Solicitors Journal Insights | Latest Legal News, Updates & Professional News

UK shareholder activism surges

Activist investors are increasingly targeting CEOs and securing board seats, reshaping corporate governance across the UK

Lawyers impatient for firms to invest in technology and innovation

Clients need their firms to be fast, cost-effective and agile. However, nearly 1 in 2 lawyers said their firm is slow or very slow at implementing new technology

How political transitions could impact anti-corruption enforcement and compliance

Ian Hargreaves and James Phillippsohn explain how shifting political landscapes in 2025 could pose new challenges for global corporate compliance

Court of Appeal dismisses Jason John Ellis's appeal against conviction

Court of Appeal upholds conviction of Jason John Ellis for sexual offences, dismissing his appeal

Court upholds sentence in grievous bodily harm case

Court of Appeal upheld a 21-month sentence for grievous bodily harm, rejecting the appeal for suspension

Gareth Lambert's appeal against sentence for sexual offences

Court of Appeal reduces Gareth Lambert's sentence for rape and sexual assault

SJ Interview: Karl Jansen

Karl Jansen speaks to the Solicitors Journal about his role as Managing Partner of Freeths

The new ethical turn

In the March 2025 foreword, Stephen Mayson examines the growing ethical scrutiny on lawyers and the urgent need for accountability

Lupton Fawcett strengthens team with new hires

Leading Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett continues to strengthen its offering as it heads into 2025 with three new hires

Druces advises on major transaction

Druces LLP has successfully advised The Pickstock Group on the sale of its subsidiary, Concierge 12 Ltd, to Veld Capital in partnership with Avignon Capital

More of the Latest Legal News and Court Reports

Property ownership dispute resolved in favour of appellant

19 Feb 2025

Buckinghamshire Council vs FCC Buckinghamshire Limited

19 Feb 2025

Court rejects 'shareholder rule' in dispute with glencore

19 Feb 2025

Court of Appeal dismisses appeals in aggravated burglary and wounding case

19 Feb 2025

Court Report

High Court dismisses negligence claim in Larkfleet vs Armstrong Energy

High Court dismisses Larkfleet's negligence claim against Armstrong Energy, examining duty of care and reliance

Court of Appeal upholds DBS decision in safeguarding case

The Court of Appeal upheld the DBS decision to keep an individual on the Children's Barred List, citing safeguarding concerns

Extradition challenges based on Belgian prison conditions

High Court reviews extradition appeals concerning prison conditions in Belgium

Court of Appeal rules on age assessment in immigration case

Court of Appeal addresses adequacy of reasons in age assessment for asylum seeker

In this article, Jill Lorimer, Head of the Financial Services Regulatory team at Kingsley Napley, shares her thoughts on the recent House of Lords Committee report that criticises the name and shame policy proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority

Bringing the profession into disrepute

Solicitors are often punished for ‘bringing the profession into disrepute’ as a result of an occurrence in their private lives. In this article, Bernard George argues that this is wrong in principle, in practice and in law

To disclose or not to disclose…is that the question?

Eddie Flanagan and Caroline Mattin, from Shakespeare Martineau, provide their thoughts on a recent combined ruling that will have significant implications for the regulation of consumer finance

The rollout of the reporting provisions in the family courts

Rachel Fisher, a Partner at Stowe Family Law, shares her thoughts on what is being deemed a crucial moment in family law and the valid apprehensions being raised

Feature

The impact of the biodiversity net gain requirements on developers

Bill Bidder and Mithun Rabheru, from IBB Law LLP, explain the biodiversity net gain requirements that must be followed when undertaking a development

Impact of political transitions on anti-corruption efforts and compliance

Ian Hargreaves and James Phillippsohn provide a critical analysis of the key political transitions that may affect anti-corruption policy in 2025

Ensuring that the law protects the rights of grandchildren and grandparents

Vanessa Lloyd Platt presents her views on why the law needs to change in regard to the rights of grandparents and grandchildren to have a meaningful relationship

Another posthumous conception judgment

Natalie Sutherland, a Partner at Burgess Mee, provides a detailed breakdown of the latest ruling concerning posthumous conception and the impact of recent changes instigated by case law on this delicate area of law

Practice Notes

Copyright in the age of artificial intelligence

Andrew Roberts examines the UK Government’s proposals for enforcement of copyright and their practical implications from a legal perspective

Evolving pre-action protocols: a new era in civil litigation

The Civil Justice Council’s Phase Two Report marks a pivotal moment in refining pre-action protocols and shaping dispute resolution practices

How English Courts can secure jurisdiction over foreign parties

Richard Coopey looks at how English courts assert jurisdiction in complex disputes with foreign parties, including Russian sanctions cases

When safety falls short: trampoline park liability in focus and the need for compliance

A landmark ruling highlights the risks of foam pits and the limitations of compliance with industry standards

International

Rethinking Gibraltar's trust law and abolishing perpetuities

As jurisdictions like Cayman abolish perpetuity rules, Gibraltar's retention of the rule may hinder its competitiveness in global trust law, say Elliott Phillips and Paul Grant

Global enforcement shifts in 2025

Bribery and corruption enforcement will see significant changes as political shifts and technological advancements reshape compliance strategies worldwide

India: cross-border insolvency and debt recovery challenges

As India's economy grows, foreign creditors face unique challenges enforcing rights. Rohan Marathe and Zahir Tapia examine Byju’s-GLAS Trust dispute and India’s legal mechanisms

The Middle East and North Africa's rising prominence in global arbitration

Karim Youssef explains how cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo are redefining arbitration, challenging traditional global centers like London and Paris

Business

How law firms can best protect themselves from SRA money laundering fines

Harriet Holmes looks at the SRA fines and how can firms best protect themselves?

The changing dynamics of leadership in law firms: a shift from tradition to collaboration

Law firms must invest in leadership development and knowledge-sharing cultures to retain top talent and adapt to a changing landscape, say Michelle Howard and Hélène Russell

Bridging the sustainability gap in law firms

Recent studies highlight how firms face challenges in turning sustainability goals into action

Navigating the litigation landscape in 2025

From ESG-related cases to the rise in fraud litigation, Emily Joss explores the trends set to dominate the courts

SJ Interview

SJ Interview: Arif Kamal

In this interview, Arif Kamal's talks to the Solicitors Journal about his journey at Hunters Law

Reflections on Judging

On 30 September 2024 Sir Jonathan Cohen KC retired from being a full-time High Court Judge of the Family Division

SJ Interview: Caroline Park

The SJ speaks to Caroline Park, family lawyer for the eye-wateringly wealthy and partner at Hughes Fowler Carruthers

SJ Interview: Simon Hammond

Following the launch of the new Clinical Negligence Claims Agreement for 2024 by NHS Resolution, Solicitors Journal spoke to the Director of Claims Management at NHS Resolution, Simon Hammond

Appointments

Slater Heelis appoints immigration lead

Slater Heelis has appointed Joanna Safadi as Associate Partner to lead its immigration services within the employment team

Cullimore Dutton welcomes new starters

Cullimore Dutton expands team with eight new hires as part of its strategic growth plan

Freeths expands family team Leicester

Freeths hires Stephanie Kyriacou to launch Leicester family law offering and strengthen Midlands presence

Brodies LLP elects new chair

UK top 50 and leading Scottish law firm Brodies LLP today announces the election of a new chair, with partner Iain Rutherford to take on the role from 1 May 2025

Announcements

Epiq launches AI tool for HSR compliance

Epiq has unveiled a new AI-powered tool to help businesses navigate the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act’s stricter merger and acquisition (M&A) disclosure requirements, which came into force last week

Freeths appointed to Cottsway’s legal panel

Leading law firm Freeths has been appointed as a new supplier to Cottsway Housing Association’s legal panel for the next five years

Travers Smith advises on acquisition

Travers Smith has advised Steve Madden (Nasdaq: SHOO), a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear, accessories and apparel, on a definitive agreement to acquire UK-based Kurt Geiger from a group led by Cinven for an enterprise value of approximately £289m in cash

Law Society expands Rising Star Award

The Law Society of Scotland has introduced a new trainee category in its annual In-house Rising Star Award, recognising early-career solicitors at different career stages

Events

Exploring perspectives on sentencing issues

Experts examined sentencing inflation, victim impact, and effectiveness in a seminar hosted by three organisations

Bermans staff raise for charity

Bermans staff raise over £4,000 for Paul’s Place, supporting suicide bereavement counselling services in Merseyside

Judith Higson recognised at awards

Judith Higson, Head of Family Law at Scullion LAW, was a runner-up for Employer of Women

Criminal team award

Scullion LAW’s criminal law team celebrates major achievements at Legal 500 Awards 2024

UK shareholder activism surges

Activist investors are increasingly targeting CEOs and securing board seats, reshaping corporate governance across the UK

Lawyers impatient for firms to invest in technology and innovation

Clients need their firms to be fast, cost-effective and agile. However, nearly 1 in 2 lawyers said their firm is slow or very slow at implementing new technology

How political transitions could impact anti-corruption enforcement and compliance

Ian Hargreaves and James Phillippsohn explain how shifting political landscapes in 2025 could pose new challenges for global corporate compliance

Court of Appeal dismisses Jason John Ellis's appeal against conviction

Court of Appeal upholds conviction of Jason John Ellis for sexual offences, dismissing his appeal

Court upholds sentence in grievous bodily harm case

Court of Appeal upheld a 21-month sentence for grievous bodily harm, rejecting the appeal for suspension

Gareth Lambert's appeal against sentence for sexual offences

Court of Appeal reduces Gareth Lambert's sentence for rape and sexual assault

SJ Interview: Karl Jansen

Karl Jansen speaks to the Solicitors Journal about his role as Managing Partner of Freeths

The new ethical turn

In the March 2025 foreword, Stephen Mayson examines the growing ethical scrutiny on lawyers and the urgent need for accountability

Lupton Fawcett strengthens team with new hires

Leading Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett continues to strengthen its offering as it heads into 2025 with three new hires

Druces advises on major transaction

Druces LLP has successfully advised The Pickstock Group on the sale of its subsidiary, Concierge 12 Ltd, to Veld Capital in partnership with Avignon Capital

More of the Latest Legal News and Court Reports

Property ownership dispute resolved in favour of appellant

19 Feb 2025

Buckinghamshire Council vs FCC Buckinghamshire Limited

19 Feb 2025

Court rejects 'shareholder rule' in dispute with glencore

19 Feb 2025

Court of Appeal dismisses appeals in aggravated burglary and wounding case

19 Feb 2025

Court Report

High Court dismisses negligence claim in Larkfleet vs Armstrong Energy

High Court dismisses Larkfleet's negligence claim against Armstrong Energy, examining duty of care and reliance

Court of Appeal upholds DBS decision in safeguarding case

The Court of Appeal upheld the DBS decision to keep an individual on the Children's Barred List, citing safeguarding concerns

Extradition challenges based on Belgian prison conditions

High Court reviews extradition appeals concerning prison conditions in Belgium

Court of Appeal rules on age assessment in immigration case

Court of Appeal addresses adequacy of reasons in age assessment for asylum seeker

Opinion

Is the FCA’s name and shame policy now dead in the water?

Bringing the profession into disrepute

To disclose or not to disclose…is that the question?

Eddie Flanagan and Caroline Mattin, from Shakespeare Martineau, provide their thoughts on a recent combined ruling that will have significant implications for the regulation of consumer finance

The rollout of the reporting provisions in the family courts

Rachel Fisher, a Partner at Stowe Family Law, shares her thoughts on what is being deemed a crucial moment in family law and the valid apprehensions being raised

Feature

The impact of the biodiversity net gain requirements on developers

Bill Bidder and Mithun Rabheru, from IBB Law LLP, explain the biodiversity net gain requirements that must be followed when undertaking a development

Impact of political transitions on anti-corruption efforts and compliance

Ian Hargreaves and James Phillippsohn provide a critical analysis of the key political transitions that may affect anti-corruption policy in 2025

Ensuring that the law protects the rights of grandchildren and grandparents

Vanessa Lloyd Platt presents her views on why the law needs to change in regard to the rights of grandparents and grandchildren to have a meaningful relationship

Another posthumous conception judgment

Practice Notes

Copyright in the age of artificial intelligence

Andrew Roberts examines the UK Government’s proposals for enforcement of copyright and their practical implications from a legal perspective

Evolving pre-action protocols: a new era in civil litigation

The Civil Justice Council’s Phase Two Report marks a pivotal moment in refining pre-action protocols and shaping dispute resolution practices

How English Courts can secure jurisdiction over foreign parties

Richard Coopey looks at how English courts assert jurisdiction in complex disputes with foreign parties, including Russian sanctions cases

When safety falls short: trampoline park liability in focus and the need for compliance

A landmark ruling highlights the risks of foam pits and the limitations of compliance with industry standards

International

Rethinking Gibraltar's trust law and abolishing perpetuities

As jurisdictions like Cayman abolish perpetuity rules, Gibraltar's retention of the rule may hinder its competitiveness in global trust law, say Elliott Phillips and Paul Grant

Global enforcement shifts in 2025

Bribery and corruption enforcement will see significant changes as political shifts and technological advancements reshape compliance strategies worldwide

India: cross-border insolvency and debt recovery challenges

As India's economy grows, foreign creditors face unique challenges enforcing rights. Rohan Marathe and Zahir Tapia examine Byju’s-GLAS Trust dispute and India’s legal mechanisms

The Middle East and North Africa's rising prominence in global arbitration

Karim Youssef explains how cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo are redefining arbitration, challenging traditional global centers like London and Paris

Business

How law firms can best protect themselves from SRA money laundering fines

Harriet Holmes looks at the SRA fines and how can firms best protect themselves?

The changing dynamics of leadership in law firms: a shift from tradition to collaboration

Law firms must invest in leadership development and knowledge-sharing cultures to retain top talent and adapt to a changing landscape, say Michelle Howard and Hélène Russell

Bridging the sustainability gap in law firms

Recent studies highlight how firms face challenges in turning sustainability goals into action

Navigating the litigation landscape in 2025

From ESG-related cases to the rise in fraud litigation, Emily Joss explores the trends set to dominate the courts

SJ Interview

SJ Interview: Arif Kamal

In this interview, Arif Kamal's talks to the Solicitors Journal about his journey at Hunters Law

Reflections on Judging

On 30 September 2024 Sir Jonathan Cohen KC retired from being a full-time High Court Judge of the Family Division

SJ Interview: Caroline Park

The SJ speaks to Caroline Park, family lawyer for the eye-wateringly wealthy and partner at Hughes Fowler Carruthers

SJ Interview: Simon Hammond

Following the launch of the new Clinical Negligence Claims Agreement for 2024 by NHS Resolution, Solicitors Journal spoke to the Director of Claims Management at NHS Resolution, Simon Hammond

Appointments

Slater Heelis appoints immigration lead

Slater Heelis has appointed Joanna Safadi as Associate Partner to lead its immigration services within the employment team

Cullimore Dutton welcomes new starters

Cullimore Dutton expands team with eight new hires as part of its strategic growth plan

Freeths expands family team Leicester

Freeths hires Stephanie Kyriacou to launch Leicester family law offering and strengthen Midlands presence

Brodies LLP elects new chair

UK top 50 and leading Scottish law firm Brodies LLP today announces the election of a new chair, with partner Iain Rutherford to take on the role from 1 May 2025

Announcements

Epiq launches AI tool for HSR compliance

Epiq has unveiled a new AI-powered tool to help businesses navigate the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act’s stricter merger and acquisition (M&A) disclosure requirements, which came into force last week

Freeths appointed to Cottsway’s legal panel

Leading law firm Freeths has been appointed as a new supplier to Cottsway Housing Association’s legal panel for the next five years

Travers Smith advises on acquisition

Law Society expands Rising Star Award

The Law Society of Scotland has introduced a new trainee category in its annual In-house Rising Star Award, recognising early-career solicitors at different career stages