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Northamptonshire Law Society Bulletin www.northamptonshirelawsociety.co.uk Summer 2026

Spring Social Event at The World’s End in Ecton See p.10

Published by East Park Communications Ltd. Merseybank Business Centre 55-57 Seabank Road, Wallasey Merseyside CH45 7PA Tel: 0151 651 2776 simon@eastparkcommunications.co.uk www.eastparkcomms.co.uk Managing Editor: Ika Částka Advertising: Simon Castell Key Account Manager: Denise Castell Design: East Park Studio Accounts: Tony Kay Published August 2026 Legal Notice © East Park Communications Ltd. None of the editorial or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. East Park Communications Ltd 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 East Park Communications Ltd. Correct at time of going to press.

Summer 2026

The President Writes

Committee Members

AML supervision is moving to the FCA: what firms need to know

Awards Dinner 2026

What the SRA is asking of us, and what it will cost

Summer training event

Youseff’s Work Experience

Spring Social Event

Key considerations for implementing AI

Remember A Charity Week returns

Legacy giving remains resilient, but the future depends on decisions made today

Review: The 2026 Expert Witness Institute Online Conference

The Right Expert—Without the Time-Consuming Search

Former Law Society President highlights need to support solicitors to thrive

Northamptonshire Law Society

Contents

in the profession 24

AI and the East Anglian Property Market

What Makes FHM Forensic Different in Business Valuation Services?

And Finally...

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Welcome all to this edition of the Bulletin...

At our recent AGM, I was very please to present my end-of-year report. Over the past year, we have continued to promote unity and excellence across the profession, and I am proud to reflect on both our achievements and the challenges we have faced. As always, a highlight of the year was our annual awards dinner, which was a great success. It gave us a welcome opportunity to step away from our daily work and celebrate the achievements of our profession. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues come together to recognise the outstanding contributions of our award winners, and this recognition continues to encourage the highest standards within our legal community. The Legal Walk was amazing, like it always is. The weather was kind too! It is not just Northamptonshire Law Society Officers & Council Members 2025 President Laura Carter Vice President Shakira Khan Immediate-Past President Sarah Franklin

an opportunity of getting together, but it is great exercise too. For anyone who has not ever taken part, then I would urge to do so, it really is a wonderful event.

Council members Jabeer and Maurice continue to give their time to the pro bono clinic at Community Law Service, and I thank them for supporting this vital service.

I also had the privilege of attending awards dinners hosted by neighbouring local law societies. These events offered valuable opportunities to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen the sense of unity across the wider regional legal community. This year, one of my aims was to encourage more face-to-face events. In my address last year, I said I wanted members to spend more time away from their screens, particularly for social and training activities. Events take planning, but I firmly believe the Society’s role is to provide a strong programme of social and training opportunities for our local legal community. With this in mind, we made a concerted effort to organise more in-person events. After the challenges of recent years, bringing members together has been especially important. These gatherings help to strengthen connections, support, and shared learning, and I am pleased that our initiatives were well received. Our social drop-in at Ecton showed that these events are valuable, achievable, and need not take significant time to organise.

This year also brought changes within our team. Council Member Euan retired. He was our fountain of knowledge on all official matters, and we will miss both his wit and his remarkable expertise. We have welcomed Rebecca, our new Society Manager, who brings fresh energy to the role. I am really looking forward to working with her. I was very pleased that Council Member Shakira has been appointed Vice President of the Society. Looking ahead, we must continue to build on our achievements and maintain the momentum we have created. I encourage everyone to support the Society’s activities and contribute ideas for future events. Together, we can ensure that the Northamptonshire Law Society remains vibrant, relevant, and supportive of its members. Thank you for your continued commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year. Let this year be amazing too! Kind regards,

We continue to maintain strong links with the wider legal and charitable community. The University of Northampton is home to the future of our profession, and we were present at the University’s legal careers fair once again.

Honorary Secretary Ika Částka Honorary Treasurer Jabeer Miah Constituency Member Steven Mather Council Members: Maurice Muchinda David Browne

Michael Orton-Jones Oliver Spicer Edward St John Smyth Society Manager Rebecca Thumwood

Laura Carter President Northamptonshire Law Society Northamptonshire Law Society 4 Grange Park Court, Roman Way, Northampton NN4 5EA Tel: 01604 881154 Email: Sec.nls@outlook.com All Council members should in the first instance be contacted through the Society Manager.

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AML supervision is moving to the FCA: what firms need to know Over the next few years, anti-money laundering supervision of solicitors will move from the Solicitors Regulation Authority to the Financial Conduct Authority. The Law Society opposed the change. It is going ahead anyway. This is a short summary of where things stand.

The Law Society’s Economic Crime Conference on 17 September 20264 is expected to set out considerably more detail, and is the next real milestone. Steven Mather is a solicitor and Law Society Council Member for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Contact him at steven@stevenmather.co.uk with any issues you would like raised in the Society’s ongoing engagement with the Treasury and the FCA, or any other matters affecting your legal practice.

Where we are In October 2025 the government named the FCA as the single professional services supervisor for AML, covering the legal, accountancy, and trust and company service provider sectors. In June 2026 HM Treasury published its response to the consultation on the FCA’s duties, powers and accountability,1 which sets out the broad shape of the new regime. The enabling legislation, the Financial Services and Markets Bill2, was introduced in the House of Lords in May 2026 and is still going through Parliament.

Steven Mather Law Society Council Member for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Citations

The SRA keeps its conduct role. The FCA takes on AML compliance only. What changes The Treasury’s stated approach is to extend the FCA’s existing powers under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 rather than create new obligations for firms, so your underlying compliance duties do not change. Three things will feel different in time: • Firms carrying out work within scope of the regulations will need to be registered with the FCA, on a single public register. • The FCA will apply its own fit and proper test to beneficial owners, officers and managers, going further than the criminal records checks the SRA carries out now. • FCA supervision will be funded by fees charged to firms on a full cost recovery basis, with the detail to follow in a separate consultation. The Law Society continues to press for supervision that reflects how solicitors actually work, for AML guidance to remain practitioner-led through the Legal Sector Affinity Group, for proper protection of legal professional privilege and the integrity of the suspicious activity reports regime, and for firms not to end up paying two regulators for the same thing. Its summary of what is changing3 is kept up to date and is the best place to follow this. What it means for your firm today Nothing yet. The SRA remains your AML supervisor and the Money Laundering Regulations continue to apply unchanged. Firm-wide risk assessments, matter risk assessments, client due diligence and ongoing monitoring all carry on exactly as before, and SRA inspections and desk-based reviews continue in the meantime. Implementation depends on the Bill passing and on further legislation, and is not expected before 2028 at the earliest. What you can do Keep doing what you are doing, and keep doing it properly. Beyond that, two things are worth the time. First, make sure your systems can clearly distinguish work that falls within the Money Laundering Regulations from work that does not. The FCA is a data-driven regulator and will only be interested in inscope work. Second, if you have specific concerns about how this will affect your firm, send them to me. Specific, evidenced points carry weight with the Law Society’s Economic Crime Policy team in its engagement with the Treasury and the FCA.

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1 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/anti-money-launderingand-counter-terrorist-financing-supervision-reform-duties-powers-andaccountability-consultation 2 https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/4129 3 https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/anti-money-laundering/uk-anti-moneylaundering-supervisory-regime 4 https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/events/products/law-society-economic-crimeconference-2026

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What the SRA is asking of us, and what it will cost Three strands of SRA work have converged this summer. Between them they change what your firm pays, what it records, and how it holds client money. The fee The SRA has proposed increasing its overall funding requirement by 29%, or £25m, to £111.5m for 2026/27, taking the SRA element of the individual practising certificate fee from £190 to £240. Firm fees, calculated on turnover, also rise. Compensation fund contributions go to £120 for individuals and £3,600 for firms holding client money. Much of that is driven by the payouts of the compensation fund itself. The SRA has confirmed suspected fraud at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of £39.5m of client funds, with £9.31m paid out from the Compensation Fund to date. The Law Society’s response was direct: the proposed increase is largely to fund remedial action to fix problems of the SRA’s own making, and it falls hardest on smaller, high street and legal aid firms already operating on tight margins. Mark Evans said any increase should be not a penny more than necessary, and should deliver measurable improvement backed by independent assessment. Continuing competence The SRA consulted between 22 April and 15 July on strengthening its continuing competence approach. Three proposals stand out: a formal record of how you have identified and addressed your learning and development needs, backed by an annual declaration; a minimum of three hours of mandatory annual ethical discussions; and a power for the SRA to require targeted learning where it has competence concerns, including for non-authorised staff. The Law Society has warned the plans are unworkable and costly, and risk significant administrative burden. This is not a return to sixteen hours of CPD, but for many firms it will feel like it. My own reservation is simpler: recording is the easy part, and I am not convinced three mandated hours will change the behaviour of anyone unwilling to reflect in the first place. Client money In June the SRA confirmed reforms improving compliance with and visibility of the accountants’ reports regime, and requiring higher risk firms, those with turnover above £600,000 or holding more than £2m of client money, to separate compliance officer roles from those who make significant decisions about how the firm is run. Rule changes have gone to the Legal Services Board. A further consultation, open until 17 August*, would require firms to notify prescribed events including planned mergers and acquisitions and the point at which they start holding client money.

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Behind all of it sits a broader question the SRA has now put on the table: whether the current model of firms holding client money still provides the right protections for the long term. That is the one to watch, but they do seem keen to move to third party managed accounts. It would reshape how almost every firm in Northamptonshire runs its practice and something The Law Society is very much resisting. Have your say If you have a view on any of this, I would like to hear it. Council positions are stronger when they carry the experience of firms outside London, and the seat exists to carry your views into that room. You can reach me at steven@stevenmather.co.uk. Steven Mather Law Society Council member for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire *https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/consultation-listing/ identify-risks/?s=o

Summer training event Northamptonshire Law Society

On a very warm summer afternoon in June, we were treated to a cool training session given by Samuel Hackett on environmental risks associated with farms. The training session focussed on contamination risks on agricultural land. Sam talked us through what common contaminants on farms and land and other waste risk factors. He highlighted potential contaminants which may lurk long after the activity may have ceased. Sam delivered this talk with much

enthusiasm and after the talk there was a lively discussion about the topic. The session reminded me on how these get togethers are important. The event was free to attend by members and there was also lunch thrown in. A face to face training session provides a much richer experience than listening to a talk on a computer, you have an opportunity to discuss and socialise.

Having this relationship with Landmark as our patrons, provides the society the ability to put on these valuable sessions for our members. Watch this space for more upcoming events.

Youseff’s Work Experience at Shepherd & Co. Solicitors, Towcester 23/03/2026-27/03/2026 Shepherd & Co Solicitors were pleased to work with Wotton Park School in Northampton to provide Youseff Miah (pictured in black top third on right from front) 5 days’ work experience shadowing the Commercial Property Partner; Jabeer Miah and the Residential Property Apprentice Solicitor; Gemma Finney and also working alongside the Office Manager; Lorraine McLaughlin.

files and observed how legal documents are handled in cases such as conveyancing and wills and probate. The tremendous staff made the experience even more valuable, giving me real insight into the practical side of law and the attention to detail it requires. My work experience was fun and interesting,

and I feel it has helped me grow an interest in property law”. Providing work experience to the future of the profession is key for the Firm and we work closely with local schools and universities.

Youseff proved very confident, tenacious, motivated and willing to learn. Youseff had no hesitation in asking questions. Youseff hopes to qualify as a solicitor in due course, and it was a pleasure to have him at the offices where he learnt how a solicitors office operates and was welcomed to the life of a solicitor and learnt key administrative skills and office procedures and in particular data protection and client care. Youssef reflected on his experience as follows: “The work experience was a great place to learn and gain an insight into a career in law. During my work experience at Shepherd & Co. Solicitors, I organised

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Northamptonshire Law Society brings legal community together at Spring Social Event the local legal community,” highlighting the importance of professional wellbeing and taking time away from the desk to connect with others in the sector. Held during the warmer spring weather, the relaxed setting at The World’s End provided the perfect backdrop for informal discussions and networking among attendees from across the legal profession. The event was organised by Northamptonshire Law Society and supported by sponsors and patrons including Landmark Information Group, University of Northampton, Marsh, and IQ Legal Training.

Legal professionals from across Northamptonshire came together for an enjoyable evening of networking and socialising at the Northamptonshire Law Society Spring Social Event, held at The World’s End in Ecton.

He added that events like these are “a great reminder of the strength and support within

The event welcomed solicitors, trainees, legal executives, and professionals from a range of firms and organisations across the county, creating an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new professional relationships, and unwind away from the pressures of daily practice. Representatives attended from a number of well-known firms and organisations including Shepherd & Co Solicitors, Wilson Browne Solicitors, VSH Law, Vincent Sykes Solicitors, Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, HCR Law, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, and others. Jabeer Miah, Commercial Real Estate Solicitor & Partner at Shepherd & Co Solicitors, described the evening as “an excellent opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people within the profession, and enjoy some great conversations in a relaxed setting.”

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Northamptonshire Law Society continues to play an important role in supporting collaboration, networking, and professional engagement within the county’s legal sector through a range of social and professional events throughout the year.

Northamptonshire Law Society

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Professional services: Key considerations for implementing AI Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly embedded within professional services, with uses that range from automating routine tasks to conducting deeplevel data analysis. But embracing AI isn’t risk-free. A survey of underwriters conducted by the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) identifies Professional Indemnity (PI) as the insurance line most likely to experience AI-related losses,* driven by the potential for erroneous or hallucinated outputs. Against this backdrop, we’ve set out some key areas of risk that professional services firms may wish to keep in mind when developing and implementing AI tools. Governance and firm-wide policies As a starting point, all firms should have firm-wide policies in place which cover the responsible use of AI tools, bearing in mind that data inputs might differ depending on the nature and security parameters of the tool. The limitations of AI use should be explained to employees at all levels of the firm, including the potential for bias, generation of inaccurate information, as well as privacy concerns. Procedures, including escalation processes, should be established for the management of adverse incidents relating to the use of AI. Firms may also wish to prepare a guidance note to accompany any firmwide policy. Such guidance can include examples of how the policy applies in practice, and be periodically updated as the relevant technologies develop. Where a firm is considering developing AI tools in-house, it may wish to document how that development process took place. Key areas to cover might include a description of the tool, its anticipated function, as well as decisions made in relation to testing and evaluation, design oversight, and controls implemented regarding use of the tool. The document might also consider the likelihood of risk

events materialising and any potential impacts on the firm. Ultimately, practitioners need to remember that professional judgement remains crucial and should be exercised when conducting any independent evaluation of AI outputs. The quality of any services provided must not be undermined by undue reliance on technology. Confidentiality One of the major risks with unchecked AI usage is the potential for compromising confidential client data. Firms need to consider carefully how data is used when training AI models and framing prompts for AI tools, including how any data inputted could be subsequently disseminated, especially in the case of open-source AI tools. How such data is treated could also have an impact on material which would otherwise be subject to legal professional privilege. Similar considerations will apply when firms are contemplating purchasing AI tools. Firms should seek to understand exactly what data the tool can collect, where that data is stored, how long it is retained for, and whether customer or client data is used for training models. A vendor should also be able to provide specific details regarding encryption standards, model information, and the use of external data. If a vendor is unable to answer these questions in a clear manner, firms should think carefully before making a purchase. Considerations in this area frequently overlap with legal obligations concerning privacy, data protection, and intellectual property. It should be remembered that PI exposure is significantly heightened where there is an indication that confidentiality obligations might have been breached. Client knowledge of AI use Where a firm’s advice or work product

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contains inaccurate or hallucinated material as a result of AI use, and the client then relies on that advice, firms may risk being accused of negligence or misleading the client. From the outset, firms should consider informing prospective clients of any AI tools to be used while work is carried out on their file. Clients may also need to be made aware of the extent of any reliance placed on the tool’s output by the firm. This could take the form of a disclaimer, and may form part of the firm’s letter of engagement. Training Many professionals, and especially those in regulated sectors, are required to exercise due care in service delivery, as well as consistently maintaining good levels of professional knowledge and skill. With the rapid adoption of AI across the professional services sector, staying abreast of technological developments may now be considered necessary to ensure that clients continue to receive a competent professional service in 2026. Firms should therefore review their current training/CPD programmes and consider whether training on AI usage may need to be further embedded. This will ensure that employees remain capable of making informed decisions when using AI tools and that they are up to date on important technological developments, including having a working knowledge of an AI tool’s capabilities and limitations. Additional training on prompt usage and redflag outputs may also be useful. For more information, contact Nicola Anthony, Risk Manager, Lockton at: nicola.anthony@lockton.com This article is co-authored by Lockton in collaboration with Kingsley Napley LLP. *https://lmalloyds.com/lma-survey-mapsunderwriters-views-of-ai-loss-scenariosacross-key-lines/

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Remember A Charity Week returns with new campaign to help drive legacy giving members and partners. These assets are designed to help legacy and fundraising teams engage supporters, colleagues, volunteers and stakeholders in the campaign and extend its reach through their own channels. The resource pack features over 100 customisable assets, including a wide range of video assets for social, physical assets like posters and bookmarks, internal comms assets and campaign merchandise.

Remember A Charity Week will return this September with a national awareness campaign, new assets and resources for member charities and partners, and a coordinated activation across the charity and professional adviser sectors. An awareness week with a long legacy Taking place from 7–13 September 2026, the annual awareness week, will once again bring together charities, professional advisers and partners across the UK. The aim is to spark widespread conversations around charitable legacies and the vital role they play in funding charities’ work, encouraging more people to consider leaving a charitable gift in their Will. This year’s advertising campaign builds on

Remember A Charity’s popular ‘Be Remembered’ theme, which celebrates the unique and quirky things we remember about our loved ones, with the launch of three new adverts to reach and engage new audiences. The national multi-channel advertising campaign is designed to help normalise legacy conversation, with the new ads continuing to run on digital channels until December 2026. Remember A Charity Week forms a key part of the consortium’s ‘always on’ consumer workstream, keeping legacies front of mind across the year. Support for charities To help charities maximise the opportunity, Remember A Charity has developed an extensive suite of customisable campaign resources for

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An accompanying PR toolkit includes press release templates, key messages, and guidance for case study collation, showing how both internal and external spokespeople can use their voice to bring the legacy conversation to life. Crucially, Remember A Charity will also use the week as a platform to activate its professional adviser and partnership network, encouraging estate planners and financial professionals to raise awareness of charitable gifts in Wills with their clients. A growing sector Recent research from Remember A Charity’s consumer benchmarking study points to continued growth in legacy giving. Overall, 22% of charity supporters aged 40+ say they have included a charitable gift – up from 14% in 2010. A further 35% of supporters who have not yet done so are open to leaving a gift.

Lucinda Frostick, Director at Remember A Charity, said: “Remember A Charity Week provides a unique opportunity for charities and professional advisers to come together and inspire more people to consider the difference a gift in their Will can make. This year’s campaign brings fresh creative content, new resources for members and a fully coordinated approach to help keep legacy giving front of mind. “Legacy gifts are a vital source of income for charities of all sizes and causes. By working together during Remember A Charity Week, we can encourage more conversations, reach new audiences and help secure future funding for the causes people feel most passionately about.” Charities are being encouraged to take part in the awareness week through a range of activities, from supporter communications and digital engagement to internal awareness initiatives and collaborative partnership activity. For more information about Remember A Charity Week and opportunities to take part in this year’s campaign visit rememberacharity.org.uk/join.

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Legacy giving remains resilient, but the future depends on decisions made today Northamptonshire Law Society

For the legal profession, however, the findings also highlight a broader trend. Giving through wills is becoming an increasingly established part of estate planning, reflecting clients’ values alongside their financial and family priorities.

Ashley Rowthorn

Solicitors have long played a central role in helping people put their final wishes into effect. Whether advising on estate planning, drafting wills or administering estates, legal professionals are often involved in some of life’s most significant decisions. Increasingly, that includes conversations about charitable giving. The latest Legacy Giving Report 2026, published by Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford, demonstrates just how important gifts in wills have become, not only for charities but also as part of the wider estate planning landscape. The report estimates that legacy income reached £4.4 billion in 2025. While this represents a modest reduction from the exceptional £4.6 billion recorded in 2024, the market has proved far more resilient than many anticipated. Following the clearance of the probate backlog by HM Courts and Tribunals Service last year, many expected a more significant slowdown in estate administration and, in turn, legacy income. Instead, estates containing a charitable gift remained close to record levels and average gift values continued to hold firm. A resilient market For charities, this resilience matters enormously. Among the UK’s 1,000 largest legacy supported charities, gifts in wills now account for around 30% of all fundraised income, with some sectors relying on them even more heavily. Legacy giving remains one of the most dependable sources of charitable funding at a time when many organisations face continuing economic uncertainty and changing patterns of public giving.

The report found that there were approximately 44,000 estates containing a charitable gift in 2025, making it the second highest year on record. Around 104,000 charitable bequests were made, while average gift values reached £44,000. Residual gifts averaged £98,000 and pecuniary gifts averaged £6,100. These figures demonstrate the continuing willingness of individuals to include charities in their wills, even during periods of wider economic uncertainty. They also underline the need for clients to have access to informed, balanced advice when making decisions about their estates. The solicitor’s role Solicitors are uniquely placed to facilitate those conversations. Research consistently shows that many people are unaware that they can leave a gift to charity alongside providing for family and friends. Others may not understand the inheritance tax implications of such giving, or the flexibility that exists when drafting a will. Importantly, the solicitor’s role is not to encourage charitable giving, but to ensure that those seeking advice are fully informed about the options available to them and that their wishes are accurately reflected. Where a client has charitable intentions, professional advice can help ensure those wishes are expressed clearly, reducing the risk of ambiguity or disputes during estate administration. The report also identifies several developments that will shape the future of the market. Planned inheritance tax changes and pension reforms are expected to increase the complexity of many estates and may temporarily affect the timing of legacy income reaching charities. At the same time, demographic change is creating significant opportunities. As the Baby Boomer generation transfers unprecedented levels of wealth over the coming decades, legacy income is forecast to grow to £5 billion by 2029 and potentially reach £10 billion annually by 2046.

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Looking to the future Legacy gifts received today are the result of decisions made many years, and often decades, earlier. Overall participation in charitable giving is declining, particularly among younger generations. If fewer people engage with charities during their lifetime, fewer may choose to remember them in their wills in future. This year’s report therefore asks an important question - who are tomorrow’s legators? Understanding the motivations, behaviours and demographics of people who choose to leave gifts in wills is becoming increasingly significant. The research suggests that will writing is happening earlier in life than in previous generations, creating opportunities for charities to build longer lasting relationships with supporters. It also means that advisers involved in estate planning may find themselves discussing charitable giving with clients at different stages of life than in the past. For legal professionals, this changing landscape reinforces the importance of robust will writing and estate planning advice. As peoples’ financial affairs become more complex and family structures more varied, carefully drafted wills are essential to ensuring that personal wishes, including charitable intentions where appropriate, are fulfilled. Acting today for tomorrow The report’s central message is ultimately one of cautious optimism. Today’s market remains strong, with estates containing gifts to charity, gift values and overall income performing better than expected. However, resilience alone is not enough to secure future growth. Legacy giving is, by its nature, a long-term endeavour. The gifts charities receive tomorrow depend on the conversations taking place today, and the legal profession has a vital role in helping clients make informed decisions about the legacy they wish to leave. For solicitors advising on wills and succession planning, these conversations are among the most meaningful and lasting they will facilitate. Ashley Rowthorn Executive Director, Legacy Futures

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The 2026 Expert Witness Institute Online Conference 19th June 2026 Sponsored by Bond Solon and Expert Genie Pro

Phillip Taylor MBE

Simon Berney-Edwards

Sir Geoffrey Vos KG

UNMISSABLE INSIGHTS FROM THE EXPERTS AS WE ENTER THE ERA OF AI A review by Phillip Taylor MBE, Richmond Green Chambers Each summer, the Expert Witness Institute (EWI) offers its members and inquisitive visitors what is now their well-established online Conference. It brings together expert witnesses, solicitors, barristers and eminent judges who discuss the key issues facing the expert community. It is always an event not to miss, and this year was no exception as we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Chief Executive, Simon BerneyEdwards opened this year’s Conference remarking on the importance of artificial intelligence to experts. As usual for the regular attenders, the conference this year aimed at a range of issues to cover all levels of expertise, from new experts looking to develop their understanding of key issues, to experienced experts who are looking to develop their practice. The event remains highly instructive for those colleagues who work with or instruct experts. The Opening Keynote Speech: Vos The main guest speaker, Sir Geoffrey Vos KG, who has been Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice for England and Wales since 11 January 2021 addressed the conference as the first of two keynote speakers. “The use of generative AI is a very hot topic” said Vos with his rather teasing ice breaker to the experts

– “what piece of career advice will stick with you throughout your career?” The sensible answer should be “(don’t) be too helpful!” Vos submitted that there should be consultation on AI with a rule on what use of AI has made already plus an identification of what AI tools currently use, and distinctions drawn between different types of proceedings. “Costs and delays are reduced” he said, “but experts must follow the rules” even though they will change. There was an interesting review of GPT in his detailed speech. The uses made by unrepresented parties were referred to although the generally accepted view is that such use is “not universally a bad thing” because the legal landscape continues to change. Vos expressed the hope that “clients expect lawyers to use AI” because it is cheaper and quicker for them “so let’s dust off the crystal ball” to understand the uses of AI for the future! Next came the first panel discussion was chaired by Richard Edwards with panellists, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith, Fancourt J, and Samuel Townend KC. After a coffee break, another panel discussion on maintaining credibility and impact was chaired by Josef Cannon KC, with panellists Ram Kumar, Lynne Hannon, Adrian Parsons and Alexander

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Learmonth KC. The panel discussions are always very helpful for the exchange of views and the continue to work well online (if we know how to use the system to exchange views!) After lunch, there was a practical session on managing undue pressure and maintaining expert independence, chaired by Peter Mulhern. This session was of particular importance to many attendees. It gives an opportunity to equip experts with ethical frameworks for their work. For many new to the conference the session offered tips on communication techniques and the practical steps needed to manage and document what can sometimes be inappropriate attempts by those instructing experts “to influence their independent, professional opinion” (a problem sometimes more common that experts would like to admit!) In the afternoon there was a most useful legal and policy update led by Sean Mosby, the EWI Policy Manager. This session is often a highlight for attendees as it brings together recent developments and is often in the morning when we might be a bit fresher. We then had an excellent penultimate session from Beth Rigby (not the tv personality) on the communication (Continues on page 20)

The 2026 Expert Witness Institute Online Conference continued...

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of complex evidence. It goes without saying that this year’s conference had a mix of interesting sessions which would appeal to a very wide range of experts, and it included areas new to many as always. Responsible AI adoption, stronger professional standards, and more effective ways of working under increasing pressure remain the direction of the Bar Standard Board’s new Business Plan for the future. So, for many lawyers attending those priorities are already becoming operational realities. We are expected to manage growing complexity, respond faster, and maintain confidence in the quality and defensibility of their work, while adapting to new technologies and evolving expectations. And that is where we receive so much assistance from experts, so a big “thank you” from us. And, as expert witnesses come under continual scrutiny in the courts, this year’s conference provided essential

insight and practical advice to help further develop our knowledge and skills, get instructed, and win repeat business. We heard from senior members of the judiciary, solicitors, and experienced experts as we reflect on important legal updates and ethical issues when considering what instructing parties are looking for. There was great participation in a range of practical interactive sessions and discussions which will enable us to reflect on our work. Closing Keynote Speech: Linnell The EWI were very fortunate to hear from Dr Kay Linnell OBE as the closing speaker wrapping things up at the end of a long online Conference. Kay practices as a forensic accountant and she was the closing speaker. She is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Arbitrator amongst many qualifications with an international Forensic Accounting practice. She has given evidence to arbitrations and Courts worldwide in civil, commercial and criminal cases. Kay

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Kay Linnell OBE

has acted as advisory accountant to the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance since 2012, so we received a great deal of sage and contemporary advice. From the flavour of this year’s Conference, it will be very interesting to see what emerges in the next twelve months as AI takes a much firmer hold on much of our work as experts and lawyers. The 2027 Conference will be one not to be missed.

The Right Expert—Without the Time-Consuming Search In personal injury and clinical negligence litigation, finding the right medical expert can be critical. It can also consume valuable time—particularly when a case requires expertise in a highly specialised or unusual area of medicine. Solicitors managing complex claims need more than an available expert. They need a specialist whose clinical background, current experience and medico-legal understanding are suited to the precise circumstances of the case. Identifying that person can involve extensive research, repeated enquiries and lengthy conversations with experts whose experience may not ultimately match the issues in dispute. IMLER helps remove that burden by undertaking the search and finding the most appropriately qualified expert—even when the expertise required is particularly niche. The right expertise for the right case Medical cases rarely fit neatly into a single category. An apparently straightforward injury may involve orthopaedic symptoms alongside psychological consequences, neurological complications or questions about an individual’s ability to return to work.

is precisely what gives good expert evidence its value. A clearly reasoned report can help solicitors recognise both the strengths and limitations of a case, make informed decisions and advise clients with greater confidence. Expertise built to withstand scrutiny IMLER—Independent Medico-Legal Expert Reports Ltd—provides access to experienced consultant specialists and medical expert witnesses across a wide range of disciplines. From finding the most niche expert to coordinating delivery of the final report, our focus is on saving solicitors time while maintaining the independence, relevance and quality that expert evidence demands. Because when a case comes under scrutiny, having an expert is not enough. It must be the right expert.

Selecting an expert therefore requires more than matching a case with a broad medical specialty. The expert must possess the appropriate subspecialist knowledge and clinical experience, understand the medico-legal environment and be able to address the particular questions on which the court and the parties require assistance. Where several disciplines are involved, properly coordinated expert evidence can provide a coherent picture of causation, condition and prognosis, rather than a collection of disconnected opinions. Saving solicitors valuable time Searching for a highly specialised expert should not distract the legal team from progressing the case and supporting the client. IMLER takes the time to understand the individual requirements of each instruction before identifying suitable experts from across the UK. Whether the case calls for a familiar discipline or an unusually specific area of expertise, our role is to undertake the search, make the relevant enquiries and connect the solicitor with the right specialist. We also help coordinate the practical stages of the instruction, including appointments, medical records and report delivery. This gives solicitors a clear point of contact and reduces the administrative demands placed on their teams. Independence is fundamental The role of a medical expert is not to advance the case of the instructing party. Under CPR Part 35, the expert’s overriding duty is to help the court on matters within their expertise. Their opinion must therefore be independent, evidence-based and capable of being properly explained and defended. This independence

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Former Law Society President highlights need to support solicitors to thrive in the profession The episode also explores redundancy and the impact of unexpected firm closures, with both Dr Boyce and Nick Gallagher reflecting on their own experiences of being made redundant. Now Chair of The Solicitors’ Charity, Dr Boyce shares her ambition for the organisation to become the “go-to” charity for everyone in the profession.

Former Law Society President Dr I. Stephanie Boyce CBE has called for greater attention to the pressures affecting solicitors from different backgrounds, after figures discussed in the latest episode of The Legal Pause showed a disproportionate number of Black solicitors seeking support from The Solicitors’ Charity. While around 3% of solicitors are Black across the profession, Black solicitors represented 15% of new people approaching The Solicitors’ Charity for support in 2025. In the episode, Dr Boyce describes the figures as concerning and says they should encourage further discussion about the barriers affecting who enters, progresses and thrives within the profession.

Hosted by Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, the episode explores Dr Boyce’s journey into law, the barriers she faced, the persistence that shaped her career and the leadership lessons she learned along the way. Dr Boyce made history as the first person of colour to serve as President of the Law Society of England and Wales. She held the role for 19 months during an exceptional period shaped by the pandemic, Brexit and wider international unrest. During the episode, she reflects on the importance of listening, adaptability and humility in leadership, as well as the determination required to reach the presidency after three previous rejections.

The Solicitors’ Charity provides confidential, non-judgemental support across emotional, physical, professional and financial wellbeing. The episode explores how redundancy, financial pressure, career uncertainty, discrimination and mental or physical ill health can affect solicitors at different stages of legal life. Nick Gallagher said: “Stephanie’s experience brings together two important conversations for the profession. We need to continue removing barriers to access and progression, while also making sure that people already working in law have the support they need to stay and thrive. “The figures discussed in this episode deserve greater attention. They raise important questions about who is seeking support and what more we can do, collectively, to ensure that help is visible, accessible and available when it is needed.”

She said: “We as a profession have to ask ourselves what is going on, and what we should be doing.”

The discussion also considers why improving access to law is only part of the challenge. Dr Boyce argues that the profession must also focus on helping people remain, progress and thrive once they are in it.

The episode concludes with a direct message to solicitors who may be reluctant to seek help. Dr Boyce emphasises that support from The Solicitors’ Charity is impartial, confidential and non-judgemental, and that starting a conversation can be an important first step in resolving a problem.

The comments feature in Episode 8 of The Legal Pause, titled “Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors and Supporting Wellbeing in Law.”

She said: “Having done so much work getting people in, it is not enough just to stop there. We need to help people be sustained in our profession and thrive in our profession.”

The Legal Pause – Episode 8 is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listen here: https://thesolicitorscharity. org/the-legal-pause/

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AI and the East Anglian Property Market Silicon Fen Moves Home: How AI is Redefining the East Anglian Property Market Frictionless Finance: The 24-Hour Mortgage The most significant pain point in the UK property journey has always been the ‘dead time’ between offer and exchange. In East Anglia, where the legal complexities of historic titles or coastal erosion risks can slow down conveyancing, AI is proving to be a critical accelerant.

For decades, the East Anglian property market has been defined by its contradictions - the hyper-modern tech biosphere of Cambridge sitting just miles from the medieval timber-frames of Lavenham and the untamed coastline of North Norfolk. Buying a home here has traditionally been a game of local knowledge, whispered leads, and a fair amount of patience. However, as we move through 2026, a new force is quietly harmonising these extremes. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept and will inevitably become the primary tool for how we find, value, and secure homes across the East of England. Beyond the Search Bar: The Death of the “Filter” For years, house hunting was a digital chore of ticking boxes: ‘three bedrooms’, ‘detached’, ‘garden’. This binary approach often failed the nuanced beauty of our region. You couldn’t search for ‘a cottage with the character of a Broadland retreat but the connectivity for a London commute’. Now, AI is shifting the paradigm from searching to discovering. New

platforms and enhanced tools on Rightmove allow buyers to use natural language. AI understands that a buyer in Norwich might value ‘walkability to the Lanes” over a specific square footage. By using visual recognition to ‘see’ inside photos, AI can identify unlisted features like original flint walls or south-facing solar potential that traditional metadata misses. The Valuation Revolution: Precision over Guesswork In a market as fragmented as East Anglia’s, where a townhouse in Bury St Edmunds can command a vastly different premium than one in Lowestoft, valuation has always been an art. AI is turning it into a high-precision science. By layering “hyper-local” data, everything from micro-fluctuations in local school ratings to real-time footfall data near new developments, AI-driven Automated Valuation Models are providing a level of transparency previously unavailable to the average buyer. For the investor, AI tools are being used to predict rental yields, removing the ‘gut feeling’ and replacing it with robust ROI forecasting.

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We are also seeing the rise of the ‘SelfDriving Mortgage’. AI-powered lenders can now verify income, conduct credit stress tests and cross-reference property data in seconds rather than weeks. When combined with AI-assisted conveyancing, which in the future may be able to flag planning discrepancies or boundary issues instantly, the dream of a “one-month completion” is moving from a dream to reality. The Bottom Line East Anglia has always been a region of pioneers. Just as the physical landscape was once transformed by Dutch drainage engineers, its property market is now being reshaped by data scientists. For the modern buyer, the message is clear: the tools have changed. To secure a home in this competitive corner of the UK, embracing the Silicon Horizon isn’t just an advantage it’s a necessity. Tim O’Brien, Managing Director, TIDE Services Ltd

F Northamptonshire Law Society

As Context

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What Makes FHM Forensic Different in Business Valuation Services? Northamptonshire Law Society

Technical expertise backed up with decades of real-life experience Fiona is a qualified accountant and tax adviser, as well as an accredited business valuer (BVI UK) and expert witness. In a career spanning over three decades, Fiona has gained considerable experience advising clients in many sectors - from small companies to international groups. The FHM team: (Back row) Kirsty Shuckford, Nick McCarthy, Tom Arnold, (Front row): Fiona Hotston Moore and Graham Hines

The team at FHM Forensic Accounting valued approximately 70 private companies in 2025. Typically, we are engaged to value businesses to assist in the resolution of financial disputes. Many of our formal valuation reports are prepared for court proceedings such as for divorces, shareholder and employee disputes and loss claims. Fiona regularly gives evidence in court, international arbitration and mediation.

aim to provide quotes within two working days of receiving an enquiry. We provide regular progress and cost updates to clients.

However, we are also engaged to value businesses for commercial purposes such as planning for a business sale or exit, employee share schemes and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), family succession planning and tax reporting/planning.

Logical, understandable and clear reports We provide valuation reports that are clear, logical and comprehensible. We conduct full financial analysis and in the report we will explain our key assumptions, the source of information and any limitations to our opinion.

Let’s look at some specific areas where FHM Forensic stands out from other firms.

Recent feedback has included: • “Really pleased with your report. I think even a judge will understand it” • “Thank you ever so much for your help on my case. Your work was absolutely brilliant, and you were a pleasure to deal with. I really felt that you had my corner and that your professionalism came through in your report. I think that your report will no doubt have been the start of turning the defendants’ heads into reality and really made a difference for my case.”

Independence At FHM we are independent. We only provide business valuation and wider forensic accounting services. FHM does not provide accounting, tax compliance or wider advisory services. We are one of the largest dedicated and independent teams of forensic accountants in East Anglia with five senior team members and the capacity to work on both small and large assignments. We are regularly instructed directly by business owners who seek an independent view on the value of their business. Personal service Our experts, Fiona Hotston Moore and Tom Arnold have built a reputation for providing a personal, tailored and responsive service for every project on which they are instructed. We

The turnaround time for a valuation report depends on the nature of the instruction and timely provision of information. In most cases where information is readily available and queries are resolved quickly, we can report in three weeks.

Cost-proportionate The senior team have considerable experience in undertaking forensic accounting and business valuations within large advisory firms. Fiona has been a senior partner in regional, national and international accountancy firms. However, at FHM Forensic Accounting we work remotely with modest overheads and can provide clients with personal service from the experienced senior team without the overheads and inefficiencies of a large firm.

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Tom is also a qualified accountant with considerable experience advising clients and has worked in industry and in professional practice. In addition to our experts Tom and Fiona, the dedicated team includes two further qualified and experienced forensic accountants, Kirsty Shuckford and Nick McCarthy. In addition to valuing private companies, we have the experience to value partnerships, sole traders and LLPs. The senior team are well-connected in the wider industry and can call on other specialists and further resource as required such as for complex tax, corporate finance and international matters. Additional support offered to our legal contacts We are delighted to run webinars for our legal contacts which provide insight into business valuation, interpretation of business accounts and tax. We also provide tax cards and budget updates. On our website you will find useful articles, our CVs and brochures. The FHM Minute We have recently launched the “FHM Minute” on our website. Accessed from the button on the home page, it is a regular “one-minute read” feature answering the typical questions we receive from lawyers. Over time this will become a useful library of knowledge for family and litigation lawyers on business valuation and related topics. Contact Fiona Hotston Moore for case enquiries: fiona@fhmforensic.co.uk +44 (0)7770 642491 www.fhmforensic.co.uk

And Finally...

I am no stranger to the legal work, having worked as a Paralegal in a local firm. Alongside my role, I completed a Legal Secretaries Diploma and began studying for my CILEX Level 3 qualification.

I am very pleased to join the Society as your new Manager. It has already been an exciting few weeks, getting stuck

I remaining living locally with my husband, and we are proud parents to our two beautiful daughters, Elsie and Millie, who certainly keep us busy!

Throughout my career, I have built extensive experience in administration and membership management, developing strong organisational skills and a passion for supporting both colleagues and members. Outside of work, I enjoy getting lost in a good book—particularly romance, fantasy, biographies and autobiographies. I also love to swim and go to the gym, which I find are great ways for me to relax and recharge. I look forward to meeting members at our upcoming events. Rebecca Thumwood Society Manager

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into arranging society events. I have lived and worked locally in and around Northamptonshire apart from a period living out of the county, helping my dad run his hotel in Kent, which gave me a completely different and rewarding experience.