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Non-lawyer will writers to be regulated north of the border

The Scottish Parliament has passed amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill which will see a regulation body set up to control non-lawyer will writers.

Holding on to knowledge

An area that has always gained much attention from a KM perspective is knowledge retention. How do you know what knowledge your business has and how do you hold onto it? For succession planning, this issue has particular resonance. If an important lawyer leaves the firm, they may well take their vital knowledge with them. With baby boomers coming up to retirement, it's not just individuals who are likely to leave, but a whole swathe of partners who are currently the lifeblood of the business.

Courts and legal aid in firing line as MoJ faces massive budget cuts

The Ministry of Justice will have to cut its budget by at least 25 per cent over the next four years over and above its existing commitment to slash spending by £685m, it has emerged.

VAT rise dominates budget

VAT will rise from 17.5 to 20 per cent from 4 January 2011, the chancellor George Osborne has announced during his first budget speech this afternoon.

The big event

The turbulent world of after-the-event insurance could be facing big changes if Jackson LJ's recommendations are implemented, but how will these affect the market and what can practitioners do amid the uncertainty? Matthew Amey reports

Cheap and cheerful

In costs disputes, mediation is not only cheaper and quicker than court assessments, it also provides a less hostile environment in which parties can effectively settle their differences, says William Gibson

Who's your daddy?

DNA tests are available for fathers who believe they may be victims of paternity fraud, but should practitioners always advise clients to get tested before making any financial arrangements? Sharon Smith reports

Keep on roaming

The decision to uphold EU legislation limiting mobile phone 'roaming' charges is a predictable but welcome outcome, says Paul Stanley NO