Features
Regulation and compliance: First-tier complaints handling
By Legal Futures Associate DG Legal Law firms should prepare for increased regulatory scrutiny of complaints handling in late 2026 and throughout 2027, as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Legal Ombudsman (LeO) continue to focus on how effectively first-tier… Read More
Awaab’s Law phase 2: Why social housing repair deadlines are becoming an operational test
By Daniel Brito, managing director of Legal Futures Associate National Claims The next phase of Awaab’s Law will test much more than how quickly social landlords can complete repairs. From 30 November 2026, Awaab’s Law phase 2 will extend statutory requirements beyond… Read More
When disclosure goes too far: Defending a claimant’s medical privacy
How far should a defendant be permitted to go in seeking a claimant’s historic medical records where there is no demonstrated connection between those records and the injury pleaded?
SRA desk-based reviews and AML inspections
By Georgia Tuckley, junior compliance officer at Legal Futures Associate DG Legal The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has strengthened its approach to anti-money laundering (AML) supervision in recent years. Regulatory engagement has become more proactive, structured and routine, reflecting the… Read More
Concerned that AI is affecting enquiries? Here’s what to do
Law firm website traffic is declining across the board. Here’s what’s driving it, which practice areas face the most pressure, and what you can do about it now.
Service of proceedings by alternative methods
Under CPR part 6, English courts have broad discretion to allow non-traditional service when standard methods fail.
Faster, leaner, smarter: How AI lets small firms compete with BigLaw
Small law firms have a built-in advantage in the AI era, though many do not yet realise it. They can pick a tool, start using it, and save hours each week before a big firm even finishes its risk review.
Parallel family and criminal proceedings: navigating coercive control allegations
Allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour increasingly arise across both family and criminal jurisdictions. While that overlap is well recognised, the implications are increasingly acute.
OFSI licences and the role of independent costs review
More than 1,600 individuals appear on the UK government sanctions list. For those named on the list, good legal advice is imperative. So, how do law firms deal with legal costs?
After Mazur, is bad supervision really a criminal offence?
As many will be aware, the Court of Appeal published its much-awaited judgment on Mazur on 31 March. On 13 April, the Law Society issued a revised guidance note on the conduct of litigation.
Blog
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
Material information and the case for intelligent client onboarding
Upfront information means work traditionally undertaken after an offer is accepted will need to happen earlier. And that fundamentally changes the role of client onboarding.
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