Private Client


SRA to quiz probate lawyers who “failed to reflect” on training

3 January 2025

The SRA is to question probate solicitors who “simply listed” in their training records what they had done, rather than providing “evidence of reflection”.


Young solicitor who misled clients over LPAs is struck off

18 December 2024

A young lawyer who changed dates on lasting powers of attorney and misled clients about when they were sent to the Office of the Public Guardian has been struck off.


From convenience to confidence: safeguarding clients in the age of online divorce

17 December 2024

Supporting clients who have opted to use an online divorce provider can be challenging for family lawyers, but they can offer valuable assistance to protect their clients’ interests. Educating clients about the limitations and risks of online divorce services is essential, especially to avoid pitfalls like those in Vince v Wyatt [2015] UKSC 14.


Wills and probate market expands despite number of firms falling

17 December 2024

Big increases in grants of representation and powers of attorney applications have increased the growth rate of the wills and probate market to 7% but 500 firms left it too.


Lawyer executors “could do more” about risk of conflicts in probate

16 December 2024

Law firms handling probate work could do more to guard against the risks of a conflict when administering estates and also acting as the executor, the SRA has cautioned.


Law firm hits back over “inaccurate” BBC accusations of LPA misuse

11 December 2024

An Essex law firm at the centre of a BBC investigation into possible abuse of LPAs has described it as “inaccurate” and “based on second or third-hand hearsay”.


Solicitor to pay costs after being summonsed over will drafting

6 December 2024

A solicitor has been ordered to pay costs of £5,700 after she had to be summonsed to be cross-examined over a contested will that she drafted.


Film client meeting when capacity could be issue, judge tells solicitors

19 November 2024

Solicitors dealing with clients where their mental capacity could be in question should record their meetings electronically, a judge has suggested in upholding the deathbed revocation of a will.


Modernising the will-making process: Embracing technology and accessibility

7 November 2024

By Debra Burton, partner in the inheritance disputes team at Lime Solicitors The will-making process has seen a significant transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for accessible, user-friendly services. The Covid-19 pandemic was a… Read More


Law firm rebuked for not distributing estate after merger

24 October 2024

A Surrey law firm that failed to deal with an estate it took on after merging with another practice has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

← Older posts Page 2 of 13 Newer posts →

Blog


AI in personal injury – the future

The traditional lawyer in me – and one who increasingly finds technology more confusing with each passing day – is resistant but it doesn’t take a lot to surmise that AI will likely become a very important tool.


Ten top tips for turning transparency into positivity and new clients

New SRA guidance on transparency issued last autumn – thinly disguised as continued support for COLPs, firms and individuals – was without doubt also borne out of regulatory frustration.


The enduring value of ‘old skool’ tech in the age of AI

As we adopt AI, it’s crucial not to overlook the enduring value of established technologies that deliver proven benefits within an understood cost and effort window.


Loading animation
loading