As my first jottings as President of the Society in 2025, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Dawn Lawson for her outstanding contributions during her presidential term. Dawn’s ability to champion initiatives and foster collaboration has been invaluable over the past year and saw her raise an incredible amount for Cancer Research UK.
This year, I am proud to support the Community Foundation for Surrey as my nominated charity. The Foundation plays an instrumental role in addressing local needs, helping to create strong, resilient communities across Surrey. I encourage all our members to join me in supporting this vital cause. You can find out more about their incredible work at www.cfsurrey.org.uk.
Another key focus for the year is ensuring that our members’ perspectives are well-represented in vital consultations impacting the profession. One such consultation is the SRA’s review on Client Money in Legal Services – Safeguarding Consumers and Providing Redress. The consultation addressed critical areas such as the proper handling of client funds, safeguarding these resources, and the sustainability of the Compensation Fund.
This consultation strikes at the core of public trust in legal services, and it was imperative that our members’ voices were heard. The Society submitted a robust response, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Nick Ball, Kieran Bowe, and Hayley Lalsing for their efforts in putting this together. If you are interested, I encourage you to review the full response on the Surrey Law Society website.
On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of attending our recent social event in Kingston, one of the Society's new regional socials. These new additions to our events calendar—the Escape Room Challenge and the Night at the Wickets—were both fantastic opportunities to meet a variety of new firms and patrons. Seeing members engage in friendly competition and networking in such lively settings was a real highlight.
I also recently joined a meeting of the County Societies Group to discuss plans for our upcoming Reception at the House of Commons. Scheduled for 13th May, this promises to be an excellent opportunity to connect with local MPs and legal
President’s Jottings
SPRING 2025
professionals from across the country. It is a privilege to represent the Society in such a forum, and I look forward to sharing this event with many of you.
As we move forward into the year, I am committed to ensuring that the Surrey Law Society continues to be a vibrant and supportive community for all its members. Whether through training, social events, or industry representation, our shared goal is to strengthen the profession and help each other thrive. Look out for new categories at the SLS Awards which celebrate our members.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming events and activities.
Warm regards,
James Scozzi President Surrey Law Society
“As we move forward into the year, I am committed to ensuring that the Surrey Law Society continues to be a vibrant and supportive community for all its members. Whether through training, social events, or industry representation, our shared goal is to strengthen the profession and help each other thrive.”
James Scozzi
BLACKFORDS LLP Relocates to the Heart of Woking
With an office based in Surrey for nearly 25 years, Blackfords LLP has become an integral part of the local legal landscape. The firm announced earlier this year that they have relocated to Gloucester Chambers office located in the heart of Woking. The new fully refurbished office is adjacent to the main public area, offering unparalleled convenience for clients, featuring modern amenities including wheelchair access to ensure inclusivity.
The firm’s journey began with just two solicitors at Francis Lovett and evolved following a merger with Robert Blackford & Co in 2007 to form what is now Blackfords LLP, a leading national law firm with offices in Woking, London, Croydon and Cardiff.
Over the years, the Woking office has expanded significantly, growing to a team of 20 dedicated professionals, establishing an award winning family law team from the ground up and securing Top Tier rankings in the Legal 500, as well as recognition in Chambers and Partners and inclusion in The Times Top 250 “Best Law Firms”.
Trevor Francis, Managing Partner at Blackfords LLP, shared his thoughts on the relocation: “Our new office places us in the very centre of Woking, providing a contemporary, accessible space that aligns with our commitment to client service and growth. It also positions us perfectly to continue expanding our Professional Discipline practice across Surrey, Sussex and the Thames Valley, making it more convenient to access us, especially for those clients who previously had to travel to Central London.”
For more information about the services of Blackfords LLP or to schedule a visit to the new office, please contact the firm on 03330 150150 or email: woking@blackfords.com
Blackfords LLP is one of the top Criminal Defence law firms in the UK delivering a full range of services, from serious crime, regulatory work to family law with offices in London, Croydon and Cardiff. More info here: https://blackfords.com ■
Exciting Promotions at Meadows & Co Announced for 2025
“ At Meadows & Co, we are fortunate to work with an exceptional team, and we are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by every individual over the course of 2024. As we begin 2025, I am thrilled to share some exciting news regarding internal promotions, which will take effect from January 1st, 2025," announced Piers Meadows, Managing Partner.
Alastair Hargreaves – Promoted to Partner
Alastair has consistently demonstrated outstanding technical expertise and efficient advice, earning high praise from both clients and colleagues alike. His dedication to providing exceptional service has been invaluable to our firm. We are thrilled to welcome Alastair as our newest partner and wish him all the very best in this exciting new role.
Hannah Bourke – Promoted to Senior Associate
Hannah has proven herself as a key member of our private client team over the past year. She combines a strong work ethic with compassionate, client-focused advice, particularly when working with clients in vulnerable positions.
Hannah’s promotion is a true reflection of her hard work, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and thrive in her new role.
We are delighted to see talented individuals like Alastair and Hannah progress within our firm, and we look forward to their continued success.
To find out more about Meadows & Co, please visit: https://www.meadowsryan.co.uk/ ■
Piers Meadows
Charles Russell Speechlys is proud to support the Surrey-based community, not only through grants via the Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation but also by encouraging employees to volunteer and offer practical support to charities and organisations needing additional resources.
Recent projects have included 8 volunteers from the Guildford office helping to build a UPVC greenhouse at Emmaus SLC Caterham for a project to teach new and transferable skills to help people out of
Pearson Hards Growth Continues into 2025
New Malden based solicitors Pearson Hards are continuing with their ongoing significant recruitment drive in 2025, having recruited 17% new staff for newly created positions within the firm since early 2024. These new positions have seen an increase to the family team, the commercial property, dispute resolution and residential conveyancing teams.
Tanuja Sellahewa, who is a hugely experienced commercial real estate specialist, has come on board as a partner to strengthen the already busy team and she will be taking over as head of the department, when Donald Morris retires in April this year. Tanuja’s appointment is part of the firm’s continuing growth strategy and the first appointment at partner level since 2018.
Also joining the firm very recently was Chloe Langdon, an experienced family law specialist who has come on board to support the exceptionally busy family team. She will be assisting the team and partner Emma Rothstein, who is a recognised family law expert, particularly in complex, high value divorces. Robyn MacKay joined the family team early in 2024 to help assist the whole family team, and since joining she has been mentored by Emma and has been building up her own finances and private children work matters.
In July of 2024, Isaac Leigh-Howarth joined the dispute resolution team to work alongside and under the guidance of Managing Partner Claire Darby. Annaya Khan joined the exceptionally busy residential conveyancing team in a new role that has been created early 2025.
The firm have also very recently recruited another residential conveyancer and assistant and they are also currently actively recruiting a head of private client, to manage the busy private client team.
Emma Rothstein, Co-Managing Partner said:
“We were delighted to have had a very successful 2024. Following the firm’s re-brand, we have had a very strong start to this year, and we are excited to
Charles Russell Speechlys: Providing Practical Support for the Local Community
homelessness, and 10 volunteers supporting Buglife at The Mount, Guildford. The Buglife project involved volunteers removing woody scrub and unwanted saplings to prevent them from disturbing the chalk grassland - an internationally rare and uniquely biodiverse habitat. The volunteers’ work will help safeguard the site for wildlife and future generations.
Sally Ashford, Partner and Head of the Guildford office at Charles Russell Speechlys said, “As a leading law firm and employer in the region, we believe we have a responsibility to our local community. All employees are given up to 21 hours of volunteering time annually to volunteer for a project of their choice. Very often, they choose to support charities we have got to know through our Foundation, such as Emmaus and Buglife. Our volunteering programme is a fantastic way of forging strong relationships with local charities and community groups. Above all, employees find it very rewarding to spend their time making a real difference to our community.”
Samantha Eynon, Trainee Solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys said: 'I really enjoyed volunteering at Emmaus Caterham and would encourage everybody to join volunteering opportunities where they can. It was great to meet the Emmaus volunteers and hear how Emmaus has supported so many people who have experienced homelessness.”
George Harrison, Solicitor Apprentice at Charles Russell Speechlys added “I decided to volunteer for Buglife because I wanted to support conservation efforts in my local community and it’s a great opportunity to work with like-minded people.” ■
see what 2025 brings,” said Emma. “We have some talented staff in place and are growing steadily. We will continue to look at recruitment and growth in the months ahead in key areas and support the development of the specialist teams, as the business continues to go from strength to strength.”
The firm rebranded, unveiled a new logo, updated their firm values and launched their new website all in the later part of 2024. This updated brand was created as it better reflects where the firm is at in 2024, as a forwardthinking, innovative, client-focused law firm.
A further key focus for the firm in 2025, will be developing client service delivery, with a view to helping the firm better understand and build on the experience given to their clients – past, present and future. As a firm, Pearson Hards want to go above and beyond client expectations and prioritising client-first legal services is one of the best ways to help them to become more client-centered.
Emma Rothstein and Claire Darby, Joint Managing Partners said:
“We have noticed that our clients are coming to us not just from London and here where we are based in Surrey but also nationally, so it’s important that we continue to capitalise on that, while at the same time we must continue to deliver a first-class service for all our clients.” ■
Stevens & Bolton Strengthens Commercial Litigation Practice with New Partner Hire
UK independent law firm Stevens & Bolton LLP has announced the appointment of Sophie Ashcroft as a Partner in its commercial litigation practice.
Previously a dispute resolution partner at Browne Jacobson, Sophie specialises in technology disputes and brings a wealth of experience in resolving disputes that arise from complex IT projects, digital transformation, outsourcing, and managed services. As part of her practice, she advises a number of national and international businesses, operating across the technology, entertainment, telecoms, and financial services sectors.
Sophie’s work also extends to resolving various shareholder and board disputes, and she has extensive experience in bringing and defending claims for all types of relief, including claims for loss of profits, wasted expenditure, declaratory relief, injunctions, and judicial review.
Commenting on the firm’s latest hire, James Waddell, Managing Partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sophie to our commercial litigation practice. We are looking forward to building upon the firm’s
AIIC
Group (“AIIC”), the legal group behind leading independent law firm Taylor Rose, has been listed in the prestigious FT 1000 list of Europe’s fastestgrowing companies by the Financial Times (“FT”) for the third consecutive year.
It is one of only two UK companies in the Legal & Accounting Services sector to have made the list this year, joining other notable UK companies, including Anthesis Group, Moneybox and PensionBee in the rankings.
The FT1000 ranking is ordered by compound annual growth rate (CAGR), this year covering between 2020 and 2023. AIIC recorded a CAGR of 45 per cent over this period, with reported annual revenues of £83.6m in the year ended 30th September 2023.
AIIC is one of only 22 UK companies to have appeared in the rankings in all of the past three years. Of the 1,000 companies appearing on the list, AIIC had the 68th highest revenues in 2023, demonstrating its record of maintaining significant growth as it scales in size. Just 7 per cent of the list had revenues of over 90m euros in 2023.
The company’s growth has continued this year, recording revenues of £97.3m (+16%) in the financial year ending 30th September 2024.
The group attributes this consistent success to the fast growth of its consultancy division, enabled by ongoing investment in IT and other central services and infrastructure that enable lawyers to carry out their work
successes in achieving double-digit growth in revenue and PEP last year, and the expertise and network Sophie brings will add significant value to our client offering.”
Sarah Murray, Head of Commercial Litigation, said “Sophie is a fantastic addition to our litigation team, building on our existing capabilities for technology and IT disputes, and corporate advisory work. Sophie’s arrival bolsters the group’s excellent reputation, and we are all excited to be working with her going forward.”
Commenting on her appointment, Sophie Ashcroft, Partner, added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Stevens & Bolton at such an exciting time. I have no doubt the firm will continue on its upward trajectory from 2024 and am looking forward to playing a role in its continued growth.”
Sophie’s arrival at Stevens & Bolton follows the appointment of John Forde as a Partner in its corporate tax practice in December and marks a strong period of growth for the firm.■
Taylor Rose Parent AIIC Group named among the Fastest Growing in Europe for Third-Year Running
efficiently and productively, whether in an office-based environment or remotely. This has aided the recruitment and retention of solicitors.
The group now has over 1,200 consultant lawyers and around 600 employees.
The group’s largest firm is Taylor Rose. Primarily focused on consumer law, it operates in sectors including property, including conveyancing; private client; family; and criminal law. AIIC’s other companies are FDR Law, a consultancy-based conveyancing firm; KingsleyWood, a consultant-based corporate law firm; and the prop-tech platform SlothMove.
Adrian Jaggard, CEO of the AIIC Group, said: “It’s great for everyone in the business to get external recognition for the hard work they have put in, and our success has been and will continue to be a real team effort. We have focused heavily on providing the back-office infrastructure and support that allows our lawyers to do what they do best, and that has really helped our ability to attract and retain great legal talent.
“There is still an awful lot of room to grow. We’re doubling down on investing in technology to help our teams provide a great quality of service in our dominant markets, such as conveyancing, so that clients want to come back to us for a wide range of complementary legal services. We know it will take hard work, but we’re confident in the strength of our strategy, our culture and our team.” ■
Sophie Ashcroft
Adrian Jaggard
Renovo: Our partner in helping solicitors every day with professional wellbeing
When life throws a curveball, whether it’s a career change, a break from work, or the challenge of finding a new direction, strong support for the professional wellbeing of people really matters.
That’s why The Solicitors' Charity has a long-term partnership with Renovo experts in career transition coaching. Renovo helps solicitors to step confidently into their next chapter, offering practical advice and expert coaching, no matter at what point they are in their career and what that next stage might be.
A new approach to career transition
In today’s fast-changing job market, traditional services just aren’t enough. Chris Parker, Managing Director of Renovo, saw this firsthand. “The world has changed, and the way people search for jobs has changed with it. Our services have evolved to be more practical, more immediate, and more focused on getting real results”, he explains.
Back in 2009, during a global financial crisis and record unemployment, Renovo set out to reinvent how career support should work. No more onesize-fits-all advice. Renovo’s model is dynamic and responsive, designed to support individuals with expert coaching, advanced career technology, and unwavering support at every stage.
Why The Solicitors' Charity partnered with Renovo
With Renovo’s support, solicitors gain access to an experienced career coach who can guide them through the complex world of modern job searching, offering real-world advice and strategies that lead to measurable success.
“I’m proud of the work our coaches do with The Solicitors’ Charity clients. We continually improve what we do to bring life-changing professional support to the people we are privileged to work with”, shared Chris Parker Their intention aligns perfectly with The Solicitors' Charity’s commitment to providing solicitors with the tailored support they need, both emotionally and professionally.
Offering individual career coaching to more solicitors than ever
Thanks to the partnership with The Solicitors' Charity, Renovo is helping more solicitors more than ever with professional wellbeing.
Anita McCallum, Director of Impact and Development at The Solicitors’ Charity, reflects on the partnership: “In 2024 we referred nearly 40 solicitors (at varying stages in their career) to Renovo for professional career coaching. It’s interesting to note that although many have secured a new role using Renovo tools and support like a CV & Elevator Pitch Builder and Interview Simulator, some have found a different path from conventional employment. Over one in six chose to go into self-employment or to retire altogether. It shows that the Renovo service is helping solicitors find their ideal path within or outside of traditional employment solutions.”
Support every step of the way – some client views
What do solicitors think about the service offered by Renovo? Here are some thoughts from those who tried the service:
“I found the service useful and easy to access. The resources it offers, such as the one-to-one training, is very practical and useful in supporting solicitors like me who may feel vulnerable following redundancy or other career-altering situations.”
“A very efficient and well-run service with expert support given in respect of all job recruiting areas. The one-to-one support proved to be vital in terms of updating a CV, providing useful advice and interviewing tips. Overall, my Career Coach was excellent.”
“I had a pleasant experience with my Renovo Coach. The one-to-one support was very helpful and informative, the coach obviously knows what they are doing and is good at it! I had not applied for a job in years and was not aware of the interview techniques or issues with my CV.”
Take the first step toward change
Thinking about a career change or returning to work after a break? Are you facing career challenges? The Solicitors' Charity and Renovo are here to support you.
Find out more about The Solicitors’ Charity by visiting: thesolicitorscharity.org.
8 Reasons Solicitors Prefer Clio for Their Practices
In the fast-paced and competitive legal industry, solicitors need innovative tools to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive growth. Clio, the leading legal software, has become the go-to solution for solicitors across the UK. By leveraging Clio's powerful features and integrations, solicitors can transform their practice, achieve greater efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. Let's explore why solicitors choose Clio as their trusted legal software solution.
1. Streamlined Workflows: Clio's features centralise case information, reducing manual tasks and saving time.
“Since moving to Clio, we've saved time, our client service has improved, and our profits have increased. We only wish we'd made the move sooner” - Ali Bukhari, Founder, Bukhari Chambers.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: Solicitors can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and clients, fostering teamwork and improving service.
3. Remote Work Capabilities: Clio's cloud-based platform enables solicitors to work from anywhere, ensuring productivity and client service.
“With Clio, I could successfully support remote working and build a practice with lower overheads. Over the past three years, Clio has become the essential tool for our firm's growth.” - Arun Chauhan, Founder, Tenet Law.
4. Time and Expense Tracking: Simplified tracking and accurate invoicing improve cash flow and client trust.
“Clio has helped tighten our time recording and increased our chargeable hours. It is a fantastic tool for reconciling and tracking transactions in my client account. I can not imagine going back to the way I used to manage my client accounting.” Adele Hunt, Practice Manager, East Devon Law.
5. Financial Management: Insights into firm finances drive growth with our Law Firm Performance Dashboard and with integrations with popular accounting software.
6. Client Relationship Management: Features like client intake, onboarding, and appointment scheduling enhance client satisfaction and loyalty through Clio Grow.
“Clio Grow has helped save my practice. I’ve been a Clio Grow customer for over a year, and the volume of leads my firm receives would be impossible to track without Clio Grow. The system is intuitive and easy to use.” - Lara Evans, Practice Manager, Ubique Legal.
7. Comprehensive Support and Training: Clio provides exceptional support and resources for a smooth transition and ongoing learning.
8. Industry Recognition and Trust: Trusted by thousands of solicitors and compliant with GDPR and SRA compliances.
“The Law Society is delighted that Clio is one of its recommended partners and offers a completely cloud-based case management software. We identified Clio as a supplier that suits our members’ needs, especially as business efficiency is central to performance.”—Fiona O’Mahony, Law Society of England & Wales.
Solicitors choose Clio for its ability to transform legal workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive growth. Join the thousands of solicitors who have chosen Clio as their trusted legal software solution and experience the transformative power it brings to your practice. Start your Clio journey today. Plans from just £49 per user/per month.
To read more Clio customer success stories, visit our site, Clio.com/uk/customers. ■
Celebrating 25 Years of S. Abraham Solicitors:
Sushila Abraham’s Remarkable Journey as a Sole Practitioner
For 25 years, Sushila Abraham has been a pillar of her community, leading her firm, S. Abraham Solicitors, with dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to client care. The end of 2024 marked a significant milestone in her career—a quarter of a century as a sole practitioner, and of her firm S. Abraham Solicitors. Her journey, which began long before she established her firm in 1999, is one of perseverance, service, and a deep-rooted passion for justice.
Surrey Law Society CEO Helen Opie sat down with Sushila to discuss her incredible career, her journey as a sole practitioner, and her impact on the legal profession and community.
A Calling Inspired by Family Sushila’s legal career was sparked by the encouragement of her mother, who recognised her daughter’s potential to make a difference. This early inspiration set Sushila on a path that would take her from her initial legal training in Kerala, India, to the UK, where she built her practice from the ground up.
After qualifying in India in 1982, she argued her first case at the High Court within three weeks of being enrolled as an Advocate—an ambitious feat against a seasoned barrister from the UK. Winning that case gave her a boost of confidence, reinforcing her belief in her ability to succeed in the legal profession. Her resilience and determination were evident from the very start, qualities that would go on to define her career.
The Birth of S. Abraham Solicitors
By the time she moved to the UK, Sushila was determined to carve out her own space in the legal world. After working in various firms, she became increasingly disillusioned with the industry’s focus on financial targets over client care. She longed to provide a more personal and compassionate service, putting clients’ needs first.
With encouragement from her husband, the support of her long-time assistant and a longstanding client, she took the bold step of starting S Abraham Solicitors in 1999. It was not easy - starting with just £54 in her client account and working from home, she relied on word-of-mouth recommendations to grow her business. Within six months, demand had grown so significantly that she had to move into an office space. Even then, the local business community played a role—an optician on the High Street helped her secure her current premises, and a trusting bank manager provided the financial backing she needed.
Championing Client Care
Sushila’s reputation as a solicitor who prioritises client care has set her apart. In 2018, she was recognised for this dedication when she won the Surrey Law Society’s Client Care Award.
"I don’t advertise beyond a small listing in the local directory," she explains. "My clients come to me because they trust me, and they recommend me to others."
That trust has been the foundation of her firm’s success, allowing her to build long-standing relationships with clients and colleagues alike. She has also been committed to training young lawyers, helping them gain valuable experience— even though many move on to larger firms.
Despite the challenges that come with running a sole practice, she has always maintained her core values of honesty, empathy, and dedication. Unlike some areas of the profession that might prioritise billable hours, Sushila has always believed in putting the client’s best interests first— even if that meant advising against pursuing costly litigation.
A Trailblazer and Leader
Beyond her legal work, Sushila has played a prominent role in the profession. She has broken barriers as the first ethnic woman to hold several leadership positions, including President of Surrey Law Society, Chair of the Sole Practitioners Group, and The Law Society’s Council Member for Surrey. Her influence extends beyond law— she also served as Councillor and Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, demonstrating her commitment to public service.
As Mayor, she was a strong advocate speaking to young people about the legal profession, ensuring that the next generation understood the importance of the rule of law, as well as attending events around knife crime and hate crime in schools.
Despite her achievements, she remains humble about the impact she has made. "I never set out to be a trailblazer—I just focused on doing the right thing, working hard, and helping people," she says.
Challenges, Progress, and Resilience in the Legal Profession
The legal landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, and Sushila acknowledges the challenges that small firms face today. Increasing regulation, rising insurance costs, and the decline of legal aid have put pressure on firms. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future of High Street firms.
"There will always be a need for local solicitors who truly understand and care about their clients," she says. "People appreciate being able to walk into an office and speak to someone face-to-face. That human connection is irreplaceable."
Sushila has also witnessed a shift in the way legal services are delivered, with technology playing a much greater role. While she embraces
innovation, she believes that personal interaction remains essential in law. "AI and automation can assist with processes, but they cannot replace the trust and personal service that clients need when dealing with sensitive legal matters."
Over the years, Sushila has seen positive changes in the profession, particularly in the area of diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI). "People are embracing more diverse individuals into the profession, whatever their background may be," she observes. "The richness that diversity brings to an organisation is huge. It helps with access to justice and ensures that talent is recognised on merit and skills rather than outdated biases."
She highlights that neurodivergent individuals, those with disabilities, and professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are now being embraced in a way they previously were not. "There was always a difficulty before, but things are improving, and I hope they will continue to do so," she says with optimism.
Looking to the Future
While many in her position might be considering retirement, Sushila has no such plans. "My staff and clients will not let me!" she laughs. "As long as I can continue to serve my community and make a difference, I will."
Her passion for giving back extends beyond the legal world. As a Councillor she launched "Susie’s Kitchen," a programme teaching children how to cook affordable, nutritious meals, and as Mayor, she spearheaded initiatives to promote legal education in schools. She believes that community engagement is a vital part of professional success.
"The legal profession is about more than just practising law—it is about making a difference in people’s lives," she says. "Whether it is helping a client navigate a legal issue or mentoring a young solicitor, every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impact."
Her guiding philosophy remains simple: "If I can do it, you can do it too." It is this spirit of resilience and generosity that has defined her career and made her a true inspiration to so many.
With 25 years behind her and no signs of slowing down, one thing is certain—Sushila Abraham’s impact on the legal profession and her community will continue to be felt for years to come. ■
by Helen Opie CEO, Surrey Law Society
Celebrating Excellence: Nominations Now Open for SLS Legal Awards 2025
The Surrey Law Society is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious SLS Legal Awards 2025. This highly anticipated annual event serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements within Surrey’s legal community, showcasing the talent, dedication, and innovation that define the profession across the county.
With a fantastic line-up of 14 categories, this year’s awards reflect the diverse contributions of Surrey Law Society members. Among the most exciting developments for 2025 is the introduction of three new categories. The Business Services Team of the Year award acknowledges the invaluable contributions of teams within law firms— such as business development, marketing, HR/talent, finance, IT, and operations—who play a strategic role in supporting legal teams and driving firm success. The Employment Law Team of the Year award aligns with our new Employment Law Programme, recognising teams that have demonstrated excellence in delivering employment law services. Finally, the Leader of the Year award will honour Managing and Senior Partners who have exhibited transformative leadership within their firm and the wider legal profession.
1. Law Firm of the Year (20 Fee Earners and Over)
We are also thrilled to continue offering many of our established categories, including Law Firm of the Year, Junior Lawyer of the Year, Employer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. A full list of categories and criteria can be found below.
With the deadline for submissions set for Friday 16 May 2025, we encourage members to participate by nominating deserving individuals and teams whose work exemplifies excellence in the legal sector. Nomination forms and further details are available on the Surrey Law Society’s website at https://awards.surreylawsociety.org.uk.
Save the date now for the highlight of Surrey’s legal calendar—the SLS Legal Awards 2025 Ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at G Live in Guildford. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Surrey Law Society membership and honour those who continue to shape and advance the legal profession.
2025 CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA
Why does your firm stand out? This award should demonstrate your winning formula and highlight significant progress in the last 12 months. Judges seek evidence of excellence, including:
• Reputation and Public Profile: Showcase notable achievements, cases, and industry impact.
• Holistic Legal Services Approach: Outline a comprehensive strategy covering client relations, innovation, and community engagement.
• Exemplary Client Care: Provide testimonials and strategies for client satisfaction.
• Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: Showcase initiatives and achievements promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Effective Management and Staff Performance: Demonstrate management's role in achieving outstanding results and provide evidence of staff achievements.
• Strong Staff Engagement and Training: Outline staff engagement and innovative training programmes.
• Exemplary Teamwork: Provide examples of successful collaboration.
• Engaging CSR Programmes: Showcase projects with a positive impact on the community and environment.
• Culture of Innovation: Highlight how your firm embraces technology and innovation.
• Deep Expertise in Practice Areas: Showcase specialised knowledge and achievements. Nominee firms should demonstrate a clear vision for their business. Evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards, and shared results.
This category is open to firms who are within the membership categories 5 and 6 only.
2. Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners)
Why does your smaller firm stand out? This award showcases your winning formula and highlights significant progress in the last 12 months. Judges seek evidence of excellence, including:
• Distinctive Reputation and Profile: Showcase achievements, cases, and impact on a smaller scale.
• Comprehensive Legal Services Approach: Outline a strategy covering client relations, innovation, and community engagement.
• Exceptional Client Care: Provide testimonials and strategies demonstrating personalised client satisfaction.
• Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: Showcase initiatives and achievements promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Effective Management and Staff Performance: Demonstrate management's role in achieving outstanding results for your team; provide evidence of staff achievements and impact.
• Engaged Staff and Training: Outline staff engagement and any unique training programmes.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Provide examples of successful collaboration
• Impactful CSR Programmes: Showcase community and environmental initiatives with a meaningful impact considering your firm's size.
• Innovation: Highlight how your firm innovates within the market.
• Expertise in Niche Practice Areas: Showcase specialised knowledge and achievements, emphasising the uniqueness of your firm.
Nominee firms should demonstrate a clear vision for their smaller business. Evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards, and shared results.
This category is open to firms who are within the membership categories 1-4 only, and nominations can only be accepted from firms with no more than 20 fee earners across all offices nationwide.
3. Lawyer of the Year
This prestigious award recognises a lawyer who excels in professional practice and community impact. Judges seek candidates who demonstrate qualities such as:
• Client-Centric Excellence: Genuine client interest and evidence of going the extra mile.
• Colleague Inspiration: Positive impact on colleagues with support and mentorship.
• Community Commitment: Active engagement in CSR and community improvement.
• Exceptional Performance: Goes "above and beyond" in client care and satisfaction.
• Continuous Growth: Demonstrates commitment to personal and professional development.
• Team Leadership: Strong leadership and teamwork skills for exceptional results.
• Empathy and Respect: Displays empathy and professional respect in all interactions.
• Effective Management: Evidence of strategic decision-making and organisational impact.
Entrants are assessed holistically for excellence in client care, CSR, development, teamwork, leadership, empathy, and respect.
4. Business Services Team of the Year
This category recognises outstanding contributions from business services teams within law firms, including business development, marketing, HR/talent, finance, IT, and operational teams. Judges will be looking for:
• Exceptional Business Support: Demonstration of a strategic and effective role in supporting legal teams and driving the firm’s success.
• Successful Initiatives or Projects: Evidence of a project, campaign, or initiative that has significantly benefited the firm.
• Innovation and Process Improvement: Implementation of new strategies, technologies, or practices that have enhanced efficiency or client service.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective collaboration within the team and across different areas of the firm.
• Impact on Client and Firm Growth: Contribution to business growth, client engagement, talent retention, or firm reputation.
• Commitment to Culture and Wellbeing: Promotion of a positive workplace culture, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Submissions should highlight measurable outcomes, testimonials, or case studies showcasing the team’s success.
5. Client Experience Award
Client Experience holds significant importance in the legal profession, serving as a crucial differentiator in winning and retaining both private and commercial clients. This award recognises outstanding achievements in delivering a client-centric approach, creating positive and memorable experiences, and ensuring client satisfaction that goes beyond.
Nominees should exemplify excellence in criteria such as the following:
• Client-Centric Approach: Tailored strategies to address individual client needs.
• Communication and Transparency: Clear and open communication channels and transparent fee structures.
• Accessibility and Responsiveness: Timely and accessible legal professionals.
• Innovative Technology and Processes: Use of technology for enhanced client experience.
• Continuous Improvement and Feedback: Responsive to client feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Adherence to high ethical standards and professionalism.
• Client Retention and Referrals: High client retention and positive referrals.
• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Involvement in community initiatives and/or pro bono work.
• Innovative Client Events and Services: Creative events or services enhancing client experience.
Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence showcasing their commitment to these criteria, and the judging panel will assess nominations based on their exceptional contributions to delivering a superior client experience.
Member firms who are participating in Options B, C or D of the Championing Client Experience Excellence initiative with insight6, will receive an automatic nomination in this category.
7. Employment Law Team of the Year
The Employment Law Team of the Year Award celebrates a team that has excelled in providing outstanding employment law services. The judging panel will evaluate:
• Excellence in Employment Law Practice: Evidence of delivering high-quality legal advice and advocacy in employment law matters.
• Success in Complex Cases: Demonstration of expertise in handling complex or high-profile cases, including tribunal successes and client impact.
• Innovation in Service Delivery: Implementation of innovative strategies, technology, or approaches to employment law challenges.
• Collaboration and Client Focus: Effective teamwork within the firm and strong engagement with clients or external partners.
• Thought Leadership and Influence: Contributions to employment law through publications, speaking engagements, or policy work.
Nominations will be accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals acting within the practice of employment law.
Applications should include case studies, testimonials, or data showcasing the team’s achievements and influence.
6. Employer of the Year
This important award offers an exceptional opportunity for public recognition within the region as a distinguished employer of choice, acknowledged for fostering an environment where individuals aspire to work. The judging panel will be evaluating evidence demonstrating your commitment to cultivating an outstanding workplace and ensuring high levels of employee engagement, they expect to see clear policies, commitments and best practice in:
• Positive Culture: Showcase initiatives that contribute to a supportive and positive workplace culture.
• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrate strong leadership marked by trust, empowerment, and engagement at all levels.
• Employee Growth and Recognition: Highlight practices that challenge employees, fostering growth, and emphasise recognition and rewards.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Showcase a package of employee benefits promoting overall wellbeing.
• Training and Development: Outline strategies for employee training and development.
• Wellbeing Focus: Highlight policies emphasising the organisation's commitment to employee wellbeing.
Applicants should present a concise narrative supported by data and testimonials, emphasising sustained commitment, innovation, and results.
8. Family Law Team of the Year
The Family Law Team of the Year Award recognises a team that has significantly contributed to the field of family law through their exceptional practice. The winning team must showcase excellence in family law services, and the judging panel will evaluate key areas including the following:
• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going above and beyond.
• Teamwork Excellence: Highlight excellent teamwork within the family law team and across the firm. Identify the most crucial factor contributing to the team's success.
• Collaborative Approach: Showcase a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the field.
• Innovation Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of family law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.
• Success in Complex Cases: Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.
Nominations will be accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals acting within the practice of family law.
Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of family law.
9. Junior Lawyer of the Year
This award celebrates an exceptional standard of work and great dedication to the role of a junior lawyer. The judges are looking for a lawyer who is excelling in their role or making a significant contribution to voluntary or pro-bono schemes.
The winner will be going beyond what is expected of a junior lawyer and bringing insight, flair, imagination and hard work to everything they do. Initiatives may include:
• Innovative Contributions: Introducing new ideas or efficiencies that improve legal services within their firm or organisation.
• Leadership in Practice: Taking a significant role in a case, project, or area of legal practice that has made a tangible impact.
• Advocacy and Change: Playing a role in a case, project, or initiative that has led to meaningful legal or policy developments.
• Professional Recognition: Gaining recognition from colleagues, clients, or industry bodies for their expertise, professionalism, or client service.
The judges will seek evidence of:
• Exceptional Legal Work: A strong contribution to legal practice, demonstrating skill, dedication, and impact.
• Positive Influence: A clear social or commercial benefit resulting from their actions.
• Commitment and Initiative: A proactive approach to their role, going above and beyond expectations.
Definition of Junior Lawyer: The Law Society defines a junior lawyer as solicitor apprentices, LPC/ SQE students, LPC graduates (including those working as paralegals), trainee solicitors, and solicitors with up to five years of post-qualification experience.
Applicants are encouraged to provide compelling examples and testimonials showcasing their contributions and impact.
11. Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who, in the Judges' perspective, has made an extraordinary contribution to enhancing the reputation of solicitors throughout their distinguished career in Surrey. While entries may encompass a range of criteria, candidates for this award embody the highest standards of integrity within the legal profession.
Key Criteria include:
• Collegial Respect: The nominee should command the ultimate respect of their colleagues within the legal community.
• Client Dedication: Demonstrated absolute dedication to clients throughout their career, reflecting a commitment to the highest level of service.
• Leadership Excellence: The nominee should be a recognised leader in their area of legal practice, setting a standard for professional excellence.
• Mentorship Legacy: A demonstrable record of being a mentor to colleagues, sharing knowledge and guidance with those they have worked alongside.
• Commitment to the Rule of Law: An unwavering commitment to upholding and promoting the Rule of Law throughout their career.
• Consummate Professionalism: Exemplify the qualities of a consummate professional, maintaining the highest ethical standards and conduct.
• Standing Out: The nominee should stand out from the crowd, demonstrating uniqueness and distinction in their contributions to the legal profession.
Nominees for this prestigious award are expected to have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape, serving as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and leadership throughout their illustrious career.
13. Property Team of the Year
The Property Law Team of the Year award recognises the top property law/conveyancing teams in the county, showcasing excellence in property law practice. The judging panel will evaluate teams based on the following key criteria:
Key Entry Components include:
• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going the extra mile in service delivery.
• Teamwork Excellence: Showcase excellent teamwork within the property law/conveyancing team and across the firm. Isolate the most crucial factor that has contributed to the team's success over the qualifying period.
• Collaborative Approach: Highlight a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the property law sector.
• Innovation Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of property law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.
• Success in Complex Cases: Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.
Nominations are accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals actively practising within the property law/conveyancing domain. Entries are welcome from both commercial and residential property lawyers and specialists in landlord and tenant matters.
Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of property law and conveyancing.
10. Leader of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding Managing Partner or Senior Partner who has demonstrated transformative leadership within their firm and the wider legal profession. Judges will be looking for evidence of visionary leadership, strategic impact, and a commitment to excellence, including:
• Strategic Vision and Growth: Clear demonstration of a long-term vision that has driven significant growth, innovation, or structural transformation within the firm.
• Inspiring Leadership: Evidence of exceptional leadership that has motivated and empowered teams, fostered collaboration, and influenced positive cultural change.
• Innovation and Change Management: Introduction of forward-thinking strategies, processes, or technologies that have improved efficiency, client service, or legal practice.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Active promotion of inclusivity, wellbeing, and staff development within the firm.
• Outstanding Client and Stakeholder Relations: Strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders, leading to enhanced reputation and trust in the firm.
Applicants should provide examples of achievements, initiatives, and the measurable impact of their leadership.
12. Private Client Team of the Year
The Private Client Team of the Year award acknowledges the top private client teams in the county, recognising excellence in private client practice. The judging panel will evaluate teams based on the following key criteria:
• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going above and beyond expectations.
• Teamwork Excellence: Showcase excellent teamwork within the private client team and across the firm. Identify the most crucial factor contributing to the team's success.
• Collaborative Approach: Highlight a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the private client sector.
• Innovation Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of private client law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.
• Success in Complex Cases: Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.
Nominations are accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals actively practising within the private client law domain.
Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of private client law.
14. Support Team Member of the Year
The Support Team Member of the Year Award invites nominations from colleagues or clients for outstanding paralegals, secretaries, cashiers, apprentices, and other dedicated professionals supporting Surrey Law Society members.
Key Evaluation Points include:
• Special Contributions: Nominations should highlight how the support team member has made a distinctive and valuable contribution to their organisation or specific clients.
• Dedication and Motivation: Emphasise the nominee’s dedication and motivation that goes above and beyond the call of duty, showcasing a commitment to excellence.
• Efficiency Improvements: The Judges will particularly note activities that have significantly improved the organisation's efficiency, enhancing its reputation, and/or contributing to the positive perception of the legal profession.
• Reputation Enhancement: Showcase specific examples of how the support team member has contributed to enhancing the organisation's reputation and, by extension, the reputation of the legal profession.
This award recognises and celebrates the unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in the success of legal practices, acknowledging their dedication, motivation, and the tangible impact they make on organisational efficiency and professional reputation.
Council Member’s ReportSpring 2025
Hope all of you are enjoying the beginning of Spring. The Law Society of England and Wales celebrates its 200th year anniversary. There are a number of events taking place and I would urge all of you to check the Law Society’s website for details of these.
As you all would have read, the TA6 form used in conveyancing transactions has been worked on by the working group at the Law Society. On 20th March, Vice President Mark Evans spoke at the National Conveyancing week about the two new-form approach; form TA6 (6th Edition) and Material Information form (MI). The TA6 is mandatory for CQS firms but not the form MI. The date when the new form has to be used will be published and I will then update you further.
In January there was the Ministry of Justice consultation to increase civil legal aid fees for those working in housing and immigration which includes an additional £20m a year for the civil legal aid sector as well as increased flexibility for civil legal aid providers, allowing greater freedom to choose how they deliver legal services to clients. The Law Society is pressing the government to invest in all areas of civil legal aid.
There was also an Independent Review of Criminal Courts chaired by Sir Brian Leveson and the Law Society’s President
Richard Atkinson pointed out that the Review must aim for effective and fair justice.
As you will be aware, the SRA had a consultation on how firm’s handle client money. Our members have opposed this and so has the Law Society seeking that the SRA improves its monitoring and managing potential risks to consumers and the ramifications there will be on our member firms. I will update you further once we know the outcome of the consultation.
All of you would have read the LSB’s performance review of the SRA following the Axiom case and the loss of £60 million. It is in the Law Society Gazette of 31st March 2025.
The SRA have been randomly checking firms if they are complying with the regulations MLRO 2017. I would urge all of you to check that you have all the necessary compliances in your files as well as Firm Wide Risk Assessments. If anyone wishes to speak with me on this, I am happy to help.
The Law Society’s PC Fees consultation is now open and I request members to read and respond. You can find the details on the Law Society’s website at www. lawsociety.org.uk/membership/practisingcertificate-fee-consultation.
If there are any further matters that you would like to speak to me about then please do not hesitate to contact me and
I will also be happy to take matters to the Law Society.
I would once again request that if you have not updated your details on MyLS then please do it and if you have not registered on MyLS then please do register in order to receive updates etc.
I am here if you have any issues that you wish to discuss with me and would like me to take to the Law Society. ■
Sushila Abraham
Law Society Council Member for Surrey
“There are a number of events taking place and I would urge all of you to check the Law Society’s website for details of these.”
Sushila Abraham
SLS Training & Events Programme 2025
APRIL 2025
23.04.25 | 12.30 – 1.30pm | Webinar | Employment BALANCING BELIEFS: LESSONS FROM HIGGS V FARMER’S SCHOOL ON RELIGION, SPEECH & DISCRIMINATION
Speaker: Sarah Fraser Butlin KC, Cloisters
24.04.25 | 12.30 – 1.30pm | Online Course | Private Client PENSIONS AND DEATH BENEFITS: AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO UPCOMING CHANGES
Speaker: Andrew King, Evelyn Partners
30.04.24 | 2.00 – 5.00pm | In-Person Course | Private Client ADVISING CLIENTS IN 2025: PRACTICAL GUIDANCE INCLUDING POST-BUDGET CHANGES TO TAX, RELIEFS, AND SUCCESSION PLANNING
01.05.24 | 12.30-1.30pm | Webinar | Private Client THE NEW NON-DOM REGIME: A CLEAR GUIDE FOR PRACTITIONERS
Speaker: Julie Man, Russell-Cooke
13.05.24 | 2.00-4.00pm | Event | Parliamentary COUNTY SOCIETIES GROUP WESTMINSTER RECEPTION
Venue: Terrace Dining Room, The Palace of Westminster
14.05.24 | 12.00-2.00pm | Online Course | Family MASTERING COMPLIANCE IN FAMILY LAW: FPR UPDATES, DISCLAIMERS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Speaker: Karen Barham, Moore Barlow & Victoria Clarke, Elite Law Solicitors
21.05.24 | 12.00-1.30pm | Online Course | Property ADVISING ON CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ASSESSMENTS –PUTTING THE LAW SOCIETY GUIDANCE INTO PRACTICE
Simon Boyle, Environmental Lawyer with Landmark Information
JUNE 2025
11.06.25 | 09.00-11.30am | In-Person Course | Management DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER & PROSPECT EXPERIENCES: A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP FOR SURREY LAW SOCIETY MEMBERS
Speaker: Paul Matthews, insight6
25.06.24 | 2.00 – 5.00pm | In-Person Course | Property RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING UPDATE 2025: STAYING AHEAD IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
06.11.25 | 12.30 – 1.30pm | Webinar | Family NON-COURT DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN PRACTICE: KEY UPDATES AND BEST PRACTICES
Speaker: Karen Barham, Moore Barlow
12.11.25 | 1.00 – 3.00pm | Online Course | Property ENFORCEMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATIONS AND NHBC STANDARDS: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR CONVEYANCERS
Speaker: Richard Snape, Davitt Jones Bould
NOVEMBER 2025 (cont.)
DATE TBC | 12.30 – 1.30pm | Webinar | Private Client PRIVATE CLIENT CASE LAW UPDATE 2025: KEY DEVELOPMENTS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Speaker to be confirmed
13.11.25 | 12.30 – 1.30pm | Webinar | Employment VULNERABLE PEOPLE: DISABLED PEOPLE AND CPR
Speaker: John Horan, Cloisters
DATE TBC | 2.00 – 5.00pm | In-Person Course | Private Client WILL DRAFTING RED FLAGS –AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS
Speaker: James Lister, Stevens & Bolton
20.11.25 | 6.00 – 10.00pm | Event | Social SLS ANNUAL QUIZ AND PIZZA NIGHT
Venue: Rogues Bar, Guildford
For more information on all Surrey Law Society Training & Events, please visit: www.surreylawsociety.org.uk
LAW SOCIETY UPDATE
Practising Certificate Fee Consultation 2025
Win one of five £100 vouchers by giving us your views
We’re celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors by reflecting on our rich history, celebrating our diverse community and looking to the future of our profession.
We want to understand what solicitors think we should prioritise to deliver the resources, guidance and support the profession needs to thrive in the years ahead.
With our members’ insight, we can make sure we’re representing the views of solicitors across England and Wales as we continue to advocate for and represent them.
It takes just 10-minutes to complete our practising certificate fee consultation survey. There’s also a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
Do you have a passion for supporting your profession? Do you want to enhance your leadership skills? Or are you looking for an opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to your community?
Our Council advocate for the diverse needs of solicitors across England and Wales. As we look towards the future of our profession, your voice is more important than ever.
By putting yourself forward to stand for election to our Council, you could have the opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to you, at a national level. Find out more about what it’s like be a Council Member and how to stand for election on our website.
You have until 12pm on Monday 12 May – stand for Council today!
TInsights from the Law Commission’s financial remedies scoping report. A new era for family lawyers?
he Law Commission's recent scoping report on financial remedies marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to modernise family law in England and Wales. While the report does not make specific recommendations for reform, it highlights the complexities and challenges associated with financial settlements following divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership. The current laws are outdated having remained largely unchanged since the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (MCA), so the Law Commission's recommendations are both timely and necessary.
Currently, the court has broad discretion to decide capital and income claims on divorce, aiming for a fair outcome based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the needs of each party, and their contributions. While judicial discretion has many benefits, it can lead to inconsistencies and uncertainties, making it difficult to predict outcomes.
Key recommendations
The Law Commission has set out possible models for reform, ranging from codification to a default regime. “Codification” of existing law, and the principles of fairness, needs, and compensation would involve minimal change to the MCA with the courts retaining wide discretion. However, this could still lead to inconsistent outcomes.
Another idea is "codification-plus," which would introduce reforms to address unsettled areas, such as making nuptial agreements binding, while still allowing for judicial discretion.
The third option is "guided discretion," which would enshrine clear principles in law to guide judicial decisions, using formulae as starting points to achieve more consistent outcomes.
Lastly, the report considers a "default regime," creating a matrimonial property regime at the point of marriage, with rules for dividing property on divorce, like those in other European and Commonwealth jurisdictions, thereby limiting judicial discretion.
Key debates
The report also addresses various uncertain areas such as the extent to which costs associated with children over 18 should feature more heavily in maintenance claims. Children over 18 often remain financially dependent on their parents but (unless in exceptional circumstances) that cost is not considered when determining maintenance claims, sometimes leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
Controversially, the potential restriction of spousal maintenance claims is also raised. This could encourage financial independence, but there are conflicting views on whether there should be prescribed statutory terms and formulae, or whether judicial discretion should be maintained.
Lastly the report raises the thorny issue of the extent to which someone's conduct should impact the financial outcome of their case. Currently, the court can consider conduct if it would be inequitable to disregard it, typically only relevant in extreme cases where the conduct has a direct link to the finances, such as an attempted murder leaving a spouse unable to work. The issue is sensitive, with contrasting views on whether domestic abuse should have greater recognition.
Complexities remain
Alongside these debated issues, wider complex areas remain where further reforms will be needed to address the evolving nature of family dynamics. The potential for binding nuptial agreements and clearer guidelines on the treatment of non-matrimonial property, for instance, are areas that warrant further exploration.
And what about pensions? Pensions are often the largest asset after the family home. They remain misunderstood, complex, and opaque. We need to break down barriers so that spouses, especially women, understand how valuable these assets are and how they can be fairly divided. Over time, the concept of offsetting capital against pension has evolved – this has resulted in women facing financial hardship in retirement because they have opted to take more capital, usually to re-house themselves and any children. Under the MCA, the court can make orders directly in relation to pensions, the most common of which is a pension sharing order. The introduction of mandatory pension sharing orders to equalise either capital values or retirement income, and a move away from offsetting except in exceptional circumstances, could help.
Why is this important?
Divorce and the ending of civil partnerships are significant life events with profound emotional and financial impacts. Ensuring fair and equitable financial remedies is crucial for helping parties rebuild their lives post-separation. The current laws governing financial remedies are outdated and inconsistent, necessitating reform to provide clearer guidelines and principles. Robust protections for vulnerable parties, including those experiencing domestic abuse, are essential for safeguarding their interests. Societal and economic changes, such as increased pension wealth and evolving family structures, necessitate updates to the laws to reflect current realities and ensure fair treatment of all parties. Establishing clearer guidelines should help to ensure more predictable and equitable outcomes.
It’s likely that the end result will be a half-way house between discretion and certainty. Implementation of any changes will be many years away. However, whatever final form these changes take, they will almost certainly be better than the current position. ■
By Victoria Batstone, Senior Associate at Stevens & Bolton LLP
Victoria Batstone
Development Under The Labour Government
The honeymoon period is over, and Labour are now well established in its role in governing our country. Love them or hate them, when it comes to planning, they are changing things. Whether that is for the better is a huge area of debate, but what they have done so far is more than I have ever seen in my 35+ year career.
They started with a manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes in their first term. Part of this is optimistic, while the other part assumes there might be a second. You have to admire their optimism on both counts. I said they wouldn’t achieve this, and I stand by that. However, they are still approving a huge amount of development. What doesn’t surprise me is that it isn’t on the ‘grey belt’ as they promised. The term ‘grey belt’ was typical of the misdirection of politicians. The building industry has been aware of the ‘grey belt’ for decades; we just called it ‘previously developed land’ - and there were already policies that enabled it to be developed. What Labour has done, however, is shift everyone's focus elsewhere while quietly approving development on green belts across the country. If they want to get anywhere near their target, they’ll have no choice but to continue this approach.
Recently, Planning Magazine published that the approval rate for appeals on green belt land rose to almost 50% in the past three months, up from 31% last year. To me, this is astonishing. Having been involved in development for thirty-five years, I've seen the appeal system consistently approve about one in three appeals. To see that rise to nearly 50% is a dramatic shift and proves that Labour is deadly serious about increasing housebuilding. They said they would, and they are doing it. I haven’t yet seen the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, along with their friends at the Daily Telegraph, come out fighting yet, but it’s only a matter of time. I think Donald is monopolising the headlines at the moment!
The next problem that they have identified is getting approvals at a local level. The Labour Party has a problem with needing more houses approved, and a very large amount of these will be needed in the South
East. Unfortunately, the South East still has a large voting contingent that remains loyal to the Conservatives and the Lib Dems. So how will they get those committees to approve housebuilding in their green boroughs? Well, once again, Labour has listened. They are proposing to remove the need to go to committees that have historically refused them. I’ve always struggled with the obvious flaw in the system: policies that support development, only to have a committee stand in the way and block it. Labour has clearly listened and plans to remove this roadblock. I admire them for once proving they’re paying attention and actually creating solutions.
But what does this mean for Surrey? Well, more greenfield development. Let's simplify the current National Planning Policy Framework that trumps (excuse the use of the word) local policies. It states that if a council doesn’t have a five-year supply of housing, then the benefit of housing outweighs the harm and should be approved. This is the tilted balance and means the developers will predate on those councils that don’t have this essential five-year supply. Congratulations to Surrey because it has some of the worst-performing councils in the country. Tandridge, Epsom and Ewell all sit in the top ten, and there are more!
So, if you have clients buying property, they are more exposed to development risks than ever. A risk identified today could have a significant impact when it comes time to sell, making future-proofing their purchase more important than ever.
In conclusion, Labour’s approach to planning and development is clearly making waves, and whether it’s for better or worse, the changes are undeniable. While their efforts to hit ambitious housing targets may stir debate, one thing is certain: they are pushing the envelope in ways we haven’t seen in my 35+ years in the industry. ■
By Paul Addison DevAssist
Legal and Ethical Challenges in Estate Administration
Estate administration is a familiar process for probate solicitors, yet it remains fraught with legal complexities and ethical dilemmas. Beyond the procedural aspects, solicitors must navigate evolving case law, potential disputes, and the increasing scrutiny placed on their fiduciary duties. The challenge is not simply to administer an estate efficiently but to do so in a way that minimises risk, ensures compliance, and upholds professional integrity.
Managing the Risks of Personal Liability
Solicitors advising on or acting as personal representatives must be acutely aware of the personal liability risks associated with estate administration. Errors in asset distribution, failure to settle debts correctly, or even delays in the probate process can lead to claims against the estate – or against the solicitor personally. The principle of devastavit, which holds personal representatives liable for mismanagement, remains a serious concern.
One key area of risk is the identification of beneficiaries, particularly in intestacy cases where family structures can be complex. Failing to conduct sufficient due diligence when tracing heirs can result in the wrongful distribution of assets, leading to claims from overlooked beneficiaries. To mitigate this, many firms now routinely engage probate research specialists, such as Finders International, to verify lineage and avoid costly errors.
Another growing risk is executor disputes. Disagreements among coexecutors can delay administration and lead to litigation. Solicitors must carefully manage these relationships, ensuring that all parties understand their roles, obligations, and potential liabilities. Where necessary, the courts can intervene under Section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 to remove an executor, but this should be a last resort rather than a routine solution.
The Ethical Challenges of Beneficiary Disputes
Contentious probate claims are becoming more frequent, with challenges under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 continuing to rise. Solicitors are often caught in the middle of emotionally charged disputes, particularly in cases involving estranged family members, second marriages, or blended families. The solicitor’s role is to maintain objectivity and ensure that claims are assessed based on legal merit rather than emotional persuasion.
Ethical dilemmas also arise when beneficiaries pressure solicitors to accelerate distribution or act in ways that favour their interests over others. Under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct, legal professionals must maintain independence and transparency, resisting undue influence from beneficiaries while ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.
Another ethical challenge is handling estates with unclaimed assets or missing beneficiaries. In such cases, solicitors must take reasonable steps to locate rightful heirs, ensuring that assets do not fall into the hands of the Bona Vacantia division without due diligence. The use of professional probate researchers can provide an extra layer of certainty and protection in these scenarios.
Navigating the Increasing Scrutiny of Probate Practice
The probate sector has come under increasing regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding delays in estate administration and transparency over legal fees. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Legal Services Board (LSB) have both highlighted the need for clearer pricing structures and better client communication in probate matters. As a result, solicitors must ensure that their probate fees are transparent and justifiable, avoiding the risk of client complaints or regulatory intervention.
Technology is also reshaping the probate landscape, with digital wills, blockchain-based estate planning, and automated probate processes becoming more prominent. While these innovations offer efficiency, they also present new challenges in terms of verifying authenticity and ensuring compliance with traditional legal principles. Solicitors must stay informed about these developments, ensuring that new technologies align with the core principles of estate law.
How Finders International Can Help
Finders International is a leading probate research firm that specialises in tracing missing beneficiaries, verifying family trees, and locating unclaimed assets.
Our expertise helps legal professionals mitigate the risks associated with intestacy cases, ensuring that estate distribution is carried out correctly and lawfully.
By conducting thorough genealogical investigations and providing indemnity insurance options, Finders International offers solicitors an added layer of protection against potential claims. Our services not only streamline the probate process but also help firms uphold their professional and ethical obligations by ensuring that all rightful heirs are identified and accounted for. ■
By Finders International
Simple, Straightforward, but Never Standard: Introducing Landmark's Remastered Commercial Reports
The commercial property market is a fast-paced and complex sector that demands precision, clarity, and actionable environmental due diligence powered by expert knowledge. Landmark has long been the trusted partner for conveyancers and solicitors seeking reliable environmental searches, and now, we’re raising the bar once again.
Our remastered commercial reports provide property professionals with the most comprehensive environmental risk assessments on the market, now reimagined for ease of use and precision. With every report crafted to empower decision-makers, these enhancements ensure that you can navigate complex transactions with clarity and confidence.
Here’s what you need to know about Landmark’s new commercial product portfolio, its features, and how it’s transforming the conveyancing process.
What’s New: Upgrades Across the Board
Our two flagship products, Sitecheck Assess and Sitecheck Combined, have undergone major upgrades introducing new risk categories and refining existing assessments.
Sitecheck Assess: Upgrades Full Assessment Enhancements:
• Flood Risk: Now includes a breakdown of flood risk by specific perils - River, Coastal, Surface Water, and Groundwater - giving a clear view of the property’s exposure.
• Energy & Infrastructure: Previously flagged as an alert, this information is now included as standard, eliminating the need for additional ancillary reports.
• Ground Stability: Newly added to the report, this category evaluates natural and miningrelated hazards that could impact the site.
Alert Assessment Enhancements:
• Coal Mining: For the first time, coal mining risks are included, using Landmark’s redefined methodology to reduce false positives and unnecessary delays in transactions.
Sitecheck Combined: Upgrades
Full Assessment Enhancements:
• Climate Change: A brand-new module provides forward-looking analysis on the longterm impact of climate change, including risks such as flooding, coastal erosion, ground stability and energy efficiency concerns.
• Ground Stability: Now included, offering essential insights into natural and mining-related hazards.
• Energy & Infrastructure: Standardised inclusion of nearby project details removes the need for additional reports.
Alert Assessment Enhancements:
• Coal Mining: Newly integrated with the same refined accuracy as Sitecheck Assess.
Designed for Today’s Workflow
Over 76% of the population uses screens daily, so we’ve optimised our reports for a landscape format, making them easier to view on laptops and desktop monitors. This design lets you see all the information at a glance, without excessive scrolling.
The front page provides a comprehensive at a glance view, making it easier to see what needs your attention.
Focused Summaries for Quick Insights
The first few pages of each report are dedicated to executive summaries, providing:
• Concise risk overviews for each risk category, supported by visual maps.
• Recommendations that can be directly copied into client reports for convenience. This ensures you can quickly interpret results and provide your clients with actionable advice.
Detailed Data When You Need It
While the summaries provide clarity, we know that some conveyancers value access to detailed data. To strike the right balance:
• Hyperlinked Navigation: Quickly jump to the sections you care about most, streamlining your review process.
• Data Appendices: All supporting data, maps, and tables are included at the back of the report, but only for categories where risks are identified. This removes unnecessary clutter while ensuring comprehensive due diligence.
Benefits That Matter
Landmark’s remastered commercial reports are more than just upgrades - they represent a shift in how environmental risks are assessed and presented. Here’s how they make your job easier:
• Effortless Clarity: Our reports are simple to navigate, allowing you to identify risks and next steps quickly.
• Streamlined Decision-Making: With fewer false positives and clearer data interpretation, transactions proceed smoothly.
• Enhanced Coverage: New modules like climate change and ground stability offer unparalleled due diligence.
• Cost and Time Savings: By including ancillary report data as standard, Landmark reduces the need for additional purchases and delays.
Comprehensive Due Diligence, Simplified
Landmark’s new commercial product portfolio sets a new standard for environmental searches. With an intuitive design, industry-leading data interpretation, and upgrades that address today’s most pressing risks, these reports empower you to deliver exceptional service to your clients.
To find out more about Landmark’s remastered commercial reports visit: https:// hubs.la/Q03dvGcL0 ■
Surrey Junior Lawyers Division
Masquerade Ball
The Surrey Junior Lawyers Division held its Third Annual Gala on Thursday 6 February 2025. The masquerade ball themed event, held at Weybourne House, was another stunning success for the committee. We had over 120 aspiring and junior lawyers attend the evening.
This year’s gala was in support of our chosen charity of the year, the Grace Dear Trust. The Grace Dear Trust is a mental health charity set up by a family after losing their daughter and sister, Grace, to suicide aged 27. The charity's aim is to help save the lives of other young people suffering with mental health issues. With the support of our Charity Representative, Joanna Earl, we are delighted to announce that the evening raised over £2,000 for this local Surrey-based charity, including via donations on the evening and as a contribution from our ticket sales.
This year’s raffle prizes ranged all the way from food vouchers at Meat the Greek, to Le Creuset crockery to a day out at the races – thank you to all those local businesses and individuals who generously donated these gifts.
We were also fortunate enough to have Surrey Law Society Council Member, Sushila Abraham, in attendance on the evening! Sushila was delegated the important task of handing out the award for best Masquerade mask of the evening and whilst there were many honourable mentions and worthy runners up, the winner was (drumroll please….) Lucas Hobbs of Knights PLC! Congratulations, Lucas!
The evening was not just attended by Surrey’s legal best, but a mind-bogglingly good magician, a mysterious tarot card reader (who you could tell was an expert when she correctly predicted this would be our best event to date…) and Guildfordbased rock ‘n’ roll band, ‘Sultana’ who fittingly comprise of accountants, tax advisors and two lawyers.
Ultimately, this kind of event could not have been put on without the continuing support from the SJLD’s members and the hard work of the SJLD Committee, including Alex Watson-Lee, Bisma Hussain, Bethany Walker, Seema Gill, Kali Phelan, Daisy Welland, Katie Foulds, Bethany Catchpole, Ellie Sullivan, Joanna Earl, Akarsshaa Bhargava and Linda Asare.
Thanks must also be given to the Annual Gala’s sponsors with a special mention to Elite Law Solicitors who were this year’s Platinum and Magician sponsors. Particular thanks must be given to Victoria Clarke and Sarah Howard. Victoria delivered an inspiring speech on the significance of being a lawyer, offering attendees a moment to reflect on their achievements.
Lastly (but by no means least), thank you to our Photobooth Sponsor, Chadwick Nott and our table sponsors, Charles Russell Speechlys, Fourteen, Guildford Chambers, Meadows & Co, Moore Barlow, Russell-Cooke and Stevens & Bolton. Without their support, these events simply would not be possible.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s gala and hope to see as many of you there as possible again. If you, your firm or company would like to sponsor our Gala (not least to enjoy the benefits of a shout out in the Surrey Lawyer!) then please do get in touch with us at surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@ gmail.com – it’s never too early!
Let's Talk: Practice Areas (Part Two) Bridget Jones isn’t the only success making a return to our screens. March 2025 saw the SJLD host round two of the virtual ‘Let’s Talk: Practice Areas’. The purpose of the event was to find out more about the various practice areas that aspiring lawyers and trainees (or possible career changers) may wish to work in. The event’s speakers included Grace Miller and Cerys Cousins of Moore Barlow (Charities Law), Rebekah Sutcliffe of Morr & Co
Corporate & Commercial), Tom Hopkins of Russell-Cooke LLP (Property Litigation), Liam Baker of Cranbrook Legal (Immigration) and Laura Rochford of Moore Barlow LLP (Insolvency & Restructuring).
It is easy to forget quite how vast ‘law’ is and the panellists did a fantastic job at showing how engaging and exciting all areas of law can be. Bethany Walker was an expert compere for the evening and thanks also to Akarsshaa Bhargava for her help in organising this event.
Save the Date! The Guildford Legal Walk
In aid of the London Legal Support Trust (‘LLST’), the Guildford Legal Walk is back on Wednesday 2 July 2025 and the SJLD will have a team taking on the 10km challenge. The walk (aptly starting outside the County Court) walks through the beautiful Chantries Woods and up onto Pewley Down, all whilst raising money for the LLST and the work that it does in providing accessible legal support to those who need it the most. If I remember correctly, it finishes quite near a pub (or at least it always has for me…)
If you would like to be part of SJLD’s walking team, then please do get in touch on surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com so that we can note you down as joining the team. Please do keep an eye out on our social media and LinkedIn page for information on how to donate to our charity page in support of the LLST.
What’s Next?
But wait, there’s more. The SJLD has a plethora of upcoming events for its members, including those events for the most freshly faced juniors all the way to the most senior, well, juniors. We’ve started a mentoring scheme aimed at supporting individuals in local schools to understand more about what ‘law’ is and how to get that all important ‘experience’. We’ll also shortly be announcing our next exciting event to network, socialise and build those career-long connections. See you there?
By Alex Watson-Lee, Chair, Surrey Junior Lawyers Division
2025 UK Midsize Law Firm Priorities: Key Insights for an Underserved Segment
How Are Midsize Law Firms Positioning Themselves for Growth and Efficiency in 2025?
Midsize law firms in the UK are at a pivotal moment. Economic and competitive pressures mount pressuring law firm leaders to re-evaluate their priorities and investment strategies to stay competitive.
In Actionstep’s inaugural 2025 UK Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report, conducted in partnership with LPM, we surveyed senior leaders from midsize law firms with 20–500 employees to understand how they are harnessing technology, refining processes, and driving transformation to secure a competitive edge.
This report is a benchmarking tool, helping law firm leaders compare their approach with peers and empower them to make informed decisions with confidence.
Here’s a glimpse into what was uncovered.
Talent and Client Growth: The Top Priorities for 2025
Law firm leaders are laser-focused on securing top talent (78%) and winning new clients (60%) to drive revenue growth.
With recruitment and retention remaining the toughest challenge (69%), midsize firms are caught between rising salary expectations and the benefits smaller and larger firms can offer.
Despite client expectations evolving, only 33% of firms are prioritising client satisfaction as a key growth strategy— highlighting a potential blind spot.
To remain competitive, firms must strike a balance between attracting top legal talent, investing in the right technology, and ensuring client service is consistent and efficient.
Client Experience and Digital Transformation: The Missed Opportunity?
Client expectations are changing, but are firms keeping up?
While 35% of midsize law firm leaders feel their firms lack the right technology to fully support clients, a significant number still don’t offer key digital tools in their client service experience:
• 38% provide client portals.
• 31% enable document collaboration.
• Just 12% offer online appointment booking.
At a time when firms need to differentiate themselves, seamless digital experiences can be the key to driving both efficiency and satisfaction.
Automation is Seen as Valuable, yet AI Isn’t Fully Adopted
74% of law firm leaders actively seek new technology to boost efficiency, yet adoption remains slow.
• 54% of firms have embraced process automation for managing workloads.
• Only 26% are experimenting with legal-specific generative AI (GenAI).
• Cost is a major barrier to AI adoption for nearly half of midsize firms (46%).
Whilst automation is widely used, GenAI tools in legal work, such as those for document review and legal research, are still in their infancy. Leaders are weighing the benefits of efficiency against risks like compliance, data security, and the unpredictability of AI-generated outputs.
CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION
Law and Practice
Seventh Edition WILDY, SIMMONDS &
HILL PUBLISHING
By Safda Mahmood and Julie Doughty
AN EXTENSIVELY UPDATED GUIDE TO THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE CHILDREN ACT BY MAHMOOD & DOUGHTY
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
The seventh edition of this important book from Wildy, Simmonds and Hill Publishing has been written and edited by Safda Mahmood and Julie Doughty. The work extensively updates the practical guidance it offers on the complexities of the Children Act 1989 and subsequent child protection legislation, guidance and case law..
Among the developments included in this edition are the changes brought about by the Public Law Outline in January 2023 to family justice, particularly in relation to expert evidence, time limits, care plans and delay. What we found particularly helpful was the advice during a period of change within child law litigation.
The authors give us a most useful commentary on the law surrounding deprivation of liberty (DoLs) with regard to children, exploring and explaining the interface between what always difficult care proceedings and Article 5 ECHR, and a consideration of pivotal case law, like the decision in Re T (A Child) [2021] UKSC 35.
For those readers who are in practice in family law as counsel or solicitors, there is a revision of leading Practice Directions, specifically PD12A (Care and Supervision Proceedings and other Part 4 Proceedings: Guide to Case Management), Child Arrangements Programme (PD 12(B), and Revised PD12J – Domestic Abuse and Child Arrangements, Pilot Reporting and Private Law Review. We would add that it is always useful to keep as well informed as possible with such changes at a time when procedure rules are being regularly reviewed.
We believe that the contents of the new edition will be of great use and support to students, graduates and those more recently qualified practitioners because the authors have included significant case law developments in children law since the publication of the last edition. But do please remember that the case law itself can more of a guide on outcomes as every case is different in family proceedings.
Finally, there is a most important and excellent explanation of the revised edition of “Working Together to Safeguard Children” (2023), which has changed the position in relation to safeguarding and child death reviews, as well as assessments.
All these excellent publications from Wildy, Simmonds and Hill remain a practitioner’s friend during these times of increasing changes and revision in child law proceedings, plus the ever re-modelling of our process as more and more legislation and guidance is produced. Keep up to date! ■
BEAUMONT ON BARRISTERS
A Guide to Defending Disciplinary Proceedings
Second Edition
LAW BRIEF PUBLISHING
By Marc Beaumont
MISUNDERSTOOD AND STIGMATISED DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS BRILLIANTLY EXPLAINED BY BEAUMONT
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
The new second edition of this important book by barrister Marc Beaumont remains essential reading today for members of the Bar who are now threatened on a daily basis with complaints.
“Beaumont on Barristers” remains the only practical publication to examine professional disciplinary proceedings against barristers from the perspective of the defence. It remains “a significant, learned, but also user-friendly addition to the library of those involved in such proceedings” with sage advice throughout. This book from Law Brief Publishing will appeal to advisers, advocates, BTAS tribunal members, appeal judges or protagonists, and the general public.
For the new second edition, Beaumont covers the significant case-law which has developed from 2020 to June 2024, and it contains a new chapter on investigations within Barristers’ Chambers.
For readers new to this form of disciplinary system, from 2006 onwards, the investigation and prosecution of barristers, has been undertaken by a body independent of the Bar Council – called the Bar Standards Board. And by the Legal Services Act 2007, the Bar Council (and so the BSB) gained its statutory legitimacy as the regulator of barristers.
Since that time, there has been an unprecedented and most unfortunate growth in litigation involving the BSB. The replacement of the Visitors to the Inns of Court with a right of appeal to the High Court by the Crime and Courts Act 2013, has led to a series of important High Court judgments as the case law continues to develop.
Beaumont also describes the traumatic and disruptive effect of disciplinary proceedings on lawyers as the acknowledged expert in this field of regulation. He advises on the best approaches to be adopted to a BSB investigation, and he examines what is meant by the concept of ‘professional misconduct’ and how the regulatory scheme works in practice.
For those who are interested and affected by these regulations, there is a seasoned advocate’s deconstruction of disciplinary trial preparation and conduct. The approach to sanctions is given distinct treatment, before readers arrive at a unique chapter on ‘Barristers and Human Rights’, examining the impact of ECHR Articles, 6, 8 and 10 on barrister discipline, including both social media activities and issues in a barrister’s private life.
Other chapters examine costs, disposal by consent, appeals to the Administrative Court, defending complaints made to the Legal Ombudsman (mostly spurious because the clients have lost their case) and a new chapter on investigations within chambers. The final chapter, now a lesson from history, charts the effective collapse of the Bar’s system of discipline, leading to the creation of the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service from 2014.
It remains a highly original book, highly practical and a fundamental purchase for practice. It uses unreported case law and reviews an area of law that is often misunderstood and stigmatised by elevating it “to the level of a respectable legal specialism”, whilst being “both the reader’s friend and guide”. ■
