Practice Management
Panel urges regulation of algorithms used in criminal justice system
A year-long study of the use of computer algorithms in the criminal justice system has recommended creating a national register to bring openness, expose built-in biases, and ensure public trust.
Gauke announces more financial backing for lawtech
Artificial intelligence has “huge potential” to make a positive impact in the legal services sector, the Lord Chancellor said today as he announced further financial backing for lawtech.
Law firm launches private client platform to help executors
A secure private client platform which stores financial and other details needed by executors has been launched by West Country law firm Ashfords, which said it was the first product of its kind.
Smith: lawtech not “silver bullet” for access to justice
Technology can make a positive difference but it must be carefully evaluated before adoption and be seen as supplementary to, not a replacement for, human-led legal services, a campaigner has warned.
High Court rejects appeal by couple jailed for harassing judge
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a couple jailed for harassing the family judge who heard their “contentious litigation” over an adoption. They made it clear they had personal information about her.
Gateley found negligent over redevelopment agreement
The High Court has found national law firm Gateley negligent in its advice to the owner of land in Nottingham that led to him missing out on some of the profits from its redevelopment.
Wills firm embraces four-day week for all staff
A wills and probate business in Plymouth has made headlines by becoming one of the first to embrace the embryonic trend of switching staff to a four-day week.
Survey: recruitment fears head mid-sized firms’ concerns
Recruiting and retaining talent is the top priority among mid-sized law firms, ahead of efficiency and financial performance, according to a benchmark survey of preoccupations as they devise strategy.
Consumer panel urges regulators to act on lawtech
Regulators need to monitor the development of legal technology and issue guidance to help maximise the opportunities it presents while delivering the necessary protection for consumers.
Law firm “sacked staff member by WhatsApp”, tribunal finds
A law firm sacked its administrator by sending him a brief WhatsApp message – and then backdated his P45 to support an argument that he was actually fired earlier, an employment tribunal has found.
Blog
On good authority? GenAI and the reputational risks to law firms
As GenAI’s influence grows, so do the risks which are already playing out in courtrooms across England and Wales, where some early adopters are setting precedents they would rather not.
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
