspects of a case—such as research, drafting, and court appearances—fosters transparency and trust, making it easier to justify rate increases that reflect the true value of the services provided.

Identifying profitable and unprofitable services

Time tracking helps flat fee law firms identify which services are profitable and which are not. By monitoring the time spent on each client matter, firms can determine which clients and case types generate the most revenue. This information can inform decisions about pricing, staffing, and service offerings.

For example, a firm may discover that personal injury cases take up a significant amount of time but do not generate enough revenue to cover costs. This insight could lead to raising rates for those cases or discontinuing them altogether. Time tracking can also reveal tasks that consume the most time, prompting firms to streamline or eliminate unnecessary processes, thereby increasing efficiency and profitability.

4 tips for implementing time tracking in a flat fee law firm

The key to successful time tracking in a flat fee law firm lies in its effective implementation. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Set clear expectations

Make sure your team understands the purpose and significance of time tracking. Communicate the benefits of accurate time recording and how it contributes to the firm’s success. Clearly outline the expectations regarding when, how, and what tasks should be tracked.

2. Choose the right legal time tracking software

Opt for a user-friendly and reliable time tracking software for law firms that aligns with your firm’s specific needs. Consider a legal practice management system that includes time tracking features, as well as features like task management, reporting, and integration with other important tools to your firm.

3. Train your team

Provide comprehensive training on the chosen time tracking tool, guaranteeing everyone understands how to use it effectively. Regular training sessions can reinforce the importance of accurate timekeeping and address any challenges that may arise.

4. Review data regularly

Monitor and analyse the collected time tracking data regularly. Identify patterns, bottlenecks, and areas where you can optimise your processes or increase fees. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and profitability.

Choosing the best time tracking tool

When it comes to selecting a time tracking tool, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the tool offers a variety of comprehensive reporting features so you can easily see how your time is being spent. Second, the tool should be user-friendly so that your lawyers can easily adopt it into their workflow. Third, it should fit within your budget.

If you’re a flat fee law firm, consider using Actionstep to track your time. It offers a suite of law firm management features, including time tracking, billing, and client management, helping firms improve efficiency, profitability, and client service.

Book a demo to learn more about Actionstep’s time tracking for flat fee law firms.

Period of Renewal

Dan Blundell & Arjun Rohilla considers some of the current risk trends that fall outside of the usual professional indemnity insurance renewal factors.

Solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance (PII) commentators broadly agree on the condition of the PII market and insurers’ attitude towards risk. Firms that maintain sound risk management and business practices, and can effectively communicate these to underwriters, are perceived as preferred risks that enhance their negotiating leverage. But has this not always been the case?

As the October renewal season approaches, we offer perennial tips on presenting your firm to insurers for the best outcomes, such as preparing and submitting documentation early – but there are variables. Brokers play a crucial role by providing insights on risk trends that fall outside the usual ‘renewal proposal’ box, particularly regarding underwriters’ latest concerns. So what is currently on the underwriter’s risk radar?

Profiling risk

Insurers’ proposal forms, the principal checklist for profiling a firm’s risk exposure, will address most important risk factors. Some exposures, perhaps because of perceived transience or complexity, might be addressed separately. Dealing with cybercrime is currently a feature that we consider an ‘out of the box’ category and, as such, is an important consideration when we assist clients with renewal preparations.

Understanding the perennial fundamentals that underpin the PII application preparation process is crucial. This includes:

1. Timeliness. Avoid preparing insurance applications at the last minute. Rushed presentations seldom create a strong narrative of a firm’s structure and activities. Late submissions might also lead to a firm missing any renewal incentives on offer.

2. Collaboration. Preparing a PII application is typically a team effort. Assigning tasks early allows colleagues to allocate resources and generate and verify the information they contribute to your renewal presentation.

3. Renewal process structure. The renewal preparation and negotiation process follows a specific structure. By understanding the sequence and timeline of renewal arrangements, you can efficiently organise your efforts and minimise the need to backtrack to address gaps.

Preparing documentation

Preparing your PII renewal documentation involves many components, making the process complex and demanding. However, our experience shows that a structured approach can simplify and streamline this task. The following steps can assist:

1. Understanding overall claims and noting significant losses is crucial. Ensure reserves are up to date for open claims and mark closed claims accordingly. Underwriters evaluate open and closed claims differently, so document their status accurately. Ongoing claims reviews will help shape risk controls.

2. Insurers will seek proof that you have identified the root causes of losses and implemented corrective actions, updating policies and training materials to match your latest operational and risk management standards.

3. Business and resilience planning is crucial to renewal preparation. It conveys objectives for the upcoming year and demonstrates that a firm is well-managed and financially stable.

4. Underwriters rely heavily on the proposal form and supporting documentation submitted during renewal negotiations to understand a firm’s operations. The quality of documentation greatly influences how underwriters perceive a firm.

5. As the renewal season unfolds, underwriters face mounting workloads. Recognising their heightened demands, despite efficient back-office systems, is crucial. We advocate prioritising renewal submissions to ensure prompt attention amid their increased responsibilities.

6. Following the completion of the quotation process, a broker will arrange a discussion to review available options. The broker will formally present the most favourable option after this initial assessment. While it might seem that the best terms are those with the lowest premium or excesses, factors such as claims support, personal guarantees and claims disclosure obligations should also be considered.

Cyber risks

Cybercrime is an ever-present risk for all businesses, not just solicitors, but we know that the profession is a specific target. PII proposal forms contain detailed sections regarding the firm’s IT infrastructure; however, in our experience, underwriters feel more comfortable insuring firms that can further evidence their cyberevent preparedness. But, given changes to the PII minimum terms and conditions (MTCs), this may be a moot point for PI insurers.

Since 2021, the MTCs have adopted what became known as an ‘affirmative’ position regarding the extent of cyber coverage provided by the PII policy. Broadly speaking, first-party losses are either assumed by the firm or covered by a specialist cyber insurance policy, with third-party losses remaining with PI insurers. Although affirmative cover clarifies what is and is not covered by the PII policy, the impact of a cyber-attack can be far-reaching. It has the potential to generate both first- and third-party losses, particularly if the firm fails to respond to the breach effectively. Does the firm have a tested response plan in the event of a cyberattack to find out what happened, try to contain the breach, assess the risk and act to protect those affected? Can this be achieved within 72 hours while coping with potential disruption to your operation, evaluating extortion demands and taking measures to protect the firm’s reputation?

Cyber-attack response is just one example where supplementary information will help present your firm in the best light to insurers. There might be other risk-profiling issues relevant to a firm’s size and operations where additional information might be helpful. Your broker will be able to identify these for you.

If you like to arrange a call or meeting with Paragon to discuss your Professional Indemnity renewal, please contact Dan Blundell & Arjun Rohilla at paragonbrokers.com

Dan Blundell Arjun Rohilla

A New Chapter Begins:

Stroud School becomes King Edward VI Preparatory School

We are excited to unveil the rebranding of Stroud School as King Edward VI Preparatory School, marking the next step in our thriving, more than a decade long partnership with King Edward VI School. This exciting development reaffirms our commitment to delivering outstanding education for children from ages 2 to 18. With this launch, King Edward VI School now offers a fully integrated educational journey through four distinct stages:

King Edward VI Nursery: Nursery paragraph: Accepting children as young as two, the nursery operates year-round and creates a nurturing and stimulating environment for our youngest pupils. The recent development of “Little Meadow,” our Early Years nature area, enhances the children’s early learning experiences. The nursery is located on the KES Prep site in Romsey.

King Edward VI Preparatory School: Set in the picturesque Romsey countryside, our prep school offers an engaging and challenging curriculum that ignites a passion for learning. We focus on cultivating each child’s strengths, setting a strong foundation for future academic and personal achievements.

King Edward VI School: With over 470 years of history, the senior school is known for its academic rigour and focus on character development. Beyond preparing students for exams, we equip them with the skills needed for life, offering a wide range of co-curricular activities to ensure they leave as wellrounded individuals.

King Edward VI Sixth Form: The final stage of our educational journey is designed for intellectually curious and ambitious young adults. Here, small class sizes and expert teaching are complemented by a robust co-curricular programme, fostering both academic success and personal growth.

This partnership is much more than a simple rebranding—it embodies our shared vision of educational excellence and holistic student development. By combining our strengths, we provide a seamless educational experience from nursery through sixth form, unified by a shared ethos and commitment to quality.

Neal Paker, Head of King Edward VI School said, “Our partnership allows us to further enrich the educational experience for all our students, fostering creativity and innovation across all ages.”

Rebecca Smith, Headmistress of KES Prep, added, “ This transition marks an exciting opportunity to build on our strengths while expanding the opportunities available to our children.”

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we are committed to inspiring, challenging, and developing the next generation of learners and leaders. We invite our community to join us in celebrating this new beginning and the bright future ahead.

Preparatory School Autumn Events

Nursery & Prep School

Open Morning

Saturday 28 September 2024

Nursery & Reception

Little Performers

Friday 22 November 2024

Nursery & Prep School in Action

Friday 7 February 2025

Senior School & Sixth Form Autumn Events

Open Evening | Friday 4 October, 6.00pm-8.30pm Come and explore all King Edward’s has to offer Taster Mornings | September 2024 | For children currently in Year 6 & Year 8

Sixth Form Teas | October & December 2024 | For children currently in Year 11

‘FAILURE TO REMOVE’ CLAIMS AND ARTICLE 3: EXE V CITY OF BRADFORD MDC [2024] EW MISC 20 (CC)

Claims involving alleged failures by children’s social services departments to remove children from neglectful and/or abusive placements have seen significant development throughout the last five years.

The decision of the Supreme Court in CN v Poole [2019] UKSC 25 and HXA and YXA [2023] UKSC 52 appeared to have narrowed the potential to bring such claims in negligence and practitioners turned to bring similar claims pursuant to Article 3 of Schedule 1 to the Human Rights Act 1998 relying on the ‘operational duty’ upon a local authority to take reasonable preventative measures to protect a member of the public from a real and immediate risk of harm of which the authority is or ought to be aware.

In AB [2022] EWCA Civ 529 the Court of Appeal struck out one of these such failure to remove claims, brought pursuant to Article 3, with the Court deciding that:

a) the Claimant had no real prospect of success in demonstrating that the treatment he suffered was sufficiently severe so as to engage Article 3, b) that there was no real and immediate risk of such treatment, and that, c) in any event, there had been no failure to take reasonable preventative measures.

Giving some optimism to the otherwise seemingly limited ability to bring Article 3 claims was the Judgment of Mrs Justice Hill DBE earlier this year in the case of SZR v Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council [2024] EWHC 598 (KB), handed down in March 2024 in which the High Court dismissed the Defendant’s application for summary judgment and strike out in a claim concerning alleged failures, in breach of Article 3, to protect a child from prolonged neglect.

Building on this is the more recent Judgment of HHJ Malek in EXE v City of Bradford MDC [2024] EW Misc 20 (CC) in which, again, the Defendant’s application for summary judgment and strike out, was dismissed. Interestingly, and in contrast to many claims of this nature, this claim centres specifically on the physical assaults the Claimant was subject to between the age of 8 and 14 years, including but not limited to:

• The Claimant being punched in the arm and lifted by the hair by the mother’s boyfriend.

• The Claimant being slapped by the mother’s boyfriend and her brother being encouraged to also smack her.

• The Claimant being punched, dragged upstairs, pulled by her hair and kicked in the head by the mother’s boyfriend; and

• The mother’s boyfriend throwing shoes and a chair at the Claimant.

The Claimant contends that during her childhood the Defendant’s social services department was aware that she was suffering cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment which contravened her rights under Article 3 and that the Defendant should have taken reasonably available measures which could have had a real prospect of altering the outcome or mitigating the harm.

Regarding the issue of the severity of treatment required to trigger Article 3, HHJ Malek referenced the case of AB noting that sexual or physical abuse of a child is capable of involving ill-treatment falling within the scope of Article 3. He further noted that the special vulnerability of children is relevant to the assessment as to whether the Article 3 threshold is met as was mentioned in SZR. The Defendant advanced that the incidents the Claimant endured did not involve serious physical assault and did not result in serious physical injury. It suggested that the context of these incidents was generally family argument and disagreement, parental difficulties with the teenage Claimant and (at worst) overzealous chastisement. HHJ Malek disagreed and stated in his Judgment, ‘…to categorise these particular incidents as simply

overzealous chastisement is to considerably understate the case. The assault of a nine / ten year old girl by an adult male by punching, kicking in the head, pulling her hair and throwing a chair at her can fall, on any reasonable measure, to be categorised as serious physical abuse. Even accepting the evidence that these assaults did not result in serious injury it still remains the case that these were nasty assaults which are capable of properly being categorised as serious physical abuse.’

The Judge was keen to highlight that there is limited use in trying to compare the severity of incidents in earlier cases as some sort of ‘threshold yardstick’ by which the seriousness of incidents might be measured at trial.

Turning then to the issue of the Defendant’s failure to take reasonably available measures which could have altered the outcome or mitigated the harm, the Defendant argued that the Defendant did in fact take such measures by reference to:

• A Duty Social Worker’s quick response to investigate on one occasion resulting in a medical examination which concluded that most injuries complained of were substantiated.

• Police interviews.

• The mother’s boyfriend leaving home and the mother agreeing to prevent unsupervised contact between him and the Claimant.

•Social work visits.

• Other support services being involved with the family.

HHJ Malek was clear that the Defendant’s submission was based solely upon a review of the Defendant’s records carried out by the Defendant’s solicitor. He went on to say that the Claimant’s recollection of events (which took place over six years ago and whilst she was a child) was likely to be patchy, but pointed out that her evidence may well cast a very different light on the documents. He noted that there also remains the possibility that other witnesses (who can speak to and clarify the documents) can be identified.

HHJ Malek was eager to avoid a mini-trial by examining the investigations carried out and measures put in place by the Defendant; referencing the detail the Defendant’s solicitor was obliged to go into in her witness statement to illustrate her point on the issue.

HHJ Malek was unable to determine that the Claimant had no prospect of successfully arguing that a Care Order should have been made and the Claimant removed from her family earlier than April 2018. Going further than this, he noted that the Claimant also pleads that the Defendant failed to take “reasonable and available measures” as a result of which the Claimant suffered harm. Therefore, the Claimant remains able to argue at trial that the Defendant failed to take other reasonable measures, as an alternative to a Care Order.

Of course, it must be borne in mind that assessment of the severity threshold, real and immediate risk, and reasonable preventative measures, are always going to be specific to the facts and circumstances of each case.

Yet, taking further confidence from this Judgment, Claimants should take home the following points:

a) Cases involving sexual assaults, physical assaults of the kind in this present case and neglect may all still be capable of amounting to inhuman and degrading treatment.

b) Evidence should not only be taken from the Defendant’s social care records, but from available witnesses who will no doubt add detail to the circumstances and facts of the claim.

c) A Care Order is not the only measure available to the Defendant to protect the Claimant from harm, and lesser measures should be considered and pleaded where appropriate

Helen Horne Enable Law

SOLICITORS’ COMPLAINT HANDLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT (AGAIN)

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has been conducting a review of complaints handling by solicitors firms and is not happy with what it has found. Its research indicates that nearly half of the complaints reviewed by the Legal Ombudsman were inadequately handled by firms and often complaints reached the Ombudsman before the first-tier process had even been completed due to a lack of confidence in the process or its perceived complexity.

In response the LSB has introduced new policies and guidance aimed at improving the handling of first-tier complaints and these look likely to be adopted in some form by the SRA.

Ivan Roots and Stacy Smit of Womble Bond Dickinson, who are specialists in defending professional negligence claims, consider what steps firms can take to ensure that their complaint handling processes are fit for purpose and so do not attract the unwelcome attention of the SRA.

Ensuring swift legal complaint handling

To the extent that firms are not already doing so, they should ensure that, save in exceptional cases, complaints that can be resolved are resolved as quickly as possible and ideally well within an eight week timeframe.

A firm’s complaints procedure should be prominently displayed and accessible, outlining the steps a firm will take when a complaint is made. Complainants must also be informed of

their right to make a first-tier complaint and to escalate it to the Legal Ombudsman after eight weeks if it is unresolved.

Firms should provide regular updates to complainants and ensure communications are in ‘plain and appropriate’ language, by which the LSB means ‘professional and empathetic’, considering any sensitivities of the particular matter complained of, or of the complainant in question.

Firms with a disproportionately high number of complaints, whether resolved or unresolved can expect to be referred by regulators to the Legal Ombudsman for enforcement actions that the LSB describes as ‘targeted, proportionate and in the public interest’.

Particular work areas of concern

As readers will appreciate, the era of accruing a minimum number of CPD points is over, with the current rules requiring solicitors to take individual responsibility for keeping their legal knowledge and professional skills up to date. Two work areas have been singled out by the LSB as areas where the process of self-reflection and self-improvement may not be serving clients well.

The first is family law where there has been a 25% increase in complaints, with a third of these relating to lack of knowledge of the law or process. The second is landlord and tenant law, where complaints increased by an even higher percentage (49%), half of which concerned lack of knowledge of law or process.

To address this, the SRA will be conducting inspections at a random sample of firms to assess whether solicitors are meeting their obligations and being properly supervised. Firms practising in these areas can also expect a letter from the SRA reminding them of their obligations and providing practical tips on maintaining competence.

Conclusion

The LSB says that the aim of its new policies and guidance is to revolutionise the handling of firsttier complaints within the legal sector, to restore client confidence and ensure that legal service providers are held to the highest standards. Those firms that already have robust policies in place to ensure that (1) their fee earners are up to date on developments in the law (thus avoiding complaints in the first place) and (2) they effectively deal with the complaints that are made will be best placed to withstand increased scrutiny from the SRA and the Legal Ombudsman.

Ivan Root Stacey Smit Associate Attorney

Spotlight on the Committee

Committee Member Russell Evans

Work Firm: Resolve UK & Clerksroom/ TBG (Top 10 Mediator)

Area of Expertise:

I work as a full time Mediator throughout the UK and am an expert in Chancery, Business & Property disputes. My expertise includes Contentious Probate, Tolata, Proprietary Estoppel, Property, Commercial, Company Shareholder and Partnership disputes as well as Professional Negligence. I also conduct Sports Arbitrations via Sport Resolutions.

What attracted you to work in the law:

The inspiration of Lord Denning and the thought that justice could be achieved. In my youth I was also fascinated by history and archaeology.

Whilst in recent years I have been on archaeological excavations in York and have even unearthed a Viking anvil from the camp of Harald Hardrada which has now witnessed the first light of day since 1066 I did not follow that path. The path of Lord Denning and ultimately the diplomatic arena won over.

What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on:

There have been many incidents and many intriguing and sometimes surreal moments over the years. In terms of actual cases it is probably a choice between dealing with a certain member of the royal family, a world champion boxer and a playboy sex symbol with film star and celebrity entourage. All were explosive and highly revelatory. Unfortunately or fortunately I have signed confidentiality agreements and so publication and book rights will have to be preserved for now. I also recently watched the first 7 days of the Paris Olympics to witness every day participants including Olympic medal winners who gave evidence to me in a recent arbitration.

What is your biggest career achievement:

Resolving cases by way of mediation that have baffled others and been ongoing for more than 15 years to bring new hope and life to the participants. On another occasion I successfully mediated a case with more than 250 parties and multiple diverse views. I have also won a national mediation award and judged multiple national and international mediation and arbitration competitions.

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: The camaraderie that this affords.

Why do you think HILS is important: It gives a voice to members of the profession as well as a sounding board and a social outlet.

Personal

Who inspires you:

Nelson Mandela the archetypal diplomat striving for peace and Members of the Elders as well as ordinary people facing oppression and dealing with adversity + those who give selflessly including MSF, the Red Cross & Crescent.

What was the last book you read:

“Migrants: The Story of Us All” by Sam Miller – It contains epic as well as thought provoking migration stories from Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens to the rivers of Babylon and Tierra del Fuego - It shows that we are all inquisitive wanderers at heart.

What is your favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption – An epic heartfelt film with hope and redemption at its core.

What is the next place on your travel bucket list:

My son works in the Far East and my daughter Down Under so Thailand & Australia are the hot favourites.

Name one item you cannot live without and why: Earl Grey tea. It is my link and call to the Orient, my morning awakening and refreshes the parts that others can not reach. I have to admit that I did take part in a 3 hour tea ceremony in China amidst the Himalayan rain. I have not yet succumbed however to morning Tai chi.

What is your favourite quote:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu …but I could not leave out;

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone” Audrey Hepburn

Work

Firm: Lester Aldridge LLP

Area of Expertise: Clinical Negligence

Committee Member Melanie Lidstone-Land

What attracted you to work in the law: I liked the thought that justice prevails, that wrongs can be put right and that I would get to help people when they are in tough situations and go some way to making that situation better.

What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on:

When I was training, a lot of years ago now, I was involved with a case that the press got hold of. A popular tabloid was running the story and camped out in our office car park. I recall that myself and my colleagues were offered (and obviously declined) the princely sum of £25 to interview with the paper - these days that wouldn’t even cover my weekly Costa habit!

What is your biggest career achievement:

There have been a lot of big and complex case successes but for me that has always been about teamwork. Working as part of some brilliant teams has been absolutely the best achievement of my career. Over the last 15 plus years I have had the privilege of helping to train other lawyers in those teams and be involved in mentoring younger lawyers. Watching those lawyers gain knowledge and confidence, going on to achieve accreditations and succeed in their own careers is immensely rewarding and if I have had even the smallest involvement in that, that’s a big career achievement for me.

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: Sometimes, working as a lawyer feels overly business focussed, results and fees driven. All of that can be a bit isolating. Being a member of HILS reminds me that we are a community and that there are people who I can reach out to with a problem or an idea.

Why do you think HILS is important:

Local law societies are important. HILS provides support and help to members. Being a lawyer is not an easy job. The landscape is constantly changing, challenges present themselves over and again. Not one single person has all of the answers but when we come together we get to effect change, network, support others and educate each other – everything that we need to operate in todays’ legal climate.

Personal

Who inspires you:

Definitely my children. Even though they are grown up now, they have always (and still do) made me want to be the best version of myself every day. To see how they stride out into the world, creating a space in which they can thrive is inspiring. I don’t remember being that fearless or embracing opportunity as much as they do.

What was the last book you read:

“It starts with us”, Colleen Hoover. A great sequel to the “It ends with us” story, nice easy read in the garden with a glass of wine.

What is your favourite film: “Casablanca”. I adore old Hollywood films and this one is as good as they get.

What is the next place on your travel bucket list:

Japan In Sakura season to see the cherry blossoms.

Name one item you cannot live without and why:

My record player. Music is now and always has been a hugely important part of my life. Putting on a record and committing to listening to it from beginning to end is such a pleasure. I have so many wonderful memories that are linked to music and listening to certain songs / albums takes me back to specific times and places spent with the people I love spending time with and those that are no longer here.

What is your favourite quote: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”… Nelson Mandela

ADRIENNE EDGERLEY HARRIS, Council MemberYOUR VOICE AT THE LAW SOCIETY

Council Members Report September 2024

Since I last wrote, there has been one Council meeting in July 2024 and then a summer break.

1. Conveyancing- the TA6 form

On 3rd July 2024 TLS President, Nick Emmerson, came to speak to local solicitors in Southampton. Topics included what the Society is doing for members, delays at HM Land Registry and Probate Registry and the background and current state of play with the conveyancing enquiries form, TA6. If you wish to comment or be involved in the consultation now taking place on this, you will have had to register your interest. It’s implementation has been postponed until late January 2025.

A request for a SGM was made to TLS for a vote of no confidence in the President and Chief Executive over the handling of the introduction of the TA6. This took place on 23rd July 2024 and after much debate, the vote was lost so they both remain in office.

2. TLS President’s activities (please see attached report.)

The key points, summarised are:

1. In support of his presidential theme of the legal profession as an economic powerhouse the President had visited Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Visits to the USA and India were in the pipeline.

2. The President had also attended the Inter-Pacific Bar Association Conference and the IBA Bar Leaders Conference.

3. The President had visited Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Exeter and Plymouth to speak with members, students and local law societies.

4. Chancery Lane had hosted a Local Law Society townhall meeting, which brought together law society leaders from across the jurisdiction, at which the President hosted a fireside chat with the Attorney General. The President had chaired an event to encourage greater diversity in judicial applications, particularly from solicitors. He had also hosted senior partners for a roundtable with the Lady Chief Justice to discuss entry routes into the judiciary for solicitors.

3. The next Council meeting is on 8-9 October with the AGM (to which all members are invited) is on the latter day, starting at 2pm and can be joined online.

One of the issues for the agenda will be on whether Council members are to have the yearly allowance reinstated, should they choose to claim it.

I sat on the Working Group looking at the pros and cons of this payment. It concluded that it was an important payment: it acts as an incentive to stand for Council for those whose firms do not support the cost or who are required to take leave to attend. It also covers incidental expenses incurred in carrying out the role which are not covered by the expenses policy (for reimbursement of travel costs for example). A debate and vote will be held on this at the AGM.

4. Council seats: these were reorganised in 2020. The Law Society’s Council currently comprises 97 solicitors, split between seats representing geographical constituencies (41), types of work or professional practice (38), and demographic characteristics (18).

Some of the “characteristics” seats have been renamed to reflect their role as follows:

LGBT+ 1

Solicitors with Disabilities 1 member

Ethnic Minority (of which one is a member of The Black Solicitors Network) 5

Women Lawyers 5

Junior Lawyers (0-6 years Post Qualification Experience)

The various Divisions, such as the LGBT Lawyers Division, have been renamed as Networks.

I have contact details for all the Council members and what area they represent, so please contact me if you would like me to direct an enquiry to them. ■

Adrienne Edgerley Harris

Council Member for the South Constituency 01962 844544

aedgerleyharris@shentons.co.uk

Adrienne Edgerley Harris

Thrings LLP

Associate or Senior Associate (Ideally 3 + years PQE).

Location: Romsey

Thrings LLP are looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join the Agricultural Property team in our Romsey office (Ideally 3 + years PQE). This role offers a wonderful opportunity to join an inclusive and friendly team, working with Landowner clients. It is anticipated that you will have demonstrable experience of working on Agricultural or Commercial Property transactions and be able to work autonomously as well as part of a team. Day to day, you will supporting a Partner and have a varied caseload, including work such as:

• Strategic land development

• Renewable energy

• Large projects for landowners

• Sale and purchase of agricultural property and land

Whilst this role is based in Romsey there will be the opportunity for you to work with other fee earners within the Agricultural Property team based at our other offices. At Thrings we’re extremely proud of the relationship we have with our clients and referrers and are seen at their trusted legal partner so it’s important to us we find someone with the right blend of skills to help maintain this and develop business/bringing on new clients. It’s vital that you’re able to deliver exceptional client service at all times, that you’re organised, able to work at pace and deliver to multiple deadlines.

By joining Thrings you are joining a supportive, inclusive firm. With a new world of working flexibly, you can expect that you will be able to work between home and the office. We also offer a great working environment, with hot desking available for when you’re in the office and plenty of social/networking events to get involved with!

In return for your hard work you can expect to receive a variety of benefits for joining Thrings, these can be tailored around the requirements for you and your family including; Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health checks and much more.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you have the experience to join our team then we look forward to hearing from you! Please send CVs or enquiries to recruitment@thrings.com

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Missing Wills

Thomas Leech

DOB 28/11/1951

DOD 27/07/2024

Address –

14 Astor Crescent, Ludgershall, Andover SP11 9RE

Thrings LLP

Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant .

Location: Romsey

Thrings LLP are looking for a talented Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant to join our Private Property team in our Romsey office, supporting a Senior Associate and a wider team of fee earners. To be successful in this role you will, ideally, need to demonstrate that you have the following experience:

• Answering email and telephone queries, redirecting as appropriate to the necessary Fee Earner for review

• Producing letters and legal documents using and amending precedent documents in line with the Fee Earners requirements

• Diary management, ensuring appointments are accurately scheduled and catered for, this could include setting up telephone conferences or ensuring meeting rooms are booked for client visits

• Ensuring electronic and/or paper files are updated to maintain an accurate document and accessible set relevant to each project

• Working with the team to support the administrative functions in progressing a project beginning to end; from first meetings, through regular reporting on project scope, costs and billing through to project conclusion and the ongoing relationship between the client and Thrings

At Thrings we’re extremely proud of the relationship we have with our clients and referrers and are seen at their trusted legal partner so it’s important to us we find someone with the right blend of skills to support the team to help maintain this. It’s important that you have experience of working in a client focused role, delivering exceptional client service at all times, that you’re organised, able to work at pace and deliver to multiple deadlines.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you have the experience to join our team, then we look forward to hearing from you! Please send CVs or enquiries to recruitment@thrings.com

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Michael John Perkins

DOB – 27/03/1934

DOD – 07/08/2016

Address –

Elizabeth Crescent, Hordle, Hampshire

Solicitors in the South East encouraged to help nearly two-thirds of adults without an up-to-date Will by joining 2024 Will Aid campaign

Solicitors now have the chance to help the staggering 64% of adults in the South East who either don’t have a Will or have one that’s out-of-date, by taking part in this year’s Will Aid campaign

The poll by the Will-writing charity, which surveyed more than 2,000 people across the country, found 55% in the region haven’t made a Will, and 9% admitted theirs did not reflect their current wishes.

Open for sign-ups

Now’s the time for solicitor firms to sign up to participate in this year’s Will Aid campaign – which brings a host of opportunities including helping thousands of people who don’t have a Will, attracting new clients, boosting their reach and helping seven of the UK’s best-loved charities too.

Will Aid is an annual charity Will-writing scheme that sees hundreds of solicitors volunteer their time and expertise during the month of November to write basic Wills. Instead of charging their usual fees, they invite clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid. Donations raised through the campaign support the vital work of the seven Will Aid charities.

It has been running since 1988 and has encouraged more than 350,000 people to write their Will with a regulated and insured solicitor and, in so doing has raised more than £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies.

Worrying figures

Will Aid’s latest poll showed financial pressures seem to be holding people back. Of all those polled, 21% cited the cost of instructing a solicitor as the reason they haven’t sorted a Will.

Other reasons included believing they had nothing worth leaving (27%), never finding the time (18.5%), feeling uncomfortable talking about death (16%) and concerns about the process being too complicated (16%).

Nationally, the average time since people last updated their Wills is six years, with nearly 20% admitting they’ve never updated theirs.

Only a third (34%) of those surveyed have updated their Will in the past three years.

Parents with children over 18 last updated their Wills an average of seven and a half years ago, while those with under 18s averaged four and a half years.

A massive need

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “These statistics on the lack of a Will – or an outdated Will – are worrying, and show the scale of need out there.

“Thousands of people need support and the reassurance of speaking to someone who is qualified to draw up their legal documents properly.

“We’d encourage any firm who is interested in taking part to find out more. It’s a brilliant way to not only help those who genuinely need support, as well as raising money for charity – but joining Will Aid also expands your reach for potential clients, is a fantastic tool to boost your own team’s morale, and a rewarding way to help your local community and beyond.”

The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November.

Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and seven of the UK’s best-loved charities.

The initiative, which has been running for more than 30 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.

Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid –a suggested £100 for a single basic Will and £180 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.

Will Aid is a win-win initiative for solicitors. For more information on how to join, visit the Will Aid website at www. willaid.org.uk/register or call 0300 0300 013

The Digital Revolution in Legal Services: Harnessing Client Feedback for Growth in 2024

The Digital Decision-Making Revolution

In today’s interconnected world, the internet has become the primary battleground for client acquisition. Recent market research suggests that an overwhelming majority of potential clients form their initial impressions of a law firm long before making direct contact. This digital-first approach to decision-making has profound implications for how legal services are marketed and perceived.

Consider this scenario: A potential client is in need of legal assistance. They turn to their preferred search engine and are presented with two options: a firm boasting a robust collection of recent, positive reviews or one with sparse, outdated feedback. In this increasingly common situation, which firm do you think will capture the client’s attention and trust?

The Legal Landscape in 2024

The legal sector in the UK has undergone significant changes in recent years. According to the Law Society Gazette, the number of law firms decreased by 13% between 2013 and 2023. This consolidation, coupled with evolving client expectations, has created a fiercely competitive environment where standing out is more crucial than ever.

Despite the abundance of exceptional legal professionals and firms in our industry, public sentiment towards legal services often remains lukewarm. At ReviewSolicitors, our mission is to transform this perception by empowering law firms with the tools and resources they need to showcase their excellence through genuine client feedback.

The ReviewSolicitors Advantage

Our platform is more than just a collection of star ratings. We’ve developed a comprehensive system that allows law firms to:

• Collect feedback effortlessly: Our streamlined processes and CMS integrations make it incredibly easy for law firms to gather client feedback with minimal effort on their part.

• Ensure review integrity: As a legal-specific platform, we understand the intricacies of the legal sector. We have robust defamatory review processes in place to safeguard your firm’s reputation from unfair or malicious comments.

• Showcase authentic experiences: We prioritise verified, genuine feedback by implementing processes against non-client reviews to ensure potential clients see an accurate representation of your firm’s capabilities.

• Integrate marketing tools: Our customisable widgets allow you to showcase your ReviewSolicitors ratings and reviews directly on your website, reinforcing trust signals for potential clients.

• Improve search engine rankings (SEO): By increasing your online presence through reviews, social media, and widgets, we help improve your search engine visibility, making it easier for potential clients to find you.

• Gain actionable insights: Beyond public-facing reviews, our system provides valuable data on client satisfaction, helping you continually refine and improve your services.

The Ripple Effect of Positive Reviews

The impact of positive reviews extends far beyond a simple star rating. Each testimonial serves as a powerful marketing tool, building trust and credibility in ways that traditional advertising simply can’t match. In the legal sector, where trust is paramount, this peer-to-peer recommendation can be the deciding factor for potential clients.

Moreover, a strong review profile can significantly enhance your firm’s online visibility. Search engines increasingly consider review signals when determining search rankings, meaning that a robust collection of positive reviews can boost your firm’s prominence in local search results.

Navigating the Future of Legal Services Marketing

As we progress through 2024 and beyond, the role of online reputation in the legal sector is set to become even more crucial. Forward-thinking firms that embrace this shift and actively manage their online presence will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.

ReviewSolicitors is committed to staying at the forefront of this trend, continually refining our platform to meet the unique needs of UK law firms. By partnering with us, you’re not just collecting reviews – you’re investing in a comprehensive solution for enhancing your firm’s online reputation and attracting high-quality clients.

Conclusion

In an era where digital first impressions can make or break client relationships, ReviewSolicitors offers UK law firms a powerful ally in the quest for growth. By harnessing the authentic voices of satisfied clients, you can build trust, enhance visibility, and ultimately drive business growth.

For further information on how we can assist in your law firm’s growth through client feedback, please contact Adam Hall at reviewsolicitors.com

NETWORKING – A Waste of Time?

If there was something sure to be way outside of my comfort zone, it would be to walk into a room full of total strangers, all huddled together in groups and go round and introduce myself. I’m sure that is the same for nearly all of you.

f there was something sure to be way outside of my comfort zone, it would be to walk into a room full of total strangers, all huddled together in groups and go round and introduce myself. I’m sure that is the same for nearly all of you.

Whenever I saw on an event listing “networking half hour”, I would be sure to arrive just as that period ended. It’s the stuff of nightmares, nervous small talk while balancing a cup and saucer.

So I can’t imagine why I decided to give networking a go a few years ago. But I am so glad that I did.

I opted to take one of the many free trial offers and try a national network of groups, hoping that a small, local collective would be welcoming and friendly. It is hard to find the right choice and I’ve experienced some that just weren’t for me.

At this first meeting I was so nervous and just thought, as I entered the room of strangers “get a coffee, something to eat and sit down quietly and assess the situation”. Not a bit of it, within 5 paces a friendly looking lady approached me, before I even got my second shot of caffeine for the day (never good).

She was asking me what systems I used for processing orders (straight to the point, then). I told her proudly how we used MS Access, only for her to inform me, very politely that no-one used that any more.

I quickly realised that while Access was the thing to use in 1998 when I first needed such a system, things in IT move quickly and that I needed to “get out more”. Get out to business groups like this and keep myself upto date.

As it turned out, this lady updated me on the 20 years gap while I had been in my own little bubble. She subsequently came into our office and completely updated, improved and streamlined our systems, and we still use her now to help us to continue to evolve and progress.

That meeting made me realise just how easy it is to simply come up with a way of working, go away and implement it and use it for years without any perception of what others are doing and how things are changing and that better fits for you have evolved. I needed to get out of my “bubble”, I had no idea where this networking would lead, but I knew that I had to do it.

Without this awakening, I would never have received such fantastic expert help with my business, and made some great friends along the way. People at networking events ask me, in the politest way, why am I there? It’s not like I’m one of the obvious networkers who use the events to tout for business, such as life coaches and PR firms, I have never met a potential client at a network event.

So, why do I go, and is it worth it? Well, without networking I wouldn’t have had help with such things as marketing ideas including our HW cartoon for example, I wouldn’t have met someone who got us a major client through his cold calling expertise, or found training in social media, Canva and google.

I have used the same accountant now for many years since I met him at an event, and I’ve tried a couple of different HR firms before settling on one that I met through a group. I’ve met the man who took our website photographs, a car lease expert, and I love meeting and hearing the stories of the many fascinating small businesses, it’s like a local Dragons Den.

I’ve also experienced some new venues, everything from the Boat Show, Solent Forts to football and cricket grounds.

When we came back to the office from lockdown, our printers needed replacing. I knew instantly who to call because of networking. It’s not just that I’d met someone who had a printer company, but I could see that he was very popular, a nice man and everyone seemed to trust him.

“People buy from people” is so true. I have followed some people through 2/3 career moves, as I know them, not necessarily their firm.

I like to run training events for our clients, and I’ve met expert speakers through networking and, when my IT provider were trying to convince me to make a big change, I found some excellent independent advice from a group member. So now, when someone says “please don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you here?” my answer is to ask if they really want me to give them a list.

Choosing the right group or selection of groups is not easy, and you learn from some of the free trials available. Some are free, others can be really quite costly as you pay a membership fee and then often a food bill on top of that.

The first group that I found was a breakfast group, so they suited my working day, sadly they didn’t adapt to lockdowns as well as others, they just didn’t have the same draw while others thrived. But, we are back in the normal world and I notice that they have re-launched and I wish them luck.

Some local authorities, like Portsmouth, run free meetings, one local law firm holds a regular get together for a very small fee. But other than that, law firms are noticeable for their absence at such events.

Everybody needs a law firm at some point.

By the way, if you do come, please bring your conveyancer.

Andrew Prismall Managing Director of HW Conveyancing Searches

Are you throwing good money after bad?

When Orion Legal Marketing parachutes into a law firm or barrister chambers when first appointed, our starting point is often to review what they are already doing in terms of Marketing & BD.

Usually, we find there’s a big annual event or a long-running advertising campaign in a publication. And then it gets to the awkward bit when we ask – “What is the return on investment on that?” – and it all goes silent.

It can be tempting to carry on what you’ve always done because it’s ‘safe’. Or there’s the idea that if you stop doing something, somehow that will be perceived negatively by others, or your competition will swoop in and take advantage. But in reality, legal sector Marketing & BD budgets are often small, so they need to be smart.

If you don’t measure, you don’t know. Every Marketing & BD activity should have some form of metric. Some are easily trackable such as website traffic, cost per lead, or conversion rate.

For that big annual event, unless its primary purpose is to create revenue, you could use the Return on Objective measurement of success.

• Why do you hold it? Is it to attract new clients, reward existing ones, increase referrals, cross-sell, develop your reputation, etc?

• Who makes the guest list and why? Clients, prospects, influencers?

• After the event, make sure you measure success against these objectives. Did that prospective client want a followup meeting? Did that banker or accountant introduce you to someone? Did that existing client start using another of your legal services or commit to a new instruction?

Avoid the ‘sunk-cost fallacy’ which is the tendency to stay the course to justify a previous investment of time, money or effort, even if changing tack may lead to a better outcome. Instead, dispassionately assess your Marketing & BD activity through an impartial, forward-looking lens focused on future returns, and if it doesn’t meet your objectives, cut your losses and reallocate the budget elsewhere.

Don’t throw good money after bad. Don’t be shackled by the past. Rise above, accept failure if it happens, learn and move on. Doing so will give you the best chance of future marketing & BD success.

Specialist Services for Clearing Estate Administration Hurdles

There has been a development in new complexities due to the rise in multi-family households, and an increase in assets held overseas as people increasingly live, work and invest outside of our borders.

However, we haven’t got much better at making Wills. Statistics indicate that two thirds of British people still don’t have a valid Will, and nearly 60% of parents don’t have a valid, up-to-date Will in place. This can have a profound effect on estates and the heirs. Private client practitioners are required to have a very broad skill set, so it can be comforting to know that, where needed, professional probate genealogists can step in.

No instructions

On learning of the death, practitioners may have a problem right at the start: no instructions to act, no access to funds, and little or no information about next of kin entitled on intestacy. Probate genealogists can assist to help get the administration process moving, with a variety of flexible fee options.

Due diligence

The subject of Wills – or their lack – can be thorny. The family is convinced that a Will was written naming them; or that a more recent Will exists than the one in your possession. Our thorough Missing Will Search, backed up by Missing Will indemnity insurance, can remove uncertainty and allow the estate representatives to move on with the process.

Verification

The work of tracing missing beneficiaries utilises many research tools via publicly accessible online records of births, marriages and deaths, census records and social media, as well as electoral roll and other commercial data. It’s the training, credentials, special records access and research methodology that set a professional probate genealogist apart from ‘bedroom’ sleuths: ensuring that all parts of the family tree have been carefully researched, and all beneficiaries located.

Estate practitioners can find themselves misinformed about the true extent of the family. The family members don’t always know about additional heirs that emerge through research, but genealogists find some beneficiaries are economical with the truth. Taking the word of the ‘sole heir’ at face value is a potentially costly risk to take, that can be avoided by engaging a professional probate genealogist to independently verify the family tree.

“There’s no one else…”

Finders International was involved in the estate of a man with a £400,000 intestate estate. The man’s sister asserted she was the sole beneficiary. Finders verified the tree and found that she had a nephew, entitled to half the estate. She had, it appeared, neglected to mention his existence because she didn’t approve of his behaviour. The nephew received his rightful share of the inheritance, and the practitioners saved a great deal of trouble and expense from a potential later claim.

Finding assets

Louise Levene

International Asset Services Manager at Finders International

3 ways to boost productivity with an effective legal software platform

In today's fast-paced legal landscape, efficiency and productivity are key to success. The old adage “time is money” has never been truer than in the legal profession. For law firms that are putting powerful technology at the heart of their business, addressing inefficiencies is having a dramatic and positive impact on their bottom line. They are finding that investing in the right practice management software reaps dividends for their practice both in the short and long term.

However, the introduction and implementation of new legal technology is just the beginning. It is also critical that those using the software are made aware of all the powerful functionality available to them that will support their everyday work. This short article highlights three unique and highly undervalued ways that effective legal software can drive law firm efficiency and end-user productivity.

1. Capitalise on an extensive document library

An effective legal software platform provides your firm with a library of up-to-date forms, precedents and further documentation templates to cover all common areas of law, including those specific to the jurisdiction in which you practice. It also enables you to add, modify and automate your own templates. Having enhanced editing capabilities available within your solution standardises document production and ensures consistency, compliance, as well as improve client service and communication within your practice.

The efficient drafting of documentation is pivotal to the practice of law. By merging client and matter information previously inputted into your legal software platform, details can then be automatically included at the point of document creation, saving significant time and improving the accuracy of content.

2. Unlock the power of automation

Innovative document automation via your legal software platform boosts productivity across your firm. Ensuring accuracy and minimising risk, the automation of processes and the collection of information can greatly reduce errors or omissions which could otherwise negatively impact the level of service you offer.

The levels of automation available can vary from platform to platform, but an effective legal software solution will empower legal professionals to repurpose inputted matter information again and again across documents such as forms and precedents that are generated throughout the course of the particular matter. This removes the need to manually enter information each time, simplifying the document creation process, ensuring quality and accuracy of working and limiting duplication of work.

3. Reap the benefits of regular updates

In today's ever evolving legal landscape, the ability to anticipate and promptly respond to changes in the law is not just best practice, it's an absolute necessity. Law firms that fail to stay up to date with legal developments can encounter various challenges and consequences.

An effective legal software platform should be dedicated to ensuring all legal documents, components, rates and calculations embedded within the software are aligned with legislation and appropriate for the area of law in which you practice. You should have confidence that your provider is constantly monitoring all areas of law and updating as necessary.

This automation of updates within the system will speed up your day-to-day work as well as bring peace of mind and assured compliance to your firm.

Whatever your software’s capabilities, ensuring that you are not only financially investing in the right technology, but also are fully aware and optimising its full functionality will boost productivity across your law firm.

For more information, please visit www.leap.co.uk ■

By Gareth Walker CEO, LEAP UK

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

Ask. Draft. Analyse.

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 drafting with Generator and find intricate details about your matters in seconds with Matter AI.

LEAP AI is included in all LEAP subscriptions at no extra cost.

Hampshire Legal September 2024

The Digital Revolution in Legal Services

There’s a better way to get paid

President’s Review

SEPTEMBER 2024

Hampshire Law Society Contacts

Wessex Cancer Support has been the Law Society’s Charity of the Year since 2022.

Understanding vicarious trauma in the legal workplace

Who Owns and Controls Your Law Firm's Data?

Understanding the Data Ownership

HILS Scavenger Hunt

08 – 19 July 2024

Future-Proof Your Law Firm: Legal Billing: Strategies for the Modern Law Firm

The Case for Online Payments

PParis Smith launches Sports Law Practice

Partner Clive Dobbin appointed to Sport Resolutions’ National Panel

Parker Bullen welcomes new Partner, Mark Barratt, to the Residential Property department

Lester Aldridge Launches New Borrower Real Estate Finance Team

Lester Aldridge Wins Property Law Firm of the Year for Second Consecutive Year

Lester Aldridge Elevates Southampton Presence with Relocation to Mountbatten House

FROM DC to DG Employment Duo Welcomed to Dutton Gregory Solicitors

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Dutton Gregory Supports Charlie’s Cycle Challenge

Dutton Gregory Charity Abseil

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Dutton Gregory Family Team shortlisted for two national awards

Promotions at Dutton Gregory Solicitors

BEST PRACTICE FOR FUNDING PROFESSIONAL INDEMNIT Y INSUR ANCE

Why Flat Fee Law Firms Shouldn’t Ignore Time Tracking

Period of Renewal

Cyber risks

A New Chapter Begins:

Stroud School becomes King Edward VI Preparatory School

Preparatory School Autumn Events

Senior School & Sixth Form Autumn Events

‘FAILURE TO REMOVE’ CLAIMS AND ARTICLE 3: EXE V CITY OF BRADFORD MDC [2024] EW MISC 20 (CC)

SOLICITORS’ COMPLAINT HANDLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT (AGAIN)

Spotlight on the Committee

Committee Member Russell Evans

Council Members Report September 2024

Thrings LLP

Associate or Senior Associate (Ideally 3 + years PQE).

Missing Wills

Thrings LLP

Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant .

Solicitors in the South East encouraged to help nearly two-thirds of adults without an up-to-date Will by joining 2024 Will Aid campaign

The Digital Revolution in Legal Services: Harnessing Client Feedback for Growth in 2024

The Digital Decision-Making Revolution

The Legal Landscape in 2024

The ReviewSolicitors Advantage

The Ripple Effect of Positive Reviews

Navigating the Future of Legal Services Marketing

Conclusion

NETWORKING – A Waste of Time?

Are you throwing good money after bad?

Specialist Services for Clearing Estate Administration Hurdles

Verification

Finding assets

3 ways to boost productivity with an effective legal software platform

Dye & Durham launches Unity® Practice Management

Integrated Conveyancing Searches

Ask. Draft. Analyse.

Articles inside

Hampshire Sponsor Article

Hampshire Sponsor Article

Hampshire Sponsor Article

Hampshire Sponsor Article

ARTICLE

NOTICES/ SITS VAC

Council Members Report

Spotlight on the Committee

Article

Article

Hampshire Sponsor Article

Hampshire Sponsor Article

Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Happenings in Hampshire

Hampshire Sponsor Article

HILS Scavenger Hunt

Understanding vicarious trauma in the legal workplace