Surrey Lawyer Jan 2026

SurreyLawyer THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SURREY LAW SOCIETY | WINTER 2026

SLS Legal Awards 2025

■ Home Buying and Selling Reform ■ AI Adoption Amongst Conveyancers

XXXXXXXXXXXX

The last legal software your firm will ever need The thought of switching practice management solutions might seem daunting. Do it right with Clio, and set your firm up for long-term success.

Capterra, 2024

Trusted by

150,000 legal professionals

4.7

Trusted by 150,000 legal professionals and recommended by more than 100 law societies and associations, Clio is the industry’s best and most comprehensive practice management solution.

Recommended by over

100

law societies and associations

Easy setup Free training Award-winning support

Start your free trial or get a no-obligation demo and clio.com/uk

2 | SURREYLAWYER

PUBLISHER Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Joanne Casey

Contents 05

05 President’s Jottings 06 CEO Report 07 News 14 SLS Legal Awards 2025 21 Events 22 Dye & Durham

SALES MANAGER Catherine McCarthy STUDIO MANAGER John Barry MEDIA No. 2159 January 2026 © The Surrey Law Society Benham Publishing Ltd. LEGAL NOTICE © Benham Publishing Limited.

None of the editorial or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. Benham Publishing would like to point out that all editorial comment and articles are the responsibility of the originators and may or may not reflect the opinions of Benham Publishing. No responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracies that may occur, correct at time of going to press. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

06

recognised as Highly Commended at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards

24 Research reveals AI

DISCLAIMER The Surrey Law Society welcomes all persons eligible for membership regardless of sex, race, religion, age or sexual orientation.

14

All views expressed in this publication are the views of the individual writers and not the society unless specifically stated to be otherwise. All statements as to the law are for discussion between members and should not be relied upon as an accurate statement of the law, are of a general nature and do not constitute advice in any particular case or circumstance.

26 Representing Surrey's

Voice on Home Buying and Selling Reform

COVER INFORMATION Guest Speaker Shaun Wallace at the SLS Legal Awards 2025.

25

Copy Deadlines

27 Surrey Junior Lawyers Division

29 “I'd Like to Leave a Gift

to Charity in My Will - But Where Do I Start?

27th March 2026 (For APRIL 2026)

Editorial Anyone wishing to submit editorial for publication in The Surrey Lawyer please contact Helen Opie before the copy deadline. 0333 577 3830 helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk

25 Council Member's Report

Members of the public should not seek to rely on anything published in this magazine in court but seek qualified Legal Advice.

Advertising Anyone wishing to advertise in Surrey Lawyer please contact Catherine McCarthy before the copy deadline. 0151 236 4141 catherine@benhampublishing.com

adoption has doubled amongst residential conveyancers in the last 12 months

30 Intelligent, Timely Data Capture:

32 Age UK Surrey 34 The Solicitors' Charity Follow us on social media @SurreyLawSoc @surreylawsociety https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8731473 SURREYLAWYER | 3

OFFICERS

KEY OFFICERS President JAMES SCOZZI Elite Law Solicitors, 1 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1BR DX: 14 London Chancery Lane Tel: 020 3440 5506 Fax: 01923 219416 Email: jscozzi@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk Vice President KIM WINTLE Blackfords LLP, Cleary Court, 169 Church Street East, Woking GU21 6HJ Tel: 03330 150150 Email: kim.wintle@blackfords.com Honorary Secretary KIERAN BOWE Russell-Cooke Solicitors, Bishops Palace House, Kingston Bridge, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1QN DX 31546 Kingston upon Thames Tel: 020 8541 2041 Fax: 020 8541 2009 Email: kieran.bowe@russell-cooke.co.uk Hon. Treasurer CLAUDENE HOWELL Bellwether Solicitors, 454-456 London Road, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8JB T: 020 3621 0111 E: claudene@bellwethersolicitors.com COMMITTEE MEMBERS Immediate Past President DAWN LAWSON Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP, Portman House, Colby Rd, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2RN Tel: 01932 219500.

Email: d.lawson@nmd-law.com NICK BALL TWM Solicitors LLP, 65 Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RD Tel: 01483 752700 Email: Nick.Ball@twmsolicitors.com MADELEINE BERESFORD TWM Solicitors LLP, 65 Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RD Tel: 01483 752742 Email: madeleine.beresford@twmsolicitors.com CARINA BRITS Elite Law Solicitors, St James House, 9-15 St James Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4QH Tel: 020 3376 5861 Email: cbrits@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk MARALYN HUTCHINSON Kagan Moss & Co, 22 The Causeway, Teddington TW11 0HF Tel: 020 8977 6633 Fax: 020 8977 0183 Email: maralyn.hutchinson@kaganmoss.co.uk EMA BRYN JONES Peacock & Co Solicitors, Park Place House, 24 Church Street, Epsom, KT17 4QB Tel: 02080350370 Email: ema.jones@peacock-law.co.uk

4 | SURREYLAWYER

SUB-COMMITTEES DEV JUMMOODOO Rosewood Solicitors, Export House, 5 Henry Plaza, Victoria Way, Woking Surrey GU21 6QX Tel: 01483 901414 Email: dev.jummoodoo@rosewood-solicitors.com HAYLEY LALSING Charles Russell Speechlys, One London Square, Cross Lanes, Guildford GU1 1UN Tel: 01483 252536 Email: hayley.lalsing@crsblaw.com ALASTAIR LOGAN OBE Pound House, Skiff Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 DAG Email: alastairdwlogan@btinternet.com EMMA PATEL Rosewood Solicitors, Export House, 5 Henry Plaza, Victoria Way, Woking, Surrey GU21 6QX Tel: 01483 901414 Email: emma.patel@rosewood-solicitors.com RACHEL PHILIP S. Abraham Solicitors, 290A Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7AQ Tel: 020 8390 0044 Email: conveyancing@sabrahamsolicitors.co.uk JAMES SCOZZI Elite Law Solicitors, 1 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1BR DX: 14 London Chancery Lane Tel: 020 3440 5506 Fax: 01923 219416 Email: jscozzi@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk SUZANNE WALKER Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP, Portman House, Colby Rd, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2RN Tel: 01932 219500; Email: s.walker@nmd-law.com

LAW SOCIETY COUNCIL MEMBER SUSHILA ABRAHAM S Abraham Solicitors 290A Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 7AQ Tel: 020 8390 0044 Email: office@sabrahamsolicitors.co.uk

Chief Executive & Magazine Editor HELEN OPIE Surrey Law Society, c/o Russell-Cooke LLP, Riverview House, 20 Old Bridge Street, Kingston KT1 4BU Web: www.surreylawsociety.org.uk Tel: 0333 577 3830 Email: helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk

CONVEYANCING & LAND LAW Rachel Philip Carina Brits Maralyn Hutchinson Ema Jones Martin Whitehorn EMPLOYMENT LAW Nick Hawkins Ashley Burrow Jodie Care Tariq Phillips Hollie Ryan FINANCE Claudene Howell Nick Ball Maddie Beresford Kieran Bowe Helen Opie PRIVATE CLIENT Kieran Bowe Maddie Beresford Jess Buttaci QUO VADIS Claudene Howell Nick Ball Maddie Beresford Kieran Bowe James Scozzi Helen Opie EVENTS & FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE Madeleine Beresford Nathan Chalmers Claudene Howell Daphne Robertson Helen Opie Kim Wintle SURREY JUNIOR LAWYERS DIVISION Seema Gill (Chair) Joanna Earl (Vice Chair) Alex Watson-Lee (Past Chair) Lily Bohling Amber Davis Tim MacFarlan, Joe Lloyd-Perks & Erin Stockdale Bethany Chamberlain Majeja Miah Linda Asare Maysun Nawaz Bisma Hussain Email: surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ young-surrey-lawyers Instagram: jld_surrey Twitter: @YSL_Live / @SurreyJLD

INTRODUCTION

President’s Jottings WINTER 2026

James Scozzi

A

s the year draws to a close, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on what has been a particularly important and energising period for the Society. The standout moment, without doubt, was the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards in October.

Each year the event seems to gain momentum, and this year’s ceremony, our largest yet, felt like a real reflection of the strength and ambition of the Surrey legal community.

With 300 guests in the room and 14 categories recognising achievements across every stage of a legal career, it was an evening that highlighted just how much talent and dedication there is across the county. What I appreciated most was the sense of connection among colleagues and firms. The Awards have always been an opportunity to pause and take stock of the work we all do every day, and this year’s event underlined that more clearly than ever. My congratulations once again to all finalists and winners, and my sincere thanks to our sponsors who make the evening possible.

Another major development this autumn was the launch of the Surrey Law Leaders Forum, an initiative I’ve been closely involved with over the past few months. Bringing together managing partners, firm owners and senior leaders from across Surrey, the Forum aims to offer something that is surprisingly rare in our profession: a space to speak openly about the challenges of running a modern legal practice and to learn from the experiences of others who shoulder similar responsibilities.

The inaugural dinner in November was a strong start, and I would like to extend particular thanks to Wayne Ellis and Mary Ann Anderson of Evelyn Partners, whose sponsorship and collaborative approach have been instrumental in getting this Forum off the ground. Their support has enabled us to shape a platform that I hope will serve the leadership community well for years to come. I look forward to seeing how the Forum develops as we move into 2026.

members. At next week’s AGM, it is proposed that I serve a further year, something I would be pleased to do, particularly while our Vice President is on maternity leave. I know the whole Society joins me in wishing her well as she enjoys this time with her family.

A particularly meaningful part of the Presidency has been championing the Community Foundation for Surrey, our nominated charity for 2025. The Foundation plays a vital role in addressing local need and supporting grassroots organisations across the county, and I have been proud to align the Society with such an impactful cause. Thanks to the generosity of our members, as well as match funding from the Foundation, we have raised £4,272.34 this year. This is an excellent achievement and I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.

I will be announcing the President’s Charity for 2026 in due course, and I look forward to continuing this tradition of supporting initiatives that strengthen our local communities.

Looking ahead, there is much to be positive about. Whether through policy engagement, consultation responses or new opportunities for collaboration, the Society continues to ensure that the views of Surrey practitioners are heard. With several exciting developments on the horizon, I look forward to what 2026 will bring and to continuing the work we have started this year.

Thank you for your support throughout 2025. I wish you a restful Christmas break and a successful year ahead.

James Scozzi President Surrey Law Society

This winter issue also marks the end of my year as President. It has been a privilege to serve the Society and to work with Helen, the committee, and our patrons to support and advocate for our

SURREYLAWYER | 5

INTRODUCTION

CEO Report WINTER 2026 Helen Opie

A

s we come to the end of another busy and rewarding year for the Society, I’m pleased to take this opportunity to reflect on recent activities and outline the work that will carry us into 2026.

The standout moment of the autumn was of course the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards, which took place on 16 October at G Live, Guildford. With 300 guests, 14 award categories, and a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening, it was our biggest Awards celebration to date. We were especially delighted to welcome Shaun Wallace, who joined John Hyde of the Law Society Gazette for an insightful and engaging conversation that proved to be one of the highlights of the night. It was inspiring to see so many finalists, colleagues and supporters come together to celebrate excellence in the profession, and I extend my sincere thanks to all our sponsors for their partnership in making the event such a success. You can read more about our winners and finalists later in this issue.

Alongside the Awards, the autumn period has seen a continuation of our commitment to delivering high-quality professional development for members. We recently concluded our 2025 training programme, having hosted a series of excellent sessions in October and November. These included: Developing a Successful SQE Training Programme – Insights Over Lunch with The College of Legal Practice Mastering Post-Completion in Conveyancing – our new interactive course for support staff Non-Court Dispute Resolution in Practice: Key Updates and Best Practices Enforcement of Planning & Building Regulations and NHBC Standards: Practical Insights for Conveyancers Each of these sessions attracted highly positive feedback, and we remain grateful to our expert speakers for their time and expertise.

We are now fully immersed in the development of our 2026 training programme, which we look forward to launching shortly. As always, we welcome input from members on topics or formats that would be particularly valuable in the coming year.

Our events programme has also continued apace. November saw the return of our ever-popular Annual Quiz and Pizza Night, once again a complete sell-out at Rogues Bar in Guildford. It was a lively and light-hearted evening enjoyed by teams from across the local profession, and we were thrilled to see SLS Patron Landmark Information crowned this year’s Quiz Champions. Our thanks go to everyone who attended, and to the many teams who had clearly been polishing their general knowledge in anticipation of the evening!

Later in the month, on 27 November, we were proud to launch our new Surrey Law Leaders Forum. Held at The Ivy Castle View, the Forum brought together law firm owners, managing partners and senior leaders from across the county for an evening of thoughtful discussion and shared insight. Conversation ranged from the implications of the Autumn Budget to current operational challenges, leadership pressures and the advancement of technology. It was a pleasure to see so many leaders engaging openly with one another, and we hope this marks the beginning of a long-standing and meaningful network. You’ll find more coverage of the event later in the magazine.

In addition to our training and events, the Society has been active in a number of wider professional initiatives. We recently submitted the Surrey Law Society response to the Home Buying & Selling Reform 6 | SURREYLAWYER

consultation, reflecting the views and experiences shared by our conveyancing community. You can read more in our accompanying feature article.

We are also very pleased to be in discussions with The Law Society regarding a visit to Surrey in May 2026, and we look forward to sharing details with members as plans develop.

Another important area of work this quarter has been our contribution to the Newcastle Law Society submission to Kaplan and the SRA relating to the SQE. We have sought to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of Surrey practitioners are represented in these national discussions. Further updates will follow in the coming months.

As we look ahead to next year, we are now in the process of renewing partnership agreements and finalising our 2026 Patronage programme. I would like to take this opportunity to record our sincere thanks to all our 2025 Patrons, whose support has played a vital role in enabling the Society to deliver a wide range of training, events and member services throughout the year: • Evelyn Partners • Actionstep • Landmark Information Group • Finders International • Pro-Drive IT • The College of Legal Practice • PCC Education Hub • Konsileo • DevAssist • Ordli • LawSure Insurance • ReviewSolicitors We are incredibly grateful for their continued support, which plays a vital role in enabling the Society to deliver a rich programme of training, events and member services. If you know of any organisations who might be interested in partnering with us in 2026, please do feel free to get in touch.

As always, my sincere thanks go to our members, committee, patrons and sponsors for your ongoing engagement and encouragement.

It has been a dynamic year for the Society, and I am proud of the community we continue to build together.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. I look forward to working with you again in 2026.

Warm regards.

Helen Opie

Chief Executive & Magazine Editor T. 0333 5773830 helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk @SurreyLawSoc @surreylawsociety

Helen Opie (Chief Executive at Surrey Law Society) Surrey Law Society

NEWS

Morr & Co Expands Commercial Property Team with New Partner Hire Leading law firm Morr & Co has strengthened its commercial property team with the appointment of Nick Leavey as partner.

N

ick brings 25 years’ experience advising clients across the real estate sector, with expertise in property development and landlord and tenant work.

experience spans commercial and mixed-use development schemes, working with investors, landlords, occupiers and tenants on transactions and portfolio management.

In his new role, Nick will focus on growing the firm’s commercial property offering and supporting Morr & Co’s continued expansion across Surrey, Hampshire and London.

He is recognised for providing strategic, commercially focused advice, grounded in a clear understanding of clients’ businesses and objectives. His deal experience ranges from smaller projects to those worth tens of millions of pounds. Nick has also developed significant expertise across the real estate, public and education sectors.

Catherine Fisher, managing partner at Morr & Co, said: “Nick and I both worked together previously so I know first-hand how dedicated he is, both to delivering exceptional client service and to driving business growth. He is the ideal person to build on the success of our commercial property team.”

Nick has advised a wide range of clients including listed companies, public sector organisations, global corporations, familyowned businesses and private individuals. His

Based across Morr & Co’s Redhill and Wimbledon offices, Nick said: “I have always really enjoyed helping clients grow their businesses, through delivering excellent client service, in turn helping my colleagues develop our own business, and so Morr & Co is a great fit – and working closer to home is the icing on the cake!”

Nick joins the Morr & Co team from Knights Plc, which he joined when they acquired his previous firm, Coffin Mew. At Coffin Mew, Nick held roles including Chairman and Head of Real Estate.

Nick joins a commercial property team at Morr & Co that supports landlords and tenants, businesses, investors, developers and landowners to maximise opportunities and manage risk in a complex and fast-moving market.

The team advises on acquisition and sale, planning, funding, development, construction and leasing, and works with clients across sectors including healthcare, office, retail, industrial, pensions, portfolio management, licensed premises and not-for-profit organisations. ■

Charles Russell Speechlys Wins Surrey Business Community Hero Award Charles Russell Speechlys was crowned winner of the Community Hero Award at this year’s Surrey Business Awards. The award was in recognition of going above and beyond to make a substantial impact on society.

Richard Honey, Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys (centre right) and Beccy Bowden, CEO, Community Foundation for Surrey (centre left) receiving the Community Hero Award at the Surrey Business Awards.

A

s one of the leading law firms in the South East, Charles Russell Speechlys is committed to having a positive social impact in the community, and impressed the judges with its range of charitable initiatives, involving staff from across the organisation.

Notably, Charles Russell Speechlys’ pro bono practice was key to their award success. Since opening the Guildford office in 1945, they have had a strong belief – which is shared across the firm nationwide – in the importance of using their legal expertise to support individuals, small charities and social enterprises who may otherwise struggle to access justice. Pro bono clients receive the same level of care as feepaying clients, reflecting the firm’s commitment to meaningful community support. Charles Russell Speechlys also utilises the skills and expertise of their business support professionals in a similar

way. In 24/25 fee earners and Partners across the UK delivered 13,939 hours of pro-bono and nonlegal volunteering time.

time to volunteering, and often choose to do so for the Guildford CRS Community Fund grant recipients.

The Firm works closely with the Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation which has provided significant financial support to local community projects that enhance employment, training and skills development, particularly for disadvantaged groups. Through the Guildford CRS Community Fund, established in 2016 in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey, grants totalling over £100,000 have been awarded to support more than 20,000 beneficiaries in Surrey. Grant recipients over the last year have included HomeStart Guildford, ReSkilled and Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy - Street Angels. All employees at Charles Russell Speechlys are encouraged to allocate some

The Guildford office has also provided sponsorship to local arts and business organisations, including the Guildford Shakespeare Company, Surrey Hills International Music Festival, Surrey Hills Enterprise and Guildford.Games Festival.

Sally Ashford, Partner and Head of the Guildford Office at Charles Russell Speechlys “It is incredibly rewarding and heartwarming for Charles Russell Speechlys to be recognised as a Community Hero in the Surrey Business Awards.

This has been a true team effort. We strive to have a positive social impact and are proud to Piers Meadows continue giving back and helping strengthen and support our local community." ■

SURREYLAWYER | 7

NEWS

Morr & Co Expands International Private Client Services with New Hire

Leading law firm Morr & Co has strengthened its international private client team with the appointment of Dennis Phillips as partner.

T

he move reflects the growing demand for crossborder expertise.

Dennis joins the firm, which has offices in Surrey, Hampshire and London, as one of only a handful of English-trained lawyers with a deep expertise in solving cross-borders legal challenges involving private client and property issues in Spain.

His arrival will help build the firm’s reputation for advising UK based clients with property abroad.

Catherine Fisher, Managing Partner at Morr & Co, said: “This appointment reflects our commitment to providing expert guidance on the complex legal challenges our clients face when they own property abroad.

“Dennis’ cross-border expertise will be invaluable to families and individuals managing property and estates across jurisdictions and his collaborative approach is a perfect fit with our values.”

Dennis holds a degree in Law and Spanish Law and qualified in 2002. He specialises in multi-jurisdictional estates, with expertise in international property and succession matters in Spanish Law. Dennis regularly handles the administration of Spanish assets, especially where they are bequeathed to UK charities.

He works with trusted professionals in both the UK and Spain to ensure smooth progress in the administration process, minimising delays. Morr & Co provides specialist advice on transferring Spanish assets after death, drafting wills for

8 | SURREYLAWYER

Spanish estates and planning for property and other interests held in Spain. The team also advises on managing incapacity and Spanish estates, including Spanish Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications, as well as lifetime transfers of Spanish property, such as gifts, buyouts and sales. Its expertise extends to complex cross-border inheritance and property matters.

Dennis said: “I’m looking forward to building on Morr & Co’s expertise in handling cross-border legal challenges and expanding our services in Spain.

“My understanding of how the Spanish and UK legal systems interact will help clients find cost-effective and practical solutions, where managing Spanish estates from the UK is rarely straightforward without professional support.

“Together we will be able to provide specialist support for clients with Spanish property and inheritance matters, bridging the gap between both legal systems, so our clients don’t have to navigate the complexity alone.”

The Morr & Co team will be able to introduce clients to trusted experts from its own carefully selected network, or work with clients’ own Spanish professionals to remove language barriers, cultural uncertainty and procedural confusion.

For more information, please visit https://morrlaw.com/ ■

NEWS

New Malden based Pearson Hards Solicitors Family Team awarded National Recognitions

Peacock & Co are delighted to announce Katherine Carroll as new Managing Partner, as Kim Peacock moves into the role of Managing Director.

S

urrey based solicitors Pearson Hards are delighted to announce that in October 2025, the family law team gained recognition and a ranking for their family law expertise from The Legal 500. The Legal 500 is a prestigious legal directory that ranks law firms and individual lawyers after months of research into the legal markets across the whole of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the rankings are based on extensive research and client and peer feedback.

The Legal 500 in support of the ranking the firm received, cited the following great quotes: “Pearson Hards Solicitors fields a team of ‘efficient and effective’ professionals in its family practice, headed by Emma Rothstein, ’a brilliant lawyer with an unparalleled work ethic, a warm and empathetic manner with clients, and equally collaborative with her opponents to achieve excellent results for her clients, but also unafraid of litigation if necessary to secure the right result.'

“Emma Rothstein is a star and I have now recommended her to three very satisfied clients.”

As part of a continued growth campaign happening within the firm during the course of the past year, Chloe Langdon, an experienced family law specialist came on board in January 2025 to support the exceptionally busy family team, where she has been assisting the team and in particular partner Emma Rothstein in complex, high value divorces.

Emma Rothstein, Co-Managing Partner said: “I am immensely proud of the family team and the collaborative and supportive service we provide to our clients every day.

Pearson Hards have served the people of ‘Surrey and Greater London’ for the past sixty years, and we are very proud of our history, our people and the services they offer.”

“The recent recognition we have received by both The Legal 500 and the Surrey Law Society showcases the tremendous talent we have within the family team. We will continue to look at recruitment and growth in the months ahead in support of the development of our specialist teams, as the business continues to go from strength to strength.” ■

The family team were shortlisted as Family Law Team of the Year

by The Surrey Law Society at their annual SLS Legal Awards, a program designed to celebrate outstanding legal talent, and the team were proud to receive the “Highly Commended Family Law Team of the Year” at the Awards which were held on 16th October 2025.

SURREYLAWYER | 9

NEWS

Taylor Rose named UK Law Firm of the Year Taylor Rose, the fast-growing UK law firm, has been named UK Law Firm of the Year (mid-sized firm category) at the British Legal Awards, the premier legal awards in the UK.

C

rowned at an awards ceremony at City Central at the HAC in London, Taylor Rose beat off stiff competition from law firms around the country. The shortlist included two other consultancy-focused law firms, Keystone Law and gunnercooke, demonstrating the rise of the legal consultancy model, which offers lawyers a central service platform, brand, management and compliance infrastructure from which to operate, in return for a percentage of the lawyer’s revenue.

Earlier this year, Taylor Rose’s parent AIIC Group (“AIIC”) revealed that the number of fee-earning legal consultants operating under its brands had increased more than five-fold (+469%) in the past five years. Taylor Rose operates a consultancy division alongside its employed lawyers.

The judges said the award recognised Taylor Rose’s journey from outsider, to challenger, to leader. Founded in Peterborough in 2009, the firm has grown quickly and now has over 20 offices. The firm blends a range of corporate and consumer legal services in sectors including property, where it is the number one UK conveyancer; private client, family, dispute resolution and commercial law. It was named the number one conveyancing firm in the UK in the UK Residential Conveyancing Market Report 2025 and has been the winner or finalist in seven industry awards this year.

The achievements were underpinned by the firm’s commitment to invest in people, technology, and processes. Recently, the firm has strengthened its leadership and expertise – particularly in key growth areas – with a number of important senior hires this year.

As part of its continued investment in technology, it is rolling out a new fully cloud-based practice management platform, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern legal professionals, offering 10 | SURREYLAWYER

stability, scalability, and seamless mobile access. By centralising data in one secure environment, it enhances productivity not only for lawyers but also for support teams such as audit, client care, and data protection.

Taylor Rose was also commended for its focus on the transition towards smarter, more sustainable working practices, including advanced digitalisation and optimised data handling. Hand-inhand with its efforts towards operational excellence is sustainability, which the firm is striving for in many ways, including its ambitious paperless initiative that has led to a 42% reduction in paper usage year-on-year; and the work of its facilities team in creating modern, flexible workspaces that lower energy use and encourage smarter collaboration.

Adrian Jaggard, CEO of Taylor Rose and its parent company AIIC Group, said: “I’m hugely proud of the whole team for the work that has gone into building this firm and achieving this recognition. We have put a lot of focus into building the infrastructure, technology and support, and developing the culture that allows our teams to do what they do best. I believe that has helped us attract, develop and retain great talent but it is only the start. I am convinced the work we continue to do in this regard as we invest and innovate will continue to drive the business forward for our people and our clients.”

Earlier this year AIIC Group was listed in the prestigious FT 1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies by the Financial Times (“FT”)1 for the third consecutive year. 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. ■

NEWS

Russell Jarvis

Taylor Rose Appoints New Head of Banking Taylor Rose, the fast-growing innovative law firm, has announced its expansion into the banking and finance sector with the appointment of Russell Jarvis as the company's Head of Banking.

R

ussell brings over three decades of specialist banking experience, joining Taylor Rose from Shakespeare Martineau, where he spent three years as a Senior Partner in the Banking Team. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Womble Bond Dickinson and other leading firms, advising both borrowers and lenders across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, leisure, retail and industrial.

Throughout his career, Russell has focused on corporate lending, focusing predominantly on the mid-market. His work spans both secured and unsecured lending, with a particular focus on advising on complex multi-lender arrangements.

Russell’s client base includes corporate banks such as HSBC and Lloyds, as well as a growing field of alternative lenders, including family offices and private debt funds. His recent work includes advising on the management buyout of a farm business backed by private equity and navigating regulatory and funding complexities in healthcare and education mergers.

Russell’s appointment marks a strategic push by Taylor Rose into the corporate banking space, an area with significant opportunity as alternative lenders seek bespoke legal support.

Commenting on the promotions, Adrian Jaggard, CEO of Taylor Rose, said: "Russell’s arrival will be crucial to our expansion into the corporate banking market. His deep sector expertise and strategic mindset are exactly what we need to build a high-performing, client-focused banking division. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead - not just in growing our mid-market transactional work, but in joining the dots between our other workstreams in the sector and creating a more unified offering. Russell’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping a more integrated, ambitious offering across the firm."

Russell Jarvis, Partner and Head of Banking at Taylor Rose, said: "There’s huge potential to support new market lenders and borrowers with strategic legal solutions, especially in key sectors like healthcare, education, and leisure, where regulation is becoming more complex and requires expert legal advice. Joining Taylor Rose presents an exciting opportunity to support a firm that recognises this market opportunity and is actively investing in its banking and finance legal services. With the right focus and ambition, we are well-positioned to build a strong banking practice that offers clients a smarter, more integrated approach to legal support in a constantly evolving financial landscape." ■

Russell will lead the firm’s expansion into this sector, developing relationships with major banks and private capital providers, and building out the firm’s capabilities across private debt, structured finance and high-net-worth lending.

SURREYLAWYER | 11

NEWS

TWM Strengthens Commercial Property Team with Appointment of New Partner Adrian Price and Tanuja Sellahewa

TWM Solicitors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tanuja Sellahewa as a Partner in the firm’s Commercial Property team, based in Guildford.

T

anuja brings over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate. She specialises in all aspects of noncontentious commercial property work, including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, the grant and renewal of business leases, commercial funding and secured lending for commercial and mixed-use sites, and corporate support work. Her clients include expanding businesses, charities, investors, corporate occupiers, and users of retail, office, and industrial premises.

Commenting on her appointment, Tanuja said: “I’m delighted to be joining TWM – a full-service firm with a longestablished reputation and a genuine focus on client service.

I take pride in building strong, long-term relationships with my clients and in taking a practical, commercial approach to help them achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the Commercial Property team.”

12 | SURREYLAWYER

Having started her career in Guildford as a newly qualified solicitor, she describes her return to the town as “coming full circle”.

Tanuja is a member of the Law Society, Surrey Chamber of Commerce, and a mentor for the University of Law. Commenting on the appointment, Adrian Price, Partner and Head of Commercial Property, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tanuja to the firm. Her extensive experience and pragmatic, client-focused approach make her an excellent addition to the team. Tanuja’s expertise will further strengthen our commercial property offering to clients, helping us drive forward with our ambitious growth plans.” ■

ARTICLE

Moore Barlow strengthens Private Wealth Disputes Team with Three New Solicitors Thomas Denman, Joanna Earl and Lauren Johnson?

One of the UK’s leading law firms, Moore Barlow has strengthened its Private Wealth Disputes (PWD) team with three new solicitors, reinforcing the firm's commitment to this growing practice area, its reputation for developing legal talent and marking the team as one of the biggest outside of London.

T

he team welcomes newly qualified solicitors Joanna Earl and Thomas Denman, both of whom completed their training contracts with Moore Barlow and chose to continue their careers with the firm, alongside Lauren Johnson, an experienced solicitor joining from Blandy & Blandy LLP.

now handles Inheritance Act claims, claims related to capacity, contested estate claims including the removal and substitution of executors, and TOLATA claims.

Joanna, who qualified in September, was drawn to Moore Barlow by its supportive culture and focus on trainee development and career progression. The firm's high proportion of female partners was also a significant factor in her decision. Joanna studied Law at university before completing the LPC and her training contract with Moore Barlow. She is actively involved in the legal community, serving as Vice President of the Surrey Junior Lawyer Division and as the Southwest London regional contact for LegalRunner.

Scott Taylor, Head of Private Wealth Disputes at Moore Barlow, said: "We're delighted to welcome Joanna, Thomas and Lauren to the team. Retaining both Joanna and Thomas after their training contracts speaks volumes about the quality of talent we're developing and the supportive environment we've built. They've both demonstrated real aptitude for this complex area of law and shown the empathy and professionalism our clients value.

Lauren brings excellent experience and a strong track record in contentious trust and estate work, which adds real depth to our capability.

Joining Moore Barlow as a trainee solicitor, Thomas was attracted by the firm's diverse practice areas, quality work, and commitment to work-life balance. After qualifying via the SQE route, he chose to remain with the firm, citing its workplace environment and dedication to career development. Thomas studied Geography at the University of Birmingham before completing a Law conversion masters at the University of Law. Lauren brings over six years of experience to the team, including two years as a qualified solicitor. At her previous firms across the Thames Valley, including Oxford and Reading, Lauren worked on a mix of private wealth disputes, commercial disputes, and property litigation in both the County Courts and High Court. She joined Moore Barlow to specialise in private wealth disputes and

The Private Wealth Disputes team additions are part of Moore Barlow's successful September intake, which saw eight newly qualified solicitors retained across the firm's diverse practice areas.

These appointments reflect our continued investment in junior talent and our ambition to grow the Private Wealth Disputes team.

As families navigate increasingly complex wealth structures and succession planning, having a strong bench of skilled solicitors at different career stages ensures we can deliver the specialist and sensitive service this work demands.

Moore Barlow's Private Wealth Disputes team advises clients on contentious matters relating to wills, trusts, estates and inheritance, combining technical expertise with a sensitive, client-focused approach during what are often difficult family circumstances. ■ SURREYLAWYER | 13

SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2025

O

n Thursday 16th October 2025, Surrey’s legal community came together for one of the most anticipated events in the professional calendar: the SLS Legal Awards, sponsored

by Evelyn Partners and once again hosted at G Live, Guildford.

This year’s ceremony marked a significant milestone, welcoming a record 300 guests, including finalists, judges, sponsors and distinguished members of the profession.

The evening began with a Drinks Reception sponsored by Helen Clifford Law, followed by a gala dinner that provided guests with the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet fellow finalists and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere before the awards presentation. The buzz in the room reflected the pride felt across the profession as firms from every corner of Surrey gathered to recognise the outstanding achievements of the past year.

SLS President James Scozzi opened the proceedings with a warm welcome, offering sincere thanks to our sponsors, finalists, judges and the wider legal community for their ongoing support.

He also reflected on the continuing growth of the Awards and their importance in celebrating excellence across Surrey’s diverse and dynamic legal sector.

This year saw an exceptional array of finalists across 14 categories, including three new additions for 2025: Business Services Team of the Year, Employment Law Team of the Year, and Leader of the Year. The quality of nominations was extremely high, and our judging panel faced a challenging task in selecting winners from an impressive field of submissions.

We were delighted to celebrate all our finalists on the night, and extend our warmest congratulations to each of them, particularly to our winners and highly commended nominees, who were: • Employment Law Team of the Year: Winner - Morr & Co LLP • Family Law Team of the Year: Winner - Dutton Gregory Solicitors; Commendation - Pearson Hards LLP • Private Client Team of the Year: Winner - Russell-Cooke LLP • Property Law Team of the Year: Winner - Peacock & Co Solicitors • Business Services Team of the Year: Winner - Peacock & Co Solicitors • Client Experience Award: Winner - Helen Smith Immigration • Junior Lawyer of the Year: Winner - Nathan Chalmers, Howell-Jones LLP • Support Team Member of the Year: Winner - Pru Singer, Russell-Cooke LLP • Employer of the Year: Winner - Morr & Co LLP; Commendation - GBH Law • Leader of the Year: Winner - Sushila Abraham, S. Abraham Solicitors • Lifetime Achievement Award: Winner - Karin Walker, KGW Family Law 14 | SURREYLAWYER

• Lawyer of the Year: Winner - Natalie Payne, Morr & Co LLP • Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners): Winner - Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP; Commendation - Rosewood Solicitors • Law Firm of the Year (20+ Fee Earners): Winner - Howell- Jones LLP The evening brought colleagues together to acknowledge the successes of the past year and to celebrate the individuals and teams making a significant impact within Surrey’s legal community. Special congratulations go to Howell Jones LLP, who received the Law Firm of the Year (20+ Fee Earners) Award, and to Karin Walker, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her remarkable contribution to family law and her longstanding service to the Surrey legal profession.

Guests also showed generous support for this year’s President’s Charity, the Community Foundation for Surrey, with donations made throughout the evening and a well-supported raffle prize draw contributing to the fundraising total.

This year’s Legal Awards once again showcased the very best of Surrey’s legal sector—an evening of celebration, connection and shared pride in the achievements of colleagues across the county. Our sincere thanks go to all our sponsors, whose support and partnership make the event possible.

• Headline Sponsor & Law Firm of the Year (20+ Fee Earners) Award - Evelyn Partners • Drinks Reception Sponsor & Lawyer of the Year Award – Helen Clifford Law • Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners) Award – Pro Drive IT • Business Services Team of the Year – Konsileo • Client Experience Award - insight6 • Employer of the Year Award - Barbri • Family Law Team of the Year Award - Guildford Chambers • Balloon Sponsor & Junior Lawyer of the Year Award – Find Me A Solicitor • Leader of the Year Award – Actionstep • Private Client Team of the Year Award – Fraser & Fraser • Property Law Team of the Year Award - Landmark Information We look forward to continuing this tradition next year and celebrating more of Surrey’s incredible legal talent. We very much hope that you get involved in our 2026 Awards programme, the categories will be announced in the coming months, so be sure to start thinking about who you might like to nominate! ■

SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2025

SLS Legal Awards 2025:

A Night to Celebrate Excellence

SURREYLAWYER | 15

SLS AWARDS 2025

The Results are in!

AW FIRM L OF THE YEAR (20 plus Fee Earners): Winner: Howell-Jones LLP with Anthony Antoniou (Evelyn Partners) The judges commented, ‘from a field of prestigious and innovative firms, Howell-Jones presented a compelling picture of significant achievement in all of the criteria – an enormously worthy winner’.

Law Firm of the Year (20+ Fee Earners): Howell-Jones LLP

AW FIRM L OF THE YEAR (Under 20 Fee Earners): Winner: Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP with Bruce Penson (Pro Drive IT) The judges commented, ‘we were particularly impressed by the firm’s exceptional client care, forward-thinking use of technology, and deep-rooted community values — demonstrating how a small, dedicated team can deliver excellence, innovation and trust on every level’.

Highly Commended Nominee: Rosewood Solicitors Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners): Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

LAWYER OF THE YEAR: Winner: Natalie Payne (Morr & Co LLP) with Stephanie Battley (Helen Clifford Law) The judges commented, ‘against a backdrop of criteria demanding exceptional performance across no fewer than seven diverse and demanding aspects of practice, the winner’s portfolio of achievements was compelling and humbling in equal measure’.

Lawyer of the Year: Natalie Payne (Morr & Co LLP) 16 | SURREYLAWYER

SLS AWARDS 2025

The Results are in!

CLIENT EXPERIENCE AWARD: Winner: Helen Smith Immigration with Paul Matthews (insight6) The judges commented, ‘this year’s winner was chosen for its exceptional, tailored client experience in a specialised area of law, its collaborative team approach, and a unique focus on training clients to ensure understanding and compliance’.

Client Experience Award: Helen Smith Immigration

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR: Winner: Morr & Co LLP with Jonathan Worrell (Barbri) The judges commented, ‘in a hotly contested category, the Employer of the Year stood out for its values-led leadership, personalised staff development, and a strong, firm-wide commitment to culture, care, and inclusion’.

Highly Commended Nominee: GBH Law

Employer of the Year: Morr & Co LLP

FAMILY LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR: Winner: Dutton Gregory Solicitors with Suzanne Kelly (Guildford Chambers) The judges commented, ‘this team impressed with their bespoke client service, creative solutions for complex family cases, strong teamwork across offices, and dedication to supporting both the legal profession and their local community’.

Highly Commended Nominee: Pearson Hards LLP Family Law Team of the Year: Dutton Gregory Solicitors SURREYLAWYER | 17

SLS AWARDS 2025

The Results are in!

JUNIOR LAWYER OF THE YEAR: Winner: Nathan Chalmers (Howell-Jones LLP) with Dee Kundi (Find Me A Solicitor) The judges commented, ‘the 2025 Junior Lawyer of the Year exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding lawyer, with determination, skill, and a genuine commitment to excellence that shines through in all they do’.

Junior Lawyer of the Year: Nathan Chalmers, Howell-Jones LLP

PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM OF THE YEAR: Winner: Russell-Cooke LLP with Anna Newport (Sponsored by Fraser & Fraser) The judges commented, ‘this year’s winning firm combines exceptional legal expertise, innovative solutions, and a highly collaborative approach to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes for complex, high-value, and cross-border matters while exceeding client expectations’.

Private Client Team of the Year: Russell-Cooke LLP

PROPERTY LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR: Winner: Peacock & Co Solicitors with Jake Hawkey (Landmark Information Group) The judges commented, ‘the winner’s approach balanced legal rigour, client responsiveness and community engagement with well-embedded systems and a team ethos that felt both practical and authentic’.

Property Law Team of the Year: Peacock & Co Solicitors 18 | SURREYLAWYER

The Results are in!

SLS AWARDS 2025

SUPPORT TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Winner: Pru Singer (Russell-Cooke LLP) with Rita Leat The judges commented, ‘this year's Support Team Member of the Year has gone above and beyond both for their firm and their clients. They have shown great initiative and is clearly an asset to their firm’.

Support Team Member of the Year: Pru Singer (Russell-Cooke LLP)

BUSINESS SERVICES TEAM OF THE YEAR: Winner: Peacock & Co Solicitors with Alex Hill (Konsileo) The judges commented, ‘the team has a clear track record of investing in the future of its people and the business, with a scale and ambition that is highly impressive’.

Business Services Team of the Year: Peacock & Co Solicitors

EMPLOYMENT LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR: Winner: Morr & Co LLP with John Hyde The judges commented, ‘the winner was recognised for providing exceptional, tailored advice, combining deep legal expertise with commercial insight, innovative use of technology, and a collaborative, client-focused approach’.

Employment Law Team of the Year: Morr & Co LLP SURREYLAWYER | 19

SLS AWARDS 2025

The Results are in!

LEADER OF THE YEAR: Winner: Sushila Abraham (S. Abraham Solicitors) with Oliver Tromp (Actionstep) The judges commented, ‘the winner shone in all of the criteria; demonstrating sustained ambition for innovation that has delivered growth and success not only for their own team, but also for others in the legal sector and the wider community

Leader of the Year: Sushila Abraham (S. Abraham Solicitors)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Winner: Karin Walker (KGW Family Law) This year, we were proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to a very special member of the SLS community, the incredible Karin Walker. Karin was presented with the Award by previous recipient and SLS committee member Alastair Logan OBE. She was recognised for her outstanding work in the field of family law, and we are pleased to share some of the comments that were included in her presentation on the night.

“An absolute trailblazer in non-court dispute resolution— enormously generous with their time as a trainer and speaker.”

“Kind, funny, modest, generous, compassionate and always supportive of their team—a real people person.”

“A first-class and principled practitioner whose impact is felt nationally as well as locally.”

“A leader and pioneer in supporting and developing clientfocused solutions outside the court arena.”

Lifetime Achievement Award, Karin Walker (KGW Family Law)

20 | SURREYLAWYER

EVENTS

A Strong Finish to the Year: Quiz Night &

the Launch of the Surrey Law Leaders’ Forum A

s 2025 drew to a close, Surrey Law Society rounded off the year with two very different — but equally well-received — events. One brought together solicitors over pizza, questions and good-natured competition; the other gathered firm leaders around a single table for thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Both were full, energised and reflective of an engaged membership community ready for what lies ahead.

SLS Quiz & Pizza Night 20 November 2025 – Rogue’s Bar, Guildford Our annual Quiz & Pizza Night once again proved to be a highlight in the social calendar. Held at Rogue’s Bar in Guildford, the event was a sell-out for the second year running, with ten teams filling the venue and arriving ready to put their knowledge to the test.

The format was familiar but never predictable: eight rounds spanning current affairs, sport, entertainment, picture recognition, wipe-out jeopardy, and a generous sprinkling of general knowledge that rewarded both sharp recall and the occasional lucky guess.

Surrey Law Leaders’ Forum – Launch Dinner 27 November 2025 – The Ivy Castle View, Guildford

One week later, the Society shifted tone from competition to collaboration, welcoming senior representatives from firms across the county to the launch of the Surrey Law Leaders’ Forum.

Hosted in the private dining room of The Ivy Castle View, the event brought together 21 law firm owners and Managing Partners, seated around a single table following a drinks reception, allowing for open dialogue and a genuinely shared conversation.

The Forum — developed in partnership with our Premium Patron, Evelyn Partners — has been created to provide a space specifically for Managing Partners and firm leaders to discuss the strategic issues shaping practice today. The inaugural dinner was co-chaired by SLS President James Scozzi and Wayne Ellis of Evelyn Partners, who guided discussion without formality, encouraging contributions from everyone.

One question generated more post-round conversation than most — the colour of the letters in the IKEA logo. Simple on the surface, surprisingly divisive in the moment. It will no doubt be remembered fondly by those who backed blue…and perhaps less fondly by those who didn’t.

Topics emerged naturally and with depth. The Autumn Budget and economic outlook prompted discussion around financial resilience and forecasting; recruitment and retention challenges led to debate on the future talent pipeline, apprenticeships and the ongoing role of the SQE. Technology and AI became a recurring theme, with attendees sharing honest reflections on innovation, efficiency, risk and the client experience.

After a close contest, Landmark Information Group were crowned winners and received both the Mike Coverley Cup and a well-earned M&S hamper, with Margraves Solicitors claiming a strong second place in their first appearance at the event. Congratulations to all teams involved; the results table showed narrow margins and the competitive spirit remained friendly throughout.

What became clear early in the evening was the value of leaders having space to speak candidly among peers. Many of the challenges raised were shared across firms of varying size and structure, creating common ground and future points for exploration. These themes will help shape the agenda for the next Forum gathering, planned for Spring 2026.

As always, the quiz delivered far more than just answers — it created space for informal networking, connections between firms, and a lively atmosphere over slices of pizza and end-of-year conversation. With another waiting list this year, we are exploring options for a larger venue in 2026 to open the evening up to even more members.

We look forward to building this new series into a regular fixture — a hub for leadership insight and collaboration as the profession continues to evolve.

We are grateful to our patrons Evelyn Partners, Actionstep, Landmark Information, Finders International, Pro Drive IT, and new partner Allica Bank for supporting the event, and a special thank you goes to Dawn Lawson, who hosted the evening seamlessly.

Looking Ahead In different ways, both events demonstrated the strength and enthusiasm of Surrey’s legal community — whether joining colleagues for a light-hearted quiz or sitting around a table to navigate the direction of the profession. We thank all who joined us at each occasion, and we look forward to an even fuller programme in 2026. ■

SURREYLAWYER | 21

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dye & Durham recognised as

Highly Commended at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards We are delighted to share that our team has been recognised as Highly Commended for Search Provider of the Year at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards.

We’re incredibly proud of this recognition as it represents something deeper than an industry accolade. This recognition reflects the trust, feedback, and partnership of the thousands of legal professionals who rely on us every day.

A New Direction That Started in March Earlier this year, we made an important shift: placing the customer at the core of everything we do. This change was a commitment to genuinely listen, learn, and build better experiences for the law firms we support.

Since March, we have: • Invested in support and customer service excellence by tripling the size of our Account Management team and introducing specialist roles — including Account Specialists, Customer Success Managers, and Contract Managers — to ensure every customer receives the right support at the right time.

• Expanded our channels so customers can reach us in the way that suits them best. Support is now available through in-app messaging, phone, email, and our brand-new Knowledgebase, allowing 24/7 access to helpful guidance and self-serve resources.

22 | SURREYLAWYER

• Made significant improvements across our platforms, focusing on stability, performance, consistency, and user experience.

Being Highly Commended so early into this transformation is a sign that we’re making progress, but it also reinforces that our journey is still just beginning.

A Milestone, not a Finish Line We also recognise that there is still more work to do. We’re continuing to refine our systems, streamline processes, and deliver improvements that make a meaningful difference to conveyancers and legal professionals every day.

This commendation is a welcome sign that we’re heading in the right direction and it further motivates us to keep raising the bar and delivering an experience our customers can rely on.

We’re excited for what comes next. ■

By Colin Bohanna

Managing Director, Dye & Durham UK

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SURREYLAWYER | 23

CORPORATE SPONSOR ARTICLE

Research reveals AI adoption has doubled amongst residential conveyancers in the last 12 months Landmark’s latest independent market research report, Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026, offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of conveyancing, with a notable increase in AI adoption driving forward momentum.

T

his year’s market research reveals that it has been a break-out year for conveyancing in terms of tech adoption. Use of AI has increased dramatically with 78% now using technology to assist fee earners, which is exactly double last year’s figure (39%).

Here are some more of the headline findings of the report: The value of AI is being realised The value of AI tools for automating routine tasks is being realised.

When asked to select the top three factors that would make the biggest positive impact to their productivity and business success, 34% of conveyancers cited AI’s potential for boosting productivity by automating routine tasks. AI assistance has become a more trusted element of the conveyancing mix. It is now being used for critical client-facing processes, such as preparing reports from deeds, rather than solely administrative tasks.

Barriers to progress remain There is some cultural resistance to the pace of change and worries around digital transformation. Just shy of three-quarters of conveyancers (73%) cited concerns around risk, followed by technical issues transitioning from legacy systems (71%) and – crucially - a lingering resistance to the mindset change necessary to integrate AI (68%).

Perceived barriers to early instruction The top three barriers to early instruction stem from perceived client issues. Chiefly, a belief that clients would be reluctant to commit or pay pre-offer. However, 71% of homeowners stated

24 | SURREYLAWYER

they would be willing to pay a conveyancer an upfront fee if they could access and share key data with those in the transaction process more efficiently*.

Elizabeth Jarvis, Divisional Director of Legal and Search at Landmark, said: “Conveyancers have faced enormous pressure in recent years to deliver more results more efficiently, while navigating more demanding client expectations and regulatory complexity. However, what this year’s findings show is that the sector is embracing the opportunities offered by new technologies at pace to not only drive outcomes, but to strengthen their overall profitability.

“AI and digital solutions are no longer theoretical. They’re delivering real results in risk management, customer experience, and productivity. As we look ahead, the next challenge lies in overcoming the cultural and client-side barriers that continue to slow progress.

Through initiatives like Project 28, we have an opportunity to work together to make the transaction process more efficient, improve cross-industry collaboration, and deliver the faster, more certain transactions the market needs.”

For further insights into conveyancers’ views on talent acquisition strategies, barriers to digital transformation, perceived resistance to early instruction, and the benefits of upfront information, download your copy of Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026 at https://info.landmark.co.uk/residentialmarket-research-2026. ■

COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORT

Council Member’s Report Winter 2026 Sushila Abraham

A

s we approach the end of another year— and a new budget with fresh policies and taxes—let us not lose hope for a positive and successful 2026.

The Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025—which formally recognises digital assets as personal property—has been welcomed by the Law Society. Further information is available through the Parliamentary Bills publication. Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament

A warm welcome to the National Law Society’s new President, Mark Evans. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him every success in his Presidential year. His chosen charity is LawCare.

I would like to remind members that Regulation 8 of the General Regulations of the Law Society allows any member to attend, and to receive agenda papers for, the public part of Council meetings. I encourage members to observe these meetings to gain a deeper understanding of Council business and to engage more effectively with the Law Society.

We also welcome Sarah Rapson, the new CEO of the SRA, and wish her the very best in her new role.

In early November, the Law Society published its Corporate Strategy for 2025–28, and I would encourage you to read it if you have not done so already.

The new TA6 form was launched in October 2025.

As you will be aware, HMRC’s consultation on compulsory registration for those giving tax advice has raised concerns among members. The Law Society has responded to the consultation and continues to engage with HMRC, highlighting the potential impact on conveyancers and high street firms.

The Law Society has also successfully lobbied on the Renters Rights Act, putting forward an amendment to make rental bidding illegal—an amendment that the Government has accepted.

Following the Mazur ruling, the Law Society has published a new practice note outlining the resulting changes and the implications for members employing legal executives or practising litigation.

The Strategic Litigation Group is examining this further, and an update will be provided in due course.

If there are any matters you would like to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I am happy to raise issues with the Law Society on your behalf so please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would also kindly request that you ensure your details are up to date on MyLS, and, if you have not yet registered, please do so in order to receive important updates.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful festive season and a very happy 2026.■

Sushila Abraham

Council Member for Surrey at the Law Society

Regarding the SRA, you will have read that it now faces enforcement action following its failure to properly regulate the collapsed Sheffield law firm SSB Group.

You may also have seen media coverage of David Lammy’s proposed reforms to jury trials. The Law Society has opposed the Government’s proposals, stating that they go “far beyond” the recommendations of the Leveson Review.

SURREYLAWYER | 25

ARTICLE

Representing Surrey’s Voice on Home Buying and Selling Reform In October, the Government launched a major consultation on Home Buying and Selling Reform, setting out ambitious proposals to make the property market faster, more reliable, and more transparent. The consultation explored measures ranging from mandatory upfront information and digital property logbooks to earlier binding contracts and professional regulation for estate agents.

For conveyancers, these proposals go to the very heart of how property transactions are conducted in England and Wales. Recognising the importance of ensuring practitioners’ voices are heard, the Surrey Law Society (SLS) prepared and submitted a detailed response to the consultation on behalf of its members. The submission, developed by members of the Society’s Conveyancing Committee reflects the practical experience and collective expertise of practitioners working daily on the front line of residential property.

Reform welcomed – but it must be realistic SLS fully supports the Government’s broad objectives: a home buying and selling system that is faster, more transparent, and trusted by consumers.

However, as our submission makes clear, success will depend on how these aims are pursued.

While the Government’s ambitions are sound in principle, the Society cautions against reforms that focus too heavily on process and digitalisation at the expense of addressing the deeper structural issues that underpin delay and inefficiency. The conveyancing process is not inherently slow because of lawyers or outdated forms, but because of the complex web of legal, regulatory, and practical barriers that surround every transaction.

“Reform should be practical, evidence-led, and built to last,” our submission states. “The risk is that, once again, reform focuses on procedure and technology rather than the true causes of delay and inefficiency in the property market.”

Structural issues before digital fixes Among the key causes of delay identified in the SLS response are: • Complex rent charge provisions and defective lease clauses that require deeds of variation; • The absence of prescribed timelines or fee limits for management companies providing leasehold information; • Conflicting and ever-changing lender requirements; and • Fragmented access to planning, building control, and Section 106 data.

These, the Society argues, are legislative and regulatory problems, not technological ones. Simple statutory changes, such as setting timelines for management information or removing the Assured Tenancy risk for long leases, would yield far greater benefits than digitising outdated processes.

Similarly, the Society warns that proposals to require mandatory upfront information risk repeating the failures of the former Home Information Pack (HIP) scheme. Searches expire after six months; if a transaction falls through or is delayed, consumers will bear the cost of repeating them. Reforms of this scale must therefore be phased, evidence-based, and supported by clear liability and cost frameworks before implementation.

A workforce under pressure Another key theme of the Surrey response is workforce capacity. Conveyancers are leaving the profession in significant numbers due to unsustainable workloads, increasing regulatory burdens, and rising professional indemnity premiums.

Adding new pre-marketing duties, such as preparing mandatory information packs or early property searches, risks exacerbating those pressures. “Without addressing capacity and resource first,” the submission warns, “mandatory upfront information could slow transactions rather than speed them up.”

To ensure readiness for reform, SLS calls on Government to: • Review regulatory duplication and AML burdens; • Stabilise the conveyancing workforce through fair fee structures; • Phase in any reforms gradually through voluntary pilots; and • Clarify liability and risk allocation between agents, digital providers, and legal professionals.

High standards must apply across the market While conveyancers are already subject to stringent professional regulation, much of the property market operates with minimal oversight. The Society therefore strongly supports plans to raise standards among estate and letting agents but insists that such measures must be statutory from the outset.

Voluntary codes or non-statutory charters, it argues, have repeatedly failed to drive meaningful change. The SLS submission backs mandatory qualifications, licensing, and a single enforceable Code of Practice, alongside a ban on referral fees, which distort consumer choice and encourage “factorystyle” conveyancing arrangements.

“The problems identified in the market are systemic and commercially driven,” the response states. “They cannot be addressed through self-regulation.”

Digitalisation: benefits and boundaries On digitalisation, SLS supports innovation that genuinely improves efficiency but urges caution against assuming that technology alone can solve systemic issues. The profession has seen first-hand how untested initiatives can create confusion and risk when introduced without sufficient consultation.

Digital property logbooks and online data platforms, for instance, could in principle improve information access, but they raise serious concerns about data accuracy, security, and liability. Who will be responsible when digital information is wrong — the provider, the data source, or the conveyancer?

Without clear answers, professional indemnity costs will rise and trust in the system could erode.

Similarly, the Society warns against premature reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). While AI may assist with administrative tasks, it cannot replace professional judgment. “We are already seeing firms using AI to raise precontract enquiries,” the submission notes. “More often than not, the majority of those enquiries are inaccurate or irrelevant to the situation in hand. If reliance is placed on AI alone, consumers are placed at an enhanced risk.”

SLS therefore calls for any technological reforms to be introduced only where professional oversight, data standards, and liability protections are clearly established.

Rebuilding trust through accountability, not automation Underlying the Society’s response is a consistent message: trust cannot be engineered through technology. It must be earned through professional competence, accountability, and transparent service. Clients need reassurance that a qualified practitioner is acting in their best interests, not that a digital platform has processed their data.

As such, the Surrey response urges Government to focus on targeted legislative reform, improved regulation of estate agents, and open access to trusted public data before pursuing wide-scale digitalisation.

The submission also proposes a series of practical reforms that could deliver immediate and measurable benefits, including: • Rationalising AML and ID checks by allowing reliance on verified UK bank accounts; • Standardising lender instructions across the market; • Regulating management company fees and response times; and • Improving HM Land Registry and local authority search turnaround standards.

A balanced, evidence-led path forward The Society’s position is clear: digital tools should support, not replace, professional expertise. Reform must be rooted in evidence, balance, and realism.

“The government’s objectives are commendable,” the submission concludes, “but the route to achieving them must be rooted in reality, not ideology.

Digitalisation is not a silver bullet. Unless reform tackles the real causes of inefficiency — regulatory overload, inconsistent standards, legislative blockages, and the erosion of professional autonomy — transactions will not become faster or safer.”

For SLS, the key to genuine improvement lies in targeted legislative reform, empowered professionals, and intelligent use of technology. Only through a balanced approach that values both innovation and professional judgment can the home buying and selling system become truly faster, fairer, and more trusted for consumers and practitioners alike. ■ The full consultation can be viewed at: Home Buying and Selling Reform – GOV.UK Surrey Law Society’s full response was submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in December 2025.

26 | SURREYLAWYER

ARTICLE

Surrey Junior Lawyers Division

I

t has been a fantastic start to the Surrey Junior Lawyers Many thanks to Maysun for her continued work on this and to Linda Asare Division’s new term. We have started as we mean to go on: for her excellent support throughout. We look forward to working with more universities and colleges in 2026. with a busy and exciting schedule!

Our Chosen Charity We are delighted to announce that the SJLD’s chosen charity of the year is Topic of Cancer - a small but remarkable local charity dedicated to raising vital funds for ground-breaking immunotherapy research at the University of Surrey. Alongside this pioneering work, Topic of Cancer also funds (and runs) local support groups, helping to enhance and prolong the lives of cancer patients while offering support to their families and carers too.

At the time Topic of Cancer was first launched, immunotherapy was very much in its infancy, however, over the past decade, immunotherapy has entered the medical mainstream and has permanently changed cancer treatment (becoming the standard treatment in the NHS for many). We are incredibly proud to support our local community by raising both funds and awareness for such an important cause and look forward to working with Topic of Cancer further in 2026.

The SJLD Annual Christmas Quiz December's festive cheer was in full swing at the SJLD's Christmas Quiz which was, once again, kindly sponsored by Guildford Chambers. Quizmaster Simon Morris (of Guildford Chambers) delivered a delightful mix of questions and ended on a fun test of our practical skills(!).

The event wasn't just a battle of wits and IQ; ticket sales and raffles raised a fantastic £500 for Topic of Cancer, supporting their vital work (which was wonderfully articulated by our charity representative, Bethany Chamberlain).

In addition to raising money for charity, the quiz allowed our members to network with other junior lawyers in a comfortable and informal environment (assisted by festivities, food and drink). Huge thanks to Simon Morris and Guildford Chambers for assisting with a brilliant event, and to Tim MacFarlan, Bethany Chamberlain and everyone else who put time into organising the evening.

Summer Party After three successful Annual Galas, we have decided to offer something different this year and host a summer party on Thursday 21st May 2026. We are hoping this will offer a more relaxed, informal evening of socialising, but there are exciting plans in the works to keep everyone entertained.

A Spooktacular Night of Networking!

On 30th October, we hosted a "Trick-or-Treat" Networking Bingo event, kindly sponsored by Chadwick Nott Legal Recruitment. The energy in the room was brilliant, and it was great to see so many new and familiar faces connecting and enjoying the evening (and leaving with some networking tips and new contacts).

A huge thank you again to everyone who came along and made the evening a success and well done to one of our former Chairs, Martin Whitehorn for achieving a full house on the networking bingo! A special thanks to Erin Stockdale for her hard work in organising the event and to Chadwick Nott for their generous sponsorship and support in making this a memorable and successful night for the Surrey junior legal community.

Law Fairs Our University and Colleges representative, Maysun Nawaz has been busy organising our attendance at law fairs for Epsom College and the University of Law in November, giving students valuable insights into a career in law and informing them about the work we do and how we can further support them.

As always, we’ll be raising money for our chosen charity, Topic of Cancer, and giving our members a valuable opportunity to network with other local juniors and professionals in their industry.

Please save the date and if you would like to sponsor this year’s event and have the opportunity of getting your firm/company’s name out there to a huge number of junior lawyers in the Surrey area, then please do get in touch at surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2026!

By Seema Gill, Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors Chair, Surrey Junior Lawyers Division

SURREYLAWYER | 27

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Hidden Cost of Standing Still: Why Law Firms Can’t Afford “Business as Usual”

I

n today’s legal market, tradition alone won’t keep your firm competitive. Many solicitors are unknowingly paying a steep price for clinging to outdated systems—lost time, frustrated staff, and missed opportunities. The truth? “Business as usual” is costing far more than change ever will.

Outdated Systems Drain More Than Just Time Every hour spent wrestling with clunky software is an hour not spent serving clients or bringing in new business. Across the UK, lawyers still report spending the bulk of their working day on non-billable tasks. The result? Burnt-out teams, dissatisfied clients, and firms falling behind.

Your Staff Deserve Better Tools The tools you give your people directly impact their job satisfaction.

Legacy systems that crash, lag, or make simple processes unnecessarily complex don’t just slow things down—they chip away at morale. Cloud-based legal practice management systems, on the other hand, make collaboration seamless, improve wellbeing, and free up lawyers to focus on meaningful work.

The Risk You Can’t See: Compliance and Security If your software hasn’t had a major update in years, you’re at risk.

GDPR compliance, data security, and operational resilience aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the bare minimum clients expect. Modern solutions like Clio are built with these needs in mind, offering peace of mind alongside performance.

Why Forward-Thinking Firms Are Switching to Clio For firms in Hampshire, the choice is simple: continue absorbing the hidden costs of outdated technology, or invest in a platform designed for modern legal practice. With Clio, firms gain: 28 | SURREYLAWYER

• Efficiency at scale – Automate routine tasks and reclaim billable hours.

• Happier teams – Empower staff with intuitive, reliable software.

• Future-proof security – Stay compliant, safe, and resilient.

• Better client service – Onboard clients quickly and communicate seamlessly.

The Cost of Doing Nothing Ask yourself: How much is inefficiency already costing your firm?

Slower onboarding? Errors creeping in? Time wasted juggling multiple tools?

When you put numbers against these inefficiencies, the real expense becomes clear. And it’s usually far greater than the investment in modern software.

The firms thriving today aren’t necessarily the biggest, they’re the ones willing to adapt. If you’re ready to see what smarter systems could mean for your practice, book a quick walkthrough of Clio and see how it can help your firm work smarter, not harder. ■

Sarah Murphy,

General Manager of Clio EMEA

ARTICLE

“I’d Like to Leave a Gift to Charity in My Will — But Where Do I Start?”

For many people, leaving a charitable gift in their Will is one of the most meaningful acts they will ever make. It offers a chance to create a legacy that extends beyond family, one that reflects personal values and supports causes that shaped their lives. Yet for all its emotional and practical benefits, clients are often uncertain about where to direct their generosity. With thousands of charities to choose from, the question “Who should I support?” can feel overwhelming.

As advisers, we can help clients navigate that decision with clarity and confidence.

Why local giving deserves a place in the conversation When charitable legacies come up in discussion, most clients instinctively think of the major national brands like the RNLI, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK. Their work is vital, there may be a very personal reason to give to them, and their name recognition inspires trust. But sometimes clients wonder whether their individual gift will be absorbed into a large system, its personal significance lost in the scale of national operations.

That is why encouraging clients to consider local giving can be so powerful.

Smaller community-based charities feel the impact of even modest legacy gifts in a very tangible way. A £2,000 grant for a small mentoring organisation, a community food project, or a village hall can be transformative. For families, seeing the visible results of a loved one’s generosity brings comfort, connection, and a sense of enduring contribution.

A legacy that keeps a youth programme running, funds counselling sessions for cancer survivors, or sustains a volunteer-led transport service can resonate for generations.

Tax efficiency: a practical incentive Charitable legacies also offer clear financial advantages. Gifts to UK-registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax, which can reduce the overall taxable value of an estate. In some cases, a charitable gift can even bring an estate below the tax threshold or reduce the Inheritance Tax rate from 40% to 36% when at least 10% of the estate is left to charity.

For many clients, this provides a welcome combination of altruism and efficiency supporting important causes while directing less to the Exchequer.

“But Surrey doesn’t really have any need… does it?”

Surrey is known for its beautiful countryside, prosperous towns, and thriving business community. But beneath this surface lies a very different reality, one that many residents never see.

Rising living costs, wage stagnation, and growing in-work poverty have pushed increasing numbers of households into hardship. By 2024, 8.3% of Surrey households were in fuel poverty, forced to choose between heating and food. More than 74,000 residents were claiming Universal Credit — and strikingly, over a third were from working families. Care leavers aged 18–24 face even greater challenges as they move into independence with less financial support than older adults due to the lower rate of universal credit.

Other pressures are intensifying too: • Mental health: Referrals for children and young people have risen by 84% since the pandemic, and adult crisis support requests by 75%.

• Housing: Some boroughs — particularly Epsom and Ewell — have among the highest homelessness rates in the South East.

• Food insecurity: Despite easing inflation, food prices remain nearly 25% higher than in 2022.

• Health inequality: Life expectancy differs by more than six years between the most and least deprived areas in Surrey.

• Rural isolation: One in four rural residents experiences loneliness, and limited transport and services worsen disadvantage.

Need in Surrey is real, pressing, and often hidden in plain sight.

Why small gifts go a long way One of the most encouraging aspects of local giving is its impact. Smaller grassroots groups typically operate with low overheads. A £1,000–£3,000 grant can keep a project running, launch a new service, or fill a funding gap that would otherwise force a closure.

At the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS), although we award over £2 million in grants each year, sometimes in very large grants, our most common award is just £2,000 — and it’s amazing what a difference that amount can make.

The power of matched funding Another advantage of working with a Community Foundation is access to collective funding and match-giving programmes, which can double the value of a client’s gift.

For example, the Surrey Care Leavers Fund, very generously supported this year by the Surrey Law Society, is currently running a 100% matched-funding campaign. Thanks to generous support from the Sedel Collings Foundation, CCLA and the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), every donation will be doubled up to £25,000 — turning £50 into £100, or £1,000 into £2,000 of support for young people moving into adulthood without family networks to rely on.

The campaign link is here for reference: https://cfsurrey.enthuse.com/cf/surrey-care-leavers-fund Advising on philanthropy — simpler than it sounds For many lawyers, the idea of advising clients on philanthropy can feel daunting. But in practice, your role is not to have all the answers — it is simply to start the conversation.

Community Foundations exist to help. Advisers can draw on a network of philanthropy specialists who can identify the most effective local charities, align funding with client interests, and ensure that gifts are secure, well-governed, and impactful. You are facilitating, not providing specialist charitable advice.

If your client cares about young people, nature, homelessness, arts, or minoritised groups — just ask us. With hundreds of grants awarded across Surrey every year, we have a deep understanding of which grassroots organisations are making the greatest difference, and where legacy gifts can have the strongest impact. ■

Dr Beccy Bowden,

Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey (www.cfsurrey.org.uk)

SURREYLAWYER | 29

CORPORATE SPONSOR ARTICLE

Intelligent, Timely Data Capture: How Actionstep’s Intuitive Forms Solution Streamlines Client Intake R

unning a midsize law firm means constantly balancing efficiency with excellence. Meanwhile, clients are expecting a faster, more seamless onboarding experience. Client intake is often the first impression a client has with a law firm, and modern law firms recognize that manual data entry, document uploads, and back-and-forth emails waste valuable time, delay matter creation, and do not demonstrate the professionalism and efficiency today’s legal clients are looking for. More than ever, client intake is setting the tone for the entire client relationship.

That’s why Actionstep built Capture: an intuitive forms solution that streamlines data and file collection for law firms and clients, eliminating manual entry and accelerating onboarding.

What Makes Capture Different? It’s Purpose-Built for Actionstep Capture is built directly into Actionstep and designed around how midsize law firms actually work. While other solutions require custom APIs or even manual data transfers, Capture maps the collected information directly into relevant matters, contacts, and documents in Actionstep. This means no double-entry, no copy/pasting, and no gaps in your data.

Capture is a forms solution that understands legal practice management needs, and automatically handles everything from contact creation to document organization.

Reclaim Time, Reduce Errors, and Create Better Client Experiences Here are four ways Capture gives your firm an advantage:

1. Automatic Client Intake and Data Entry The most immediate benefit of Capture is the elimination of manual data entry. With Capture’s no-code form builder, firms can create custom intake forms that map directly to Actionstep fields. When a client submits their information, it flows automatically into the right matter, contact record, and data fields without the need for staff intervention.

What your firm can do: Build and update forms without technical expertise, allowing intake coordinators or practice area leaders to create forms independently Import client information with one click instead of manually typing or copypasting data from emails and PDFs Integrate with eSignature providers to capture signed documents as part of the intake process, keeping everything in one workflow

2. Streamline Document Collection and Organization Client intake goes beyond just mapping data. It also involves the collection of critical documents. Traditionally, these arrive scattered across email attachments, file-sharing links, and physical mail, and in turn require staff to download, rename, and manually upload each file. Capture eliminates this chaos by allowing clients to upload documents directly through intake forms, with automatic routing to the correct Actionstep folders.

What your firm can do: • Collect files directly through intake forms to receive required documents upfront

30 | SURREYLAWYER

• Automatically route uploads to specific matter folders for organized, audit-ready storage • Create a single source of truth where intake data, documents, and matter information live together in Actionstep Practice Management

3. Creating Professional, Branded Client Experiences First impressions matter, and when clients receive a generic-looking form from a third-party tool, it can undermine the professional image your firm has built. Capture’s custom branding options ensure every client touchpoint reflects your brand and professionalism.

What your firm can do: • Customize forms with your firm’s colors, fonts, and logo for a cohesive presentation • Provide a seamless client experience by presenting clear, well-designed forms that guide users through the information you need • Build trust from the first interaction with modern, client-friendly technology

4. Boost Accessibility and Client Conversion Client intake shouldn’t be limited by office hours or staff availability. Clients expect to engage on their schedule, and firms that offer 24/7 intake options gain an advantage and capture more leads than competitors who do not.

Capture allows firms to produce embeddable forms to use on their website or to share with clients directly via email, making intake available as soon as a potential client is ready to engage.

What your firm can do: • Embed forms directly on your website to let clients start intake anytime • Capture leads around the clock without adding staff or manual follow-up • Track submissions in a central dashboard for full visibility across all form activity The Bigger Picture: Client Intake as a Strategic Advantage Midsize law firms that are successfully cultivating client satisfaction, superior service delivery, and addressing staff time constraints are outpacing their competitors in the market. With Capture, firms can gain a modern intake experience that clients will love, while reclaiming hours of staff time every week.

More than that, Capture maintains data accuracy and integrity throughout the entire matter lifecycle: populating documents, reducing manual entry at every stage, and creating a foundation for efficient operations. The outcome is intake data that automatically deeds into document automation, billing, and reporting so that firms can handle more matters without proportionally increasing staff.

Capture transforms client intake from a manual bottleneck into an automated competitive advantage that enhances every aspect of your practice management.

Ready to see how Capture can transform your firm’s intake process? Book a demo today and discover what intelligent, timely data capture can do for your bottom line. ■

ADVERTISING FEATURE

From precedent libraries to prompts The next step for legal drafting

Almost every lawyer maintains a Precedent Library, collections

it for the correct reading order of John le Carré’s George Smiley

of letters, documents, and draft orders that serve as reliable

novels. The idea of drafting complex legal instructions for AI was

templates for routine legal tasks. Whether housed centrally

daunting; it seemed faster simply to type the letters myself. Yet the

within a firm or kept individually by lawyers, precedent banks

capability of AI systems to read and interpret case data changes

save time, promote consistency, and ensure that essential

that calculation. In theory, AI could identify pensions, values, dates,

information is communicated accurately. They prevent lawyers

or factual circumstances directly from the matter, eliminating the

from having to repeatedly craft the same content from scratch.

need for manual data entry. A precedent could therefore evolve into a prompt, an automated set of rules that instructs AI on how

Yet while precedents are widely used, most lawyers do not yet

to assemble the necessary document.

have something that may soon become equally indispensable: a bank of prompts for automated legal drafting. A prompt is a

Once created, a prompt could be reused just like a precedent. It

set of instructions given to artificial intelligence, essentially a

could tell the AI to consider the Pensions Advisory Group guidance,

command or description designed to generate a specific output

relevant Practice Directions, or even the terms of a specific court

such as a document, letter, or analysis. Writing a good prompt is

order. It could dictate formatting, tone, style, and legal framing.

much like instructing a trainee solicitor: the instructions must be

After the prompt runs within the secure environment of the case

clear, unambiguous, and thorough. The more detail the prompt

management system, the lawyer would receive a completed draft

contains, the higher the quality of the result. These prompts often

ready for review.

include instructions that might seem obvious, such as avoiding Americanised spellings, but are crucial for consistent outputs.

Another example is the preparation of briefs to counsel.

Traditional precedents can pull basic information such as names,

My recent move from private practice to a role with LEAP, a legal

dates of birth, or case identifiers. But a prompt could go much

technology company specialising in case management software,

further. It could analyse the matter file, summarise the children’s

has given me a new perspective on both precedents and prompts.

arrangements, extract the current issues in dispute, and compile

As Head of Family Law, I now help shape the software to better

the factual background. This would not replace the lawyer’s

support family lawyers. Leaving practice meant leaving behind 18

judgement, but it would provide a first draft similar to the one a

years’ worth of carefully curated precedents; I was hardly going to

trainee might prepare on their first day, only produced in seconds

commit intellectual property theft to take them with me. Instead,

rather than an hour.

I now work closely with LEAP’s precedent libraries, which contain a wide range of template letters and documents designed to

Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping legal practice, whether

streamline legal workflows.

lawyers embrace it or not. The familiar saying captures the trend well: “AI won’t replace lawyers, but a lawyer using AI will.” Replacing

In exploring these templates, I have begun adapting and creating

or supplementing precedents with prompts is one way to harness

precedents that offer enhanced automation. One example is a

the benefits of AI while preserving the lawyer’s expertise, oversight,

letter of instruction to an actuary, which not only pulls through

and control. Just as precedents did not replace lawyers, prompts

key case details but also uses LEAP’s Word Add-in to offer dynamic

will not either. Instead, they represent a natural evolution in how

questions. The lawyer indicates, for instance, whether a report

we create, structure, and automate legal drafting in an increasingly

is ordered or agreed, and the remainder of the letter changes

digital profession.

automatically. This creates a more sophisticated tool than a static

Read our White Paper

template, one that reduces repetitive drafting and accelerates

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Optimising law firm profitability in six simple steps

routine tasks.

But this still raises an obvious question: what if technology could answer those questions itself by analysing information within the case file? This is where prompts rather than precedents begin to show their potential.

When I joined LEAP, I had limited experience with AI prompting.

My early use of ChatGPT had been purely personal, such as asking

Katie Phillips

Head of Family Law in LEAP Verticals

Visit leap.co.uk

SURREYLAWYER | 31

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Together for a better later life in Surrey G

rowing old doesn’t come with a manual and later life can be challenging for many people. The cost of living and rising bills are creating an extra burden for many people who are struggling financially. Statutory services such as the NHS and adult social care are also very stretched and the need for extra support for older people has never been greater.

Help us change an older person’s life in Surrey

A gift to Age UK Surrey will help ensure we can continue to deliver a range of one to one support services and group activities so that older people can live well by:

Age UK Surrey, a local charity delivering local services

By leaving a gift in their Will to Age UK Surrey, your client will be helping to ensure an older person has someone to turn to locally for advice, support and companionship.

01483 503414

enquiries@ageuksurrey.org.uk

www.ageuk.org.uk/surrey Charity No: 1036450 32 | SURREYLAWYER

1SD0125

■ Providing practical support to help people understand their options and entitlements through free, impartial and confidential advice on many issues such as housing, care and money.

■ Giving people additional income through benefits they are entitled to but may not be claiming.

■ Giving people the gift of friendship and companionship by connecting and introducing them to others.

■ Helping people remain well and learn new skills through social activities, walks and tea and chat groups.

■ Enabling people to remain independent at home by offering practical Help at Home support such as cleaning and gardening.

■ Providing dementia support and a day service at our Clockhouse Community Centre in Milford, together with many activities and a café for the wider community.

Age UK Surrey is a local independent charity. Monies gifted to us supports our local Surrey services. Please refer to our charity as ‘Age UK Surrey’. Registered charity number: 1036450.

Thank you. ■

BOOK REVIEW

The recommended cashiering supplier for some of the UK’s leading software platforms

Outsourced Legal Cashiering for Law Firms of All Sizes Legal Cashiering

Compliance

Get a dedicated part-time or full-time team to handle your firm’s day-to-day business transactions.

We can also advise on SRA, CLC or Cilex rules, and help you update your processes to comply with them.

Data Conversion & Training Switching to a new accounts software?

We’ll transfer your data and train your team on how to use it.

Why Numero?

When you work with Numero, your business gets all of the benefits of an in-house accounts team, without the hassle.

Saving You Time

Saving You Money

We handle cashier recruitment, training and welfare, so you can focus on your core business.

Cut NI, pensions, training and sickness costs – and free up a desk in your firm for a fee earner!

Experienced Cashiers

Agile & Scalable

With experience across many firms, our team can handle challenges beyond the scope of a single in-house cashier.

You can scale our services up or down as needed, without worrying about hiring or layoffs.

0161 533 0119 / info@numeroaccounts.com / numeroaccounts.com SURREYLAWYER | 33

ARTICLE

I. Stephanie Boyce FKC, FRSA, appointed as Chair Elect of The Solicitors’ Charity The Board of The Solicitors’ Charity is proud to announce that, following an extensive and rigorous search process, I. Stephanie Boyce FKC, FRSA, has been appointed as a trustee and Chair Elect of The Solicitors’ Charity.

Stephanie will join the Board of Trustees immediately and will take on the role of Chair in March 2026.

As Shams Rahman, Outgoing Chair of The Solicitors’ Charity and Senior Equity Partner at Edwin Coe LLP, explained: “Stephanie is an extremely accomplished and high-profile solicitor and understands only too well the issues affecting our profession and how they impact on wellbeing. The Trustees felt that she would represent the Charity superbly and help increase awareness of us, and the vital work that we do, with new audiences.

Shams has been Chair during a period of unprecedented demand and growth for us as an organisation and we have been fortunate to have his wise and steady counsel and benefit from his highly collegiate approach.”

On taking up the role of Chair-Elect, I.Stephanie Boyce said: “I am delighted to be stepping into this new role and wish to express my sincere thanks to Shams Rahman for his leadership and for shaping a charity that now delivers an enviable range of wellbeing support to solicitors and their families at the moments they need it most.

I can’t think of a better qualified person to step into these shoes when I hand over the Chair role in March 2026.”

Throughout my career, grounded in the principles of law, leadership and legacy, I have been privileged to use my voice to highlight the issues that matter to our profession. I believe in fostering informed debate, encouraging collaboration and working collectively to reach solutions that strengthen our legal community.

Nick Gallagher, CEO, of The Solicitors’ Charity, concurred: “The team is delighted about this appointment and the choice of Stephanie Boyce as the Charity’s next Chair. Stephanie will be a brilliant advocate for our work, across the profession: what we can offer to solicitors in times of need and why it is more important than ever that the profession supports us in carrying out that vital work.

I now look forward to bringing that same commitment to championing the wellbeing needs of the profession more visibly, and to raising even greater awareness of The Solicitors’ Charity across the sector.

My aim is to deepen understanding of the Charity’s vital role and to advocate for meaningful, tangible support from businesses, institutions, firms, suppliers and individuals alike.

I would also like to acknowledge the superb job our current Chair, Shams Rahman, has done in successfully leading the Charity through the introduction and bedding in of our new strategy as we continue the significant transition to a focus on wellbeing. We now support solicitors with not only the financial pressures they may be facing, but also their emotional, professional and physical wellbeing too.

It is an honour to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I look forward to taking up the position of Chair in March.”

As many will know, recently in her impressive career, Stephanie was President of The Law Society from March 2021 until October 2022, in a time of significant upheaval and disruption during and after the COVID pandemic.

Be among the first – become a Pioneer Firm Friend and lead the way on solicitor wellbeing The Solicitors’ Charity is inviting law firms across England and Wales to step forward and become Pioneer Firm Friends – a small, founding group recognised for their leadership and commitment to solicitor wellbeing.

For more than 165 years, The Solicitors’ Charity has been there for solicitors through life’s most difficult moments – offering emotional, professional, physical and financial wellbeing support when it’s needed most. But as the pressures facing the profession grow, so too does demand for help.

In 2024 alone, the charity delivered more than 800 awards to solicitors across England and Wales.

Mental health referrals have risen by 178%, and the number of support enquiries has nearly tripled.

Now, law firms are being invited to play their part in ensuring that no solicitor faces hardship alone.

34 | SURREYLAWYER

The charity’s Firm Friends initiative brings together firms, suppliers and partners who believe in a stronger, more compassionate legal community.

By joining now, your firm will be recognised with Pioneer Status for one year – a mark of early leadership and visible support for the profession.

Founding firms will also be invited to the Firm Friends launch event in Central London on 11 February 2026, where they’ll join fellow Pioneers for high-level networking and the opportunity to help shape how the initiative develops.

“This first phase of membership is intentionally limited to a small number of companies, ensuring focus, visibility and genuine influence for those who

come on board early,” said Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity. “Becoming a Pioneer Firm Friend is a chance to lead by example and help create a profession where every solicitor has access to the support they need.”

Through Firm Friends, every contribution directly funds vital services – from therapy and coaching to emergency grants and recovery support.

Law firms that join now will stand among the first to be publicly recognised as Pioneer Firm Friends, demonstrating leadership, compassion and care for the wider profession.

Find out more and join Firm Friends today: https:// thesolicitorscharity.org/firm-friends/

SURREY CORPORATE MEMBER ARTICLE

In matters of estate planning and asset management, accurate and legally sound valuations are paramount.

At Ewbank's, we provide comprehensive valuation services tailored to the specific needs of legal professionals and their clients

Our Expertise

Why Partner with Ewbank's?

Legal Compliance: Professional Inheritance Tax Valuations: Since 1990, Ewbank’s have provided Thorough and meticulous valuations valuations that adhere to relevant of chaaels in strict accordance with legislation and guidance, providing you the requirements of the Inheritance and your clients with peace of mind.

Tax Act. Our experienced specialists provide clear reports, based on the Experience & Expertise Across All Areas: ‘red book’ valuation format, essential From fine art and antiques to collectables for estate administration. memorabilia and jewellery; our specialists possess in-depth knowledge Insurance Valuations: across diverse asset classes, as unlike We offer detailed appraisals for valuation only companies, we are in various insurance purposes, ensuring touch with real market sales data, clients' assets are accurately selling over 28,000 lots per annum. documented and protected.

Professional and Discreet Service: We understand the sensitive nature of Sales Valuations: these maaers and provide a professional When the time comes for sale, our and discreet service market – leading specialist sales across Regular Specialist Sales: a wide range of categories to ensure Our calendar of specialist sales optimal returns for your clients. throughout the year aaracts a global network of discerning buyers.

We are committed to providing you with the accurate and reliable valuations your clients require Contact our team today for a confidential discussion and to learn how we can assist you www.ewbanks.co.uk

01483 223101

info@ewbanks.co.uk

Burnt Common Auction Rooms, London Road, Send, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7LN SURREYLAWYER | 35

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Do you want to save

2 hours per day?

LEAP is empowering the future of legal services for lawyers through a suite of cloud-based solutions including legal practice management, document automation, legal accounting and AI-driven software.

By adopting AI, lawyers can reduce errors, increase billable hours and enhance overall productivity.

Find out more at: leap.co.uk/ai

36 | SURREYLAWYER