Private Client
Junior solicitor avoids strike-off after deleting part of handover note
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has decided against striking off a junior solicitor who deleted part of a colleague’s handover note to cover up his failure to do what it said.
Solicitor rebuked for telling trainee to backdate deed
A solicitor who instructed a trainee to backdate a deed has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority after she admitted to an error of judgement.
Private client specialists have “mixed feelings” about electronic wills
Most private client specialists have “mixed feelings” about Law Commission plans to permit electronic wills – but would embrace them if they happen.
Aviva-backed law firm bids to automate much of probate process
A “hybrid” probate law firm set up by a former banker and backed by Aviva is aiming to use lessons from fintech in its bid to automate and streamline the process.
Judge surprised that paralegal did not know legal limits of her work
The High Court has expressed surprise that a paralegal did not know more about the restrictions that the reserved legal activities imposed on her work.
Solicitor’s online pet tool joins global incubator programme
A private client solicitor has launched an online tool to help ensure pets are looked after following their owner’s death, incapacity, divorce or separation.
Mazur: Law Society advice amid probate and crime concerns
Private client group STEP is to lobby the government to bring probate rules in line with the Legal Services Act 2007 in the wake of the Mazur ruling.
Allegation over solicitor’s role in will “should never have been made”
An allegation that an old woman who owned a farm in Devon signed codicils under the undue influence of a solicitor “should never have been made”, a High Court judge has said.
Solicitor “did not perceive risk” of failing to witness PoA properly
A solicitor who failed to properly witness a power of attorney during the pandemic has received a suspended suspension.
High Court orders will writers to take part in mediation
The High Court has consolidated a negligence claim against a will-writing company with a dispute over the will it drafted, and ordered the company to engage in mediation.
Blog
What high-performing consumer claims firms get right
Recurring concerns about parts of the volume claims sector show that the gap between well-run firms and those struggling to manage volume effectively is widening.
The SRA’s 2025 AML report: What law firms need to know
The SRA has released its 2024-25 anti-money laundering report and the scale of supervision is striking – it carried out 935 proactive engagements in the year to 5 April 2025.
The managing partner in 2026: skills, security and strategic technology
The legal sector stands at a pivotal moment. The pace of technological change is accelerating, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and client expectations are higher than ever.
