Solicitors Journal - Latest Legal News for Lawyers

Legal news, appointments, opinion, and law practice management

SRA addresses issues in law firms' high-volume claims

The SRA's review reveals significant failures by law firms in their duty to clients in high-volume claims

Increase in lasting power of attorney fees

The Ministry of Justice is set to raise the application fee for lasting power of attorney to £92 starting from 17 November 2025 for better service delivery by the Office of the Public Guardian

Online Safety Act: balancing protection and free speech

The Online Safety Act imposes strict duties on providers to protect users, sparking debate over free speech and regulation

Court of Appeal clarifies GDPR compensation thresholds in Farley v Equiniti

Court of Appeal establishes new precedent on data breach compensation claims.

Crest Nicholson v Secretary of State: Water neutrality upheld in planning decision

High Court affirms water neutrality condition for housing development near ecologically sensitive sites.

O Argence-Lafon v Ark Syndicate Management: EAT whistleblowing judgement analysis

Employment Appeal Tribunal clarifies protected disclosure requirements in insurance sector whistleblowing case

SJ Interview: James Palmer CBE

James Palmer CBE, Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most influential corporate lawyers and policy voices. Awarded a CBE in 2025 for his services to business and law, he has combined a high-profile career in M&A with decades of work on legal reform. In this interview, he discusses the challenges of legislative inflation and corporate advice, access to justice, and the future role of technology.

The SQE is failing its own test

Five years on, the SQE is underperforming, and targeted reforms could close persistent gaps.

Shakespeare Martineau expands corporate team in London

Shakespeare Martineau has appointed Daniel Okusaga as partner to enhance its corporate practice in London

August Equity invests in Higgs LLP

August Equity has made its fourth investment from Fund VI into the Midlands law firm Higgs LLP, partnering with its management team to facilitate growth