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New law on video witnessing of Wills

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Virtual witnessing of Wills could be a major step forward for legacy giving providing safeguards are met.
Remember A Charity has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s announcement that Wills witnessed by video will be legally accepted in what could be a ‘major step forward’ for legacy giving. The new law applies to Wills made from 31 January 2020 – the first recognised case of Covid-19 in the UK – and is expected to remain in place until January 2022.

New law on video witnessing of Wills
New law on video witnessing of Wills : Rob Cope

The announcement reflects the increase in the number of people seeking to make Wills during the Covid 19 pandemic and the challenges for those who are shielding or self-isolating to follow the normal legalities of making a Will – namely it being witnessed by two people.

Read moreNew law on video witnessing of Wills

To Search or Not to Search, That is the Question

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For decades, perhaps even longer, there has been the ongoing debate of whether an insurance policy is worth taking out. Everyone has a view, generally depending on personal experience.

To Search or Not to Search
To Search or Not to Search

In the world of conveyancing, a recent survey¹ showed that 20% of transactions needed some form of title insurance. Of course, the client can choose if they take it out (unless the lender insists on cover being put in place) but if there is insurance available then it is down to the conveyancer to mention it.

But there are some situations where the existence of insurance can actually be the difference between a transaction proceeding or not – and a good example of this is search insurance.

Read moreTo Search or Not to Search, That is the Question

David Greene, President’s Bio

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David Greene became President of the Law Society of England & Wales on 14 October 2020. He is a Council member for international practice and was Chair of the International Committee and the Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Law Society.

David Greene President's Bio
David Greene, President’s Bio

David qualified in 1980, becoming a partner at Edwin Coe in 1984.  He became Senior Partner of the Firm in 2011.  In practice David is a litigator as a claimants’ practitioner and has specialised in Group claims of all natures for over 25 years in the UK and around the World.  His main focus is on commercial claims including competition claims and claims on behalf of shareholders.  He is Head of both the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group and the Group Action Litigation department.

David has also worked in Africa for some 30 years specialising in work in the eastern seaboard. There he has undertaken many aided projects on civil justice and human rights.

David is well known for his work on Brexit.  He acted for one of the two claimants in the Article 50 litigation and for 50 MPs in the proroguing case. He also chairs the Law Society Task Force on Brexit.  As such he has written and lectured in the UK and Europe on the issues that arise in relation to Brexit and civil justice.  He has also provided evidence to the Commons and Lords on those issues.

The need for digital transformation is a necessity

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digital transformation a necessity
John Espley

 John Espley, CEO of LEAP UK, the legal practice management software provider, puts forward the case that the pandemic has created an opportunity for law firms to improve their systems by becoming more agile and therefore offering a better service to their clients.

At the start of the pandemic many law firms were still over reliant on old and traditional systems and methodologies, relying on paper-based systems and face to face contact.

COVID created an immediate need for new software solutions to ensure business continuity for law firms, which required a smooth transition and the right tools for staff to work efficiently. Many firms have used any downtime created by lockdown to turn to new ways or working. Investing in new technology and training staff in new procedures that will help overcome the challenges that have arisen coming in and out of lockdown.   

Read moreThe need for digital transformation is a necessity

Quill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm

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Press release from: Quill

Quill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm

It’s more important than ever to be doing the right things so your law firm survives and thrives. So, if you’re just starting out or thinking about taking the plunge, join Quill’s webinar on Thursday 12th November at 1pm for:

  • A step-by-step ebook to starting a law firm, focused on managing matters, compliance and finances
  • 10 common mistakes to avoid that put law firms at risk of SRA non-compliance
  • Toolkit you need to succeed as a law firm today – guidance on how much to invest in what, and where and when
  • Powerful lessons learned from entrepreneurs behind successful law firms

Read moreQuill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm

Covid-19’s impact: Practice areas by work type

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Practice areas by work type

By Julian Bryan, Managing Director, Quill

Showing clear signs of recovery in the sector, legal activity in September bounced back to an average of 19% more than pre-Covid levels, according to the legal matters benchmarking tool, Quilldex.

At its lowest point, Quilldex reported overall cases dipped by 36% in April 2020, but this has now rebounded to 19% in September 2020, buoyed by family law (25%), private client law (36%), conveyancing (49%) and employment law (49%). Let’s take a deeper look into these areas of rebound.

Read moreCovid-19’s impact: Practice areas by work type

Is the Stamp Duty holiday leading to a “gold rush” for conveyancers?

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By Craig Taylor, LEAP Director of Relationship Development

Today’s conveyancing market is experiencing unprecedented times. Lockdown, Brexit, seasonal holidays and the current cut in stamp duty are factors having a major impact, both positively and negatively, on the profession.

Following the catastrophic stall in house sales caused by the pandemic, the last couple of months have been amongst the busiest for ten years.

Read moreIs the Stamp Duty holiday leading to a “gold rush” for conveyancers?

Software swap guide: four tips to protecting your data

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protecting your data

By Julian Bryan, Managing Director, Quill

The COVID-19 lockdown has forced all of us to be more reliant on technology and embrace working from home. But many legacy IT infrastructures are ill-suited or too outdated to handle all the demands of remote working. Cloud-based software is the solution, but where to start?

Read on for four important considerations before making the software switch:

Read moreSoftware swap guide: four tips to protecting your data