D&DLS Bulletin
Contents
8 -
Derby & District Law Society Sept / Oct 2025
17 - Prevalence of Charitable Legacies Among the UK’s Wealthiest 18 - Legacy Academy Launches for Private Client Advisers
20 - The Solicitors’ Charity shortlisted for Charity Collaboration of the Year
22 - Elite Law Solicitors Discover £270K in a Hidden Account
24 - How should Experts disclose criticisms when they are frequently unaware of the outcome of the case?
26 - The EWI and Expert Insight Announce Strategic Partnership
29 - US actions against lawyers undermine rule of law
30 - Extra court tier alone not a silver bullet
Editorial
Summer has been a mixed bag of fabulous events and a cancelled cricket match against Nottinghamshire Law Society. We are trying to organise an indoor version of this fun but competitive match. The weather was also not kind for the first Family and Friends Fun Day at Derby RFC but I am assured that everyone enjoyed the day, nonetheless. Read the write up on page 12-13. The DJL Sports Day had better weather and 30 or so young lawyers contested egg and spoon races and wheelbarrow races school sports day style. As ever it is the taking part that matters and throwing yourself into a DDLS or DJL event is the best way to get the most out of your firms membership.
We are so grateful to DJL for their skill and enthusiasm in organising the Summer Soiree. We had a lovely evening – thank you. Write up on page 7.
The role of administrator of the local law society is a solitary one but we now have a lively network of local law societies representatives. We meet online every few months to discuss and exchange ideas, issues and twice a year we meet in Birmingham for a lunch. During the summer I had a very useful meeting with Michelle from Notts LS, Carolyn from
above.
I am thrilled to say that our membership is now 550 and everyone should be receiving e-mails from me periodically with details of upcoming events, courses and meetings. Please chat to your colleagues and friends and get a group along to the various happenings. Given the size of the membership, I cannot believe that I am considering cancelling an upcoming networking lunch. Please get involved. Save the date for the Winter Party on 28th November 2025 and the Awards Dinner on 20th March 2026.
I will be sending invites out to schools for the
Debate Competition over the next week. I will be going into schools to deliver a session on speaking in public during the Autumn, and the competition will start after Christmas. If anyone is willing to give up a couple of hours (4-6pm) on a Wednesday, please e-mail me and I will put you on my list. It is a very rewarding way to spend a couple of hours. Thank you.
I hope to see you at an event soon.
Take care.
Julia Saunders
Northants LS and Charlotte from Leics LS –see photo
Officers and Committee Members for 2025
Officers
President*
Lucy Tissington lucy.tissington@familylawgroup. co.uk
Immediate Past President*
Tina Attenborough Attenborough Law, Derby Tel: 01332 558508 tina@ attenboroughlaw.co.uk
Vice-President* Rachel Maxwell Rachel.maxwell@smithpartnership. co.uk
Deputy Vice-President* Debra Morris debra@affinitylaw.co.uk
Honorary Secretary*
Fiona Apthorpe Geldards LLP, Derby Tel: 01332 378335 Fiona.Apthorpe@geldards.com
(* = Ex-Officio)
Public Relations Officer (+) Vacant
Derby Junior Lawyers
President Amelia Sutcliffe amelia.sutcliffe@ smithpartnership. co.uk
Vice-President George Ottewell George.Ottewell@flintbishop.co.uk
Deputy Vice-President Katie Morris katie@affinitylaw.co.uk
Constituency Council Representative, Derbyshire (+) Shama Gupta shama.gupta@freeths.co.uk
(+) attend Committee by invitation
Other Committee Members
Julie Skill, Elliot Mather LLP Chesterfield Tel: 01246 231288; julie.skill@elliotmather.co.uk
Felicity Coats felicity.coats@elliotmather.co.uk
Diana Copestake dianaohalloran@aol.com
David Hardy Tel: 01332 842008
david.hardy1630@gmail.com
Nosheen Tassaddiq nosheen.tassaddiq@flintbishop. co.uk
Oliver Maxwell
Smith Partnership Oliver.Maxwell@smithpartnership. co.uk
Martin Salt Martin@killingworthandparrott.co.uk Tel: 01332 200200
Claire Twells claire.twells@smithpartnership. co.uk
Sue Jennings sue.jennings@geldards.com
Treasurer* Ben Lawson
Elliot Mather LLP Tel: 01246 231288 ben.lawson@elliotmather.co.uk
Claire Rudkin Flint Bishop, Derby Tel: 01332 340211 claire.rudkin@flintbishop.co.uk
Manesha Ruparel MR@AandCo.co.uk
John Ellis
John.ellis@smithpartnership.co.uk
Administrator / Bulletin Editor Julia Saunders, Email: admin@derbylaw.net
Sub-Committees (Secretary in italics)
Criminal Litigation Andy Cash
Felicity Coats felicity.coats@elliotmather.co.uk
Andrew Oldroyd (01332 225225)
Education & Training
Sue Jennings, & all Sub-Committee Secretaries
Employment and Business Law
Sue Jennings
Tina Attenborough tina@attenboroughlaw.co.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manesha Ruparel mr@aandco.co.uk
Tina Attenborough tina@attenboroughlaw.co.uk
Sue Jennings sue.jennings@geldards.com
Family Law FionaApthorpe
David Guthrie dg@aflp.co.uk
Fiona Apthorpe Fiona.Apthorpe@geldards.com
Fiona Lazenby fiona.lazenby@knightsplc.com
Julie Skill Julie.Skill@elliotmather.co.uk
Kelly Mower kellym@eglegal.co.uk
Liz Guyler lizguyler@eglegal.co.uk
Lucy Tissington lucy.tissington@familylawgroup. co.uk
Manesha Ruparel MR@AandCo.co.uk
Melanie Bridgen melanie.bridgen@nelsonslaw. co.uk
Natalie Haydon-Yeung Natalie.Haydon-Yeung@geldards. com
Nick Herbert nh@aflp.co.uk
Ruth Jones ruth.jones@smithpartnership. co.uk
Sole Practitioners’ Group (SPG) Tina Attenborough tina@attenboroughlaw.co.uk
Last updated 05.09.25
Pipings from the President
Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended the Family and Friends Fun Day at Derby Rugby Club. It was a huge success and, despite the weather, I enjoyed every moment of it. 106 people attended and had a great time. This event was sponsored by Carter Brown, the UK based provider of independent expert witness assessments, who came down from Liverpool, bringing amazing freebies with them. My sixyear-old daughter Maddy got them in the party spirit by giving them glitter tattoos. The entertainment was also sponsored by Tacet Global (Greg Gillipse) who are a UK based security and investigations firm. They unfortunately were not able to attend. Huge thanks to the sponsors.
This event really was something different and fitted in with my theme of trying to show people what we do and involve family and friends. I have had such positive feedback about the event. My Mum, Dad, brother and sister-in-law were there too and it was lovely for them to put some faces to names. Thanks to my great friend Emma who was on facepainting and my good friend Pete who was the organiser of the amazing Welly Wanging competition. Huge thanks to my friends at Family Law Group – they really are the most supportive team and are always there to support me at each event and I cannot thank them enough.
We raised £160 for Positive Social, my charity for this year. Mark Saxby (Founder) was there with his family to explain more about the invaluable work Positive Social does and about his meeting, hosted by Lord Nash at the House of Lords, with fellow advocates highlighting the problems of the impact of social media and smartphones on children’s mental health and wellbeing. Attendees included Lady Frederick Windsor and Peter Andre. Huge thanks to my son Xander and niece Bella who sold the tokens for the games and generated this amount of money.
I have now set up a Just Giving page - Lucy Tissington is fundraising for Positive Social for our family sponsored silence. This is 12 hours of no talking or electronics. We will see how that goes. Any donation, large or small would be wonderful. We have beaten our target but would love to see how much we can raise.
In July DDLS sponsored an award for the University of Derby. I was not able to attend the ceremony due to a court hearing but I sent huge congratulations to Mohamed Irfan Mohamed on winning the DDLS prize.
You may have seen that there is a Save the Date for the DDLS Bake Off. This is on 29th September so get your bakes ready. This is a linked event with Rolls Royce which will produce some healthy competition and also raise more money for Positive Social.
I went along to the Derby Junior Lawyer Quiz at the Distillery. It was a wonderful event, well organised and really enjoyable Great
questions, lovely food and a very chilled atmosphere. This fun event was hosted by Henna Aiten and Katie Morris and well done to Alexander and Co who were the winners. When I heard there was a flags round I knew I had to take my son Xander along. We teamed up with Brooke and Abbey from Affinity Law and we made a great team.
I am so pleased to say the Education Committee is now up and running. We had 10 people attend the first meeting and the next session (on Teams) is on 8th September at 1pm. I will be able to circulate any update at the next meeting. We discussed funding, the SQE, the ongoing LPC, the terminology used for the SQE and the approaches each of the firms are taking. It is an invaluable source of information. Please email me to let me know if you would like to join this committee.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. I always think of September as a time to reset, make lists and start planning so it is an exciting time ahead.
Lucy Tissington President, 2025-26
Lucy Tissington
More about the committee members...
1. Why did you want a career in the law?
I can honestly say I went into law almost by accident! I was a legal secretary at Taylor Simpson and Mosley and John Webb one of their partners suggested I study for the legal executive qualifications which I did. I then decided that I was sure I could qualify as a solicitor so I did!!! And it is a choice I have never regretted. When asked what else I might have done I have always been unable to think of anything else so must have made the right choice.
2. Why did you join the committee?
I was asked to join the committee and having been on the junior lawyers DDLS committee years ago I agreed because if we are not represented as a group then our voices are never likely to be heard.
3. What is your favourite DDLS memory?
Favourite and most scary - being DDLS president in 2016!! Having to make a speech! Not at all the same as advocating in court!! And all the DDLS social dos as well
4. What would you say to anybody thinking about joining the DDLS/DJL committee or a sub-committee?
Do it! Without your contribution to the legal profession in Derby how are we going to make progress as a whole.
Peter Kidd
1. Why did you want a career in the law?
It was a choice between that and journalism when I’d finished my undergraduate degree, which wasn’t in law. Law seemed more secure and a better way of helping people and making a difference as well as providing a career that might allow me to provide for my family.
2. Why did you join the committee?
Because Oliver told to me to. Only joking; the legal world can be a tough and challenging place and so having likeminded colleagues to discuss the state of the local profession and provide advice and support to each other is a really important thing.
3. What is your favourite DDLS memory?
Any time I have taken a wicket or scored more than one run in the annual cricket match against Notts Law Society.
4. What would you say to anybody thinking about joining the DDLS/DJL committee or a sub-committee?
It’s a great opportunity to meet friendly and like-minded individuals and learn more about the profession locally.
Rachel Maxwell
1. Why did you want a career in the law?
I enjoyed school and achieved some good ALevel grades but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and so my parents encouraged me to study Law at University.
Even after studying for 4 years at University and completing the LPC, I still wasn’t sure that my future was in Law. After completing my studies, it was time for me to get my first legal job and put my studies to good use. I was lucky to get a role in a conveyancing firm. From here I have never turned my back on residential conveyancing. I have been fortunate to qualify as a Licenced Conveyancing and then later as a Solicitor. During my training contract, I had a short stint away from conveyancing but was extremely relieved when I was able to return upon qualification.
2. Why did you join the committee?
I’m incredibly passionate about the area I work in. It’s a busy area to work in and can be extremely rewarding, but it also has its challenges. I wanted to share my enthusiasm with others but also to help build a strong conveyancing community in Derby and the wider area. Being part of DDLS has given me the chance to bring together others working in residential conveyancing to share knowledge and support each other during challenging times.
3. What is your favourite DDLS memory?
Scoring as top shooter at a social laser tag event!
4. What would you say to anybody thinking about joining the DDLS/DJL committee or a sub-committee?
DDLS is full of very enthusiastic and passionate lawyers who want to support, share knowledge and see individuals grow in the legal sector. You have nothing to lose but absolutely lots to gain!
Di Copestake
Summer Soirée 2025
Well done to the DJL Committee for organizing such a successful Summer Soirée event on Friday 4th July.
Kedleston Country House Hotel hosted this popular event and although the sun didn’t shine too much we managed to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
We were entertained by country singer Sam Hinds and artist Eleanor L was kept busy sketching guests all night long.
A special mention must go to the headline sponsor Affinity Law Limited, and sponsors Mark Bates Ltd and Rothera Bray LLP for supporting the DJL. It’s thanks to their generosity that DJL are able to put on such fantastic events for our local legal community. A big thanks to those who kindly donated prizes for the charity raffle which raised an incredible £600 for the chosen charity, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
DJL Sports Day
It was a sweet victory for Flint Bishop as they were crowned the winners of the annual DJL Sports Day. There’s nothing quite like a school sports day to bring out the competitive nature of a group of solicitors! The wheelbarrow race and three-legged race put teamwork and coordination to the test, with a game of rounders testing everyone’s rule knowledge, leading up to a strong finish with of tug of war.
With the weather on our side, we finished the night taking some time to network and mingle over a few drinks and an ice cream. To top it all off, we raised £60 for our charity of the year, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
A huge thanks goes to our Sports Rep, Liam Wicks and Vice President, George Ottewell, for their efforts in putting on such a fantastic event. Until next year to see if Flints can keep their title…
Derby University Annual Award
Derby & District Law Society is proud to be able to support an annual award at the University of Derby - here is Mohamed Irfan Mohamed Iqbal receiving this years award.
Family Law Course
Overview of TOLATA by Brett Wilson AND Private Law Children by Paula Bloomfield and Sara Davis
9th October 2025 4-6pm Smith Partnership Friar Gate Derby Refreshments provided
Reserve your place via Fienta by 3rd October for £2 per place - all proceeds to Positive Social
Family & Friends Fun Day
We had the best time at Derby Rugby Club on 20th July!! Thanks to everyone who came along to my Derby and District Law Society Family and Friends fun day! Thanks to Carter Brown, part of The Antser Group for sponsoring the event! Lovely to meet
you! Thanks to Tacet Global for sponsoring all the activities!
We raised over £160 for Positive Social
Thanks to my amazing friends and family for
helping and being there to support!!
Managed to mix work and family fun! The aim of my year as President!
Lucy Tissington
Celebrating the support success stories this International Day of Charity
The Solicitors’ Charity is calling on legal professionals across England and Wales to take action this International Day of Charity (5 September) by helping colleagues who are facing life’s toughest challenges.
Established by the United Nations in 2012 to honour the work of Mother Teresa, International Day of Charity is a global reminder of the power of giving to transform lives, strengthen communities, and promote solidarity.
Every day, The Solicitors’ Charity witnesses the life-changing difference charitable support can make to those in the legal profession. Through emotional, professional, physical, and financial wellbeing support, the charity is dedicated to ensuring solicitors receive the right assistance when they need it most.
To mark this year’s International Day of Charity, the organisation is sharing powerful real-life stories from solicitors who have been supported during times of crisis:
Dan’s story – Following a series of devastating personal losses, Dan reached out to The Solicitors’ Charity. Immediate
financial assistance and professional counselling helped him find stability and start rebuilding his life.
Sarah’s story – When ill health forced Sarah to step away from her successful legal career, the charity provided vital financial support and access to rehabilitation, helping her regain both her health and independence.
Naomi’s story – After being made redundant, Naomi received financial relief, coaching, and career development support, enabling her to regain confidence and explore new opportunities.
Read more: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/ case-studies/
Nick Gallagher , CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, said: “International Day of Charity is a powerful reminder that none of us is immune to life’s challenges – and that by standing together, we can make an extraordinary difference.
“Every donation, every act of kindness, and every bit of awareness raised for us and other charities all over the world helps us to be there for others when they need help. To mark the day within the legal sector, I encourage everyone in the profession to get involved,
whether that’s through giving or simply spreading the word about us.”
The charity’s recent Big Report ( https:// thesolicitorscharity.org/big-report/ ) highlights the scale and impact of its work, revealing how tailored support is helping solicitors overcome emotional, professional, physical, and financial challenges. This life-changing assistance is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of the charity’s case managers.
How to get involved:
• Make a one-off donation – Every contribution makes a difference.
• Join the Register – Receive updates about the charity’s work.
• Transfer unclaimed client balances –Give with full indemnity protection.
For more information on how to play your part this International Day of Charity, visit: https:// thesolicitorscharity.org/play-your-part/
The Solicitors’ Charity team support the legal community at this year’s London Legal Walk
Remember A Charity Week
Remember A Charity Week is an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to consider leaving a gift to charity in their Will, after looking after family and friends.
This year’s Remember A Charity Week runs from 8th to 14th September 2025.
This year’s campaign celebrates the funny moments, interesting hobbies and unique quirks that we remember and cherish about our loved ones.
We’re encouraging everyone to think about how they’d like to be remembered, and to consider leaving a gift in their Will to the causes they care about.
Uncle Geoff with his gnome
New Research Reveals Prevalence of Charitable Legacies Among the UK’s Wealthiest
• 50% of high net worth individuals have included a charitable gift in their Will
• Charitable Will Trusts and Donor Advised Funds used by one in three millionaires
• Legacy giving is more prevalent amongst millionaires with children than those without; a contrast to mass market trends
New research from Remember A Charity, the UK’s national legacy giving campaign, reveals the prevalence of charitable gifts in Wills amongst high net worth individuals (HNWIs), highlighting the opportunity for further growth.
Charitable legacies prevalent
The study, commissioned by Remember A Charity and conducted by independent research firm Savanta*, surveyed 500 people with over £1 million in investable assets. It reveals that half (50%) of millionaires have already included a charitable gift in their Will, rising to 75% for those with estates of £5 million+.
Noting that legacy giving amongst high net worth individuals may extend beyond a simple donation in a Will, the research finds that nearly one third of the group (32%) have established a charitable Will Trust, and three in ten (28%) donated using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
There are generous tax incentives in the UK for those who leave a charitable gift from their estate**. Donations are tax-free and if 10% or more of the net value of the estate is donated this can reduce the Inheritance Tax rate from 40% to 36%.
Amongst those millionaires who have not included a charitable legacy in their estate plans, the large majority (58%) say they are open to doing so and just over 1 in 4 (26%) said that they simply hadn’t thought about it before. This indicates there is opportunity to engage this audience at the Will-planning stage.
Percentage gifts
Although only around one quarter of millionaires (26%) say they have prepared to leave a percentage of their estate to charity, rather than pledging a fixed sum, many more (40%) say they would be willing to donate a share of their estate. With market studies
showing that around 90% of legacy income comes from residuary gifts*** and that high value estates are driving up legacy values, this demonstrates the importance and potential impact of increasing percentage gifts in this market.
Family dynamics and intestacy
In contrast to mass market trends, where child-free individuals are twice as likely as those with children to leave a charitable gift1, this study finds that – for high net worth individuals – gifts in Wills are more prevalent for those who do have children (50%) than for those who don’t (42%). This indicates that, at this level of wealth, individuals may well recognise they are able to both secure their family’s future and provide support for charitable causes. This may also reflect the fact that intestacy tends to be higher amongst those without dependents, with 1 in 5 saying they don’t have a Will and have no plans to write one.
The research showed a surprising lack of upto-date Wills amongst a demographic that is likely to leave considerable wealth to the next generation. Only 3 in 10 (31%) of millionaires have an up-to-date Will, and over one third (35%) of those aged 55-65 don’t have a Will at all. One quarter of the millionaires in this study say they are in the process of writing or updating their Will, reinforcing the opportunity to integrate charitable giving into estate planning.
“Charitable legacies are hugely valued across the sector, no matter the size of the gift or estate. But these insights into the high value legacy market reveal that legacy giving is even more prevalent in this space than many of us will have anticipated,” says Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity.
“While this is certainly encouraging for charities, many of which are becoming increasingly reliant on donations from those with wealth, this also helps to reinforce to professional advisers just how relevant philanthropy is to their client base – and how crucial it is that they can support their clients in achieving their charitable legacy.”
Remember A Charity has developed a range of resources, case studies and practical tips for wealth advisers5, alongside materials for solicitors and Will-writers6, equipping them to explore the topic of legacy giving with clients. A new training programme for wealth advisers will launch this Remember A Charity Week7 (08-14 September 2025).
Professional advisers are encouraged to use the platform of Remember A Charity Week as an opportunity to raise the topic of legacy giving with clients.
To find out more, visit the campaign website.8
1Savanta / Remember A Charity, High Net Worth Legacy Study, 2025
This research on the high net worth audience was commissioned by Remember A Charity and conducted by Savanta, as part of its MillionaireVue omnibus study. The sample included 500 people with over £1 million in investable assets (high net worth individuals). The fieldwork was carried out from February to March 2025.
2 https://www.rememberacharity.org. uk/making-a-will/faqs-about-wills/faqsinheritance-tax/
3https://144850878.fs1.hubspotusercontenteu1.net/hubfs/144850878/LTR/The%20 Legacy%20Giving%20Report%202025%20 -%20Smee%20and%20Ford%20and%20 Legacy%20Futures.pdf
4 Remember A Charity / OKO Stages of Change Benchmark Study, 2024
5https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/aboutus/for-wealth-advisers/
6https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/aboutus/for-solicitors-will-writers/
7https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/aboutus/remember-a-charity-week/
8https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/aboutus/remember-a-charity-week/
Lucinda Frostick
Legacy Academy Launches for Private Client Advisers
A new free training series for private client advisers - the Legacy Academy - launches today, coinciding with this year’ Remember A Charity Week (08-14 September 2025).
Developed by Remember A Charity and CPD training provider For Legal, the four-part webinar series is designed to equip advisers with the insight and confidence to have values-led discussions with high net worth clients about charitable legacies. The on-demand training series is available on a complimentary basis through both For Legal and Remember A Charity’s website. It compliments existing training webinars for solicitors and Will-writers, also available through For Legal.
Legacy giving has become a vital income stream for UK charities, raising £4.5 billion in 2024 alone to fund crucial services from medical research to environmental campaigns. Although legacy giving has becoming increasingly popular at all levels of wealth, for high net worth individuals, it is even more prevalent. In fact recent research* shows that half of people in the UK with over £1 million in investable assets have already pledged a charitable gift in their Will, with Charitable Will Trusts and Donor Advised Funds also becoming more widespread for this audience.
The option of leaving a charitable legacy is particularly appealing in the UK due to the generous Inheritance Tax (IHT) incentives available. These include that gifts to charity are free of tax and that donations of 10% or more of the net value of the estate can reduce the IHT rate from 40% to 36%. Professional advisers play a key role in helping clients understand their charitable options, including how a charitable legacy can be incorporated in their estate alongside any gifts for their loved ones and how to maximise the tax incentives.
Remember A Charity – a consortium of 200 UK charities - works with a growing network of professional advisers, including solicitors, professional Will-writers, tax specialists and wealth advisers, to provide resources, information and training on charitable legacies.
Each September, Remember A Charity Week takes place, with advisers encouraged to use the platform to make clients aware of the option of including their favourite charities in their Wills, alongside their loved ones.
Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity commented, “For advisers, it’s becoming increasingly important to be able to support clients in meeting their philanthropic needs and passion for good causes. And that’s particularly evident when it comes to planning a legacy, where family and charitable causes so often come together. However, discussing charitable legacies doesn’t always fall within an adviser’s comfort zone beyond the sphere of solicitors and Will-writers.
“This training programme aims to bridge that gap, equipping and empowering a broad range of advisers to have these conversations with clients, deepening those relationships and supporting the growth of philanthropy across the UK.”
Wayne Spencer, Director of For Media Group, said, “We’re delighted to have partnered with Remember A Charity to develop this unique training programme tailored specifically for private client advisers. We are
seeing a growing appetite among professional advisers for guidance on how to introduce and navigate philanthropic conversations with clients, and this series helps meet that need. With a focus on legacy giving, it offers practical insights and inspirational content to support advisers in discussing charitable bequests with confidence and sensitivity.”
The Legacy Academy training series consists of four sessions:
Session 1: Why and how to start a legacy giving conversation
Session 2: Tax, structures and legacy giving
Session 3: Succession planning and legacy giving
Session 4: A personal reflection on legacy giving: A client’s perspective
For more information or to register for the training series: https:// www.rememberacharity.org.uk/about-us/for-wealth-advisers/legacyacademy-series/
*Savanta, High Net Worth Legacy Study 2025 This research on the high net worth (HNW) audience was commissioned by Remember A Charity and conducted by Savanta Millionaire Vue. It is a study of 500 people with over £1 million in investable assets. The study explored their consideration, intention, and action around legacy giving, including the correlation with age, assets, gender, and children. It also looked at their willingness to make a residuary gift and their Will-writing status.
the date 29th of September 2025
3rdandthefirmthat makesthemost money.
1st place prize is the infamous DDLS apron
The Solicitors’ Charity shortlisted for Charity Collaboration of the Year at the ACO Annual Awards
The Solicitors’ Charity is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Charity Collaboration of the Year award, for its partnership with LawCare, at the ACO Annual Awards 2025.
The nomination recognises the two charities’ outstanding work in delivering tailored support. The Solicitors’ Charity has been supporting solicitors in need, and their dependents, since 1858 in England & Wales and provides tailored wellbeing support, through a range of services, including for emotional wellbeing.
In 2012, The Solicitors’ Charity began its partnership with LawCare, the mental health charity for the UK legal sector which provides direct emotional support (via phone, email and chat), training, information, research and advocacy.
The Solicitors’ Charity provides funding to support LawCare for their core operations and special projects such as their Life in the Law research. Through collaborative working for over a decade The Solicitors’ Charity and LawCare have developed a complementary partnership. This has enabled timely and tailored support to be available for solicitors, so that those needing specific types of help know what is available and can receive it from each organisation.
The ACO Annual Awards celebrate excellence across the charity sector, showcasing the achievements of grant-making and benevolent charities that provide vital financial and wellbeing support to individuals.
The awards are sponsored by Family Fund Business Services.
Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious award for our collaboration with LawCare. This recognition highlights the dedication of our team and a key partner in supporting solicitors through challenging circumstances.
“At The Solicitors’ Charity, collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to stand alongside other organisations making a real difference to people’s lives.”
The winners will be announced on 18th September 2025 at the ACO Annual Conference in London.
The Solicitors’ Charity’s recent Big Report highlights the scale and impact of its work, revealing how tailored support is helping solicitors overcome emotional, professional, physical, and financial challenges. This lifechanging assistance is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of the charity’s case managers.
For more information on how to get involved visit: https://thesolicitorscharity. org/play-your-part/
Elite Law Solicitors Discover £270K in a Hidden Account
22 July 2025: Elite Law Solicitors have uncovered £270,000 held in a previously unknown account while managing an estate administration case. The discovery was made following a Financial Profile Search carried out through the legal technology group Estatesearch, which provides a range of estate administration services to help legal teams save time and mitigate risk during probate and deputyship cases.
Meg Wilton, CILEX Lawyer and TEP, Elite Law Solicitors explains: “We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive advice to clients. This often means asking the right questions and checking the wider picture to see if there is a recommendation we can make beyond our services which is in the best interests of our client.
“We have used Estatesearch’s services for several years and it is not uncommon to discover the odd account or asset but no one was prepared for what transpired on this occasion. The search yielded a positive match, and further enquiries revealed an account containing over £270,000 which no one was aware of.
“This represented a huge windfall for our clients. Although funds and the estate was now subject to IHT, both beneficiaries will both still receive a substantial sum once the HMRC account and legal fees are settled. By contrast, if the asset had been discovered after the estate had been distributed, it would have been likely they would have needed to pay interest and penalties to HMRC, so they were pleased and relieved this bank account was discovered thanks to the Estatesearch’s Financial Profile Search we recommended. It was rewarding to work on a case which had such a positive impact on our clients.”
Estatesearch’s Financial Profile Search makes enquiries of more than 150 organisations, searching over 450 companies and brands including banks, building societies, investment managers, share registrars, pension providers and insurers to help identify accounts. Private client solicitors then make further enquiries if a financial institution confirms
the subject holds, for example, an account or a pension of which they were previously unaware.
Meg Wilton continues: “This case has also been a useful example to share with clients to explain about the importance of an asset search. It’s not just about the potential of finding ‘buried treasure’ but also avoiding any penalties or fines relating to IHT or potential additional legal fees should assets become known, even years later and the estate needs to be re-distributed.”
Ben Furlong, Managing Director, Estatesearch confirms: “While it is unusual for our Financial Profile Search to contribute to the discovery of an account containing such a significant sum of money, identifying unknown assets is not. Feedback from the 2,000 legal firms we work with regularly shows that 70% of private client firms have identified assets their clients were previously unaware of, thanks to our Financial Profile Search. The report also acts as a due diligence record, a liability bridge should anything surface later. If an asset is found after estate distribution, we can help firms seek to recover readministration costs from the financial institution involved, supporting clients and helping to protect legal firms.”
For more information about Estatesearch’s Financial Profile Searches or Will Searches or to read Elite Law Solicitors’ full case study please see: https://www.estatesearch.co.uk/
For more information about Elite Law Solicitors please see: https://www. elitelawsolicitors.co.uk/
How should Experts disclose criticisms when they are frequently unaware of the outcome of the case?
The judgement from The Honourable Mr Justice Trower in JSC Commercial Bank Privatbank v Igor Valeryevich Kolomoisky & Ors presents a number of interesting learning points for Expert Witnesses. But we have been particularly struck by the assertion that Expert Witnesses have a duty to disclose previous criticisms of their evidence in judgments.
What the judge said “In two previous cases, Pindell Limited v. Airasia Berhad [2010] EWHC 2516 (Comm) and ACG Acquisition XX LLC v. Olympic Airlines [2012] EWHC 1070 (Comm), Mr S’s evidence had not been accepted by judges of the Commercial Court. In the second of those cases, ACG (at para 50), Teare J had held that Mr S had not given sufficient consideration to his duty to the court not to omit matters which might detract from his stated opinion, having regard to some of the findings made by Tomlinson J in Pindell. The consequence of this in ACG was that Teare J was unable to rely on his evidence, save when accepted by the other expert.
These criticisms took on a further level of significance in light of the judgment in Peregrine Aviation v. Laudamotion [2023] EWHC 48 (Comm) at [22], in which it was noted by Henshaw J that “Mr S ought to have disclosed criticisms of his evidence in two previous judgments as part of or in conjunction with his expert report in that case”. Henshaw J’s judgment was handed down on 17 January 2023 but, despite this timely reminder of his duties, it was only six months later, a mere three days before his cross-examination in these proceedings, that Mr Kolomoisky’s solicitors disclosed to the Bank’s solicitors what had been said. In cross-examination, Mr S said that he thought he had forwarded what had been
said in Peregrine to the lawyers at an earlier stage. I have no means of knowing whether he did in fact do so, but I consider that he should have ensured that this information was made available to the Bank and the court much earlier than he did. In that respect he was in breach of his own personal duty to the court. This failing made an evaluation of the credibility of his evidence a more difficult task than would otherwise have been the case.”
Fair assertion?
Most experts will tell you that they are frequently unaware of the outcome of cases, let alone being sent copies of judgments that they have been mentioned in. This problem pervades the justice system and even extends to the Family Courts where there is a specific requirement for the Instructing Party to “send to the expert a copy of the court’s final order, any transcript or written record of the court’s decision, and its reasons for reaching its decision, within 10 business days from the date when the party received the order and any such transcript or record.” (Family Procedure Rules Part 25.19)
The Criminal Courts are at least a little kinder. The Criminal Procedure Rules r 19.2(3) refer to the expert’s duty to “disclose to the party for whom the expert’s evidence is commissioned anything of which the expert is aware.”
But it seems somewhat unfair to say that Expert Witnesses have a duty to share this criticism since this is infrequently shared with them.
If you are aware of criticism
Of course, if you are aware of any criticism you would be wise to make your Instructing Party aware of it. The last thing you want is for
your credibility to be attacked by opposing counsel who have researched previous cases in which you have been mentioned.
The good news?
Just because you were criticised before, it doesn’t mean that you cannot redeem yourself. In considering another expert’s evidence, the judge wrote:
“In a judgment I gave in unrelated litigation (Bank St Petersburg OJSC v. Arkhangelsky [2022] EWHC 2499 (Ch) at [472]), I had criticised the quality of Mr Thomas’ evidence as betraying a marked failure to recognise that his role was to assist the court by an independent and dispassionate statement of his views without descending into the arena to argue the counterclaimants’ case on their behalf. Not surprisingly, he was taxed with this in cross-examination and accepted that the criticisms I had made of his evidence in that case were fair. However, his evidence in these proceedings was in marked contrast to his evidence in the Bank St Petersburg case. While he was firm in the views that he expressed, he did not cross the line into advocacy and explained the concepts on which he relied with clarity. He was confident in his opinions, and justifiably so. My overall impression was not just that he knew what he was talking about, but also that he addressed the issues with which he had been asked to deal in a fair and balanced manner.”
Learning points
So the key learning points are:
• Do ask your Instructing Party for feedback and to send you a copy of any judgment, particularly if you gave evidence in a court/tribunal.
• If you are aware of any previous criticism, you should declare this to any Instructing Party.
• If you have been the subject of criticism, take the time to reflect on the criticism and consider how you might amend your practice. Undertake further training where necessary.
Link to judgment
https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/ Ch/2025/1987.html
Simon Berney-Edwards
EWI
The Expert Witness Institute and Expert Insight Announce Strategic Partnership to Elevate Standards for Psychologists
The Expert Witness Institute, the UK’s leading body for expert witnesses, is proud to announce a new partnership with Expert Insight, a community dedicated to supporting registered psychologists working as expert witnesses. This collaboration will enhance professional development and support for this vital group of specialists.
The partnership aims to combine the EWI’s robust framework for legal and professional standards with Expert Insight’s tailored clinical, psychological, and peer support. By working together, the two organisations will help ensure registered psychologists who serve as expert witnesses are equipped with both the essential legal training and the specialised clinical support needed to excel.
“The EWI is committed to supporting the proper administration of justice through high-quality expert evidence,” said Simon Berney-Edwards, CEO of the EWI. “Our partnership with Expert Insight will allow us to directly address the specific needs of registered psychologists, ensuring they have access to a complete range of resources—from formal legal training and accreditation to practical tools and resources that strengthen the clinical skills of expert psychologists —that is crucial for their work in civil litigation.”
Expert Insight was created to meet the unique challenges faced by registered psychologists in the expert witness field. Its mission is to provide accessible, practical, and responsive support, focusing on short-form clinical content and diagnosis-specific guidance.
“Expert Insight was founded on the principle of developing a strong, supported community for registered psychologists,” said Dr Kathryn Newns, co-founder of Expert Insight. “We are strong advocates for the EWI and its role as the benchmark for best practice. This partnership is a
natural fit, allowing us to complement EWI’s legal and professional training by signposting our members to their key offerings, while we focus on the development of clinical skills within the legal context.”
Through this new alliance, the organisations will work together to broaden the pool of qualified experts and enhance the reputation of expert evidence.
About The Expert Witness Institute
The Expert Witness Institute (EWI) is the UK’s leading membership body for expert witnesses from all professional disciplines and the lawyers who use their services. The EWI’s mission is to support the proper administration of justice and the early resolution of disputes through high-quality expert evidence. All members are subject to a strict Code of Professional Conduct and Practice.
About Expert Insight
Expert Insight is a community created to support registered psychologists working as expert witnesses in civil litigation. It aims to develop expert witness clinical skills and provide clinical, psychological, and peer support that is specific to this area of work.
Heather George EWI
Contact: Simon.berney-edwards@ewi.org.uk / 020 3880 0064 susie.oconnor@apsy.co.uk / 01223 803793
Email: bill.bailey1@nhs.net
From lawyer to target: US actions against lawyers undermine rule of law
As the Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the new president of the American Bar Association Michelle Behnke taking office this August, it warns that even well-established legal systems are not immune to political interference.
The global coalition for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer that represents more than 30 bar associations, legal organisations and human rights groups nominated the United States as the country of focus for 2026*.
The US has been named as the focus country following a range of actions by the American administration targeting lawyers and law firms that were known for their activity in politically sensitive, human rights and pro bono cases.
Law firms have also been the target of US government actions on their diversity and inclusion practices.
The American Bar Association denounced the recent escalation in harassment and threats directed at lawyers, stating that the administration’s efforts “interfere with fair
and impartial courts, the right to counsel and due process, and the freedoms of speech and association in our country**.”
Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said: “The Day of the Endangered Lawyer reminds us that there are many lawyers around the world who are in a constant battle to do their job and uphold access to justice.
“Lawyers must be able to carry out their professional duties independently and without fear of reprisals.
“The legal profession upholds democracy and the rule of law – and when they are threatened, it is our duty to ensure that justice prevails.
“I want to congratulate and welcome the new president of the American Bar Association Michele Behnke and reassure her that we stand by our colleagues in the US.
“We will continue to support and join in speaking out against any illegitimate actions against lawyers anywhere in the world including America.”
*The Day of the Endangered Lawyer takes place annually on 24 January and acts as a reminder that lawyers around the world put their lives at risk every day to practice and defend the rule of law.
Learn more about the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, including a soon-to-be published detailed report and several events at: https:// dayoftheendangeredlawyer.eu/
**The American Bar Association’s statement: https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/ aba-news-archives/2025/03/aba-rejectsefforts-to-undermine-courts-and-legalprofession/
Read the full statement on the targeting of legal professionals by the US government (PDF 275 KB): https://prdsitecore93.azureedge.net/-/ media/files/campaigns/international-rule-oflaw/lawyers-at-risk/joint-statement-us
The Law Society’s Lawyers at Risk programme aims to support legal professionals worldwide who face human rights violations because of their work and raise awareness of the risks they face.
Extra court tier alone not a silver bullet to tackle rocketing backlogs
Solicitors have expressed pessimism over whether an additional court tier will help reduce the rocketing criminal court backlogs.
The Law Society of England and Wales carried out research, in collaboration with Sky News, asking solicitors for their views on potential reforms to the criminal courts.
Proposals include introducing an intermediate court, which would be known as the Crown Court Bench Division. The research revealed that:
• solicitors felt a broad range of measures would be required for an additional court tier to be effective, including additional court staff who are fully trained, and increased public funding for legal defence.*
• most solicitors think the introduction of an additional court tier would make the justice system worse (56%) and is unlikely to reduce the backlogs (60%).**
• almost three-quarters (73%) of the solicitors surveyed were concerned about jury trials being removed as part of the proposals.***
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said:
“Our criminal justice system – a vital public service – has been starved of resources for decades with inevitable dire consequences.
“These include the massive criminal court backlogs which result in unacceptable delays for victims, witnesses and defendants, with cases listed for 2029.
“The research results reflect our concerns over the effectiveness of introducing an additional tier of courts when the existing magistrates’ courts and Crown Courts are already overwhelmed and under-resourced.
“Where are the spare judges, magistrates, court staff and lawyers going to come from? Unless action is taken to halt the dwindling availability of criminal defence solicitors, the reforms could be fatally undermined.
“While there is spare capacity in the court estate in some parts of the country, this is not universally the position and so extra physical capacity will also have to be found for the new court tier to be able to sit.
“Solicitors also share our concerns over removing the right to trial by jury for serious offences. The proposed new division of the Crown Court on its own is not a silver bullet and will not solve the Crown Court backlog. The government would have undermined our historic jury system for no effect.
“Only investment in the whole system, as envisaged by Sir Brian Leveson in his report, has any chance of success.”
