Are SME law firms right to increase their tech spend?
We’re in an era when technology permeates every facet of our lives and the legal industry is no exception. This is backed by the findings of LexisNexis’ latest Bellwether survey of SME law firms, which found that their priority will be investment in technology to fuel organic growth plans, outranking recruitment plans and marketing / […]
Practice guide update: PG57
Exempting documents from the general right to inspect and copy (PG57) Page summary: Guidance on exempting documents, obtaining a full copy and withdrawing exempt status (practice guide 57) Change made: We have added a sentence to the second paragraph in section 2.4 to confirm that each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Time updated: […]
Is there an appetite for new technology in the UK property law industry?
Property law firms are on the cusp of an AI-driven digital technology transformation in 2024. Only in the last few weeks, a law firm based in London that created an ‘AI paralegal’ capable of passing part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) received £9.5 million of investment from Google. The challenge is when to invest […]
Adapting to Change: How Conveyancers Can Thrive Amidst Industry Challenges
The conveyancing sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by new regulations, evolving client expectations, and technological advancements. As the industry adapts, conveyancers have the opportunity to refine their approaches to compliance, risk management, and client due diligence. By embracing the right tools and strategies, firms can maintain a strong position in a competitive market. Regulations […]
Halifax figures suggest housing market is heading for an ‘awesome autumn’
Recent price rises build on a “largely positive summer” for the UK housing market. Prospective homebuyers are feeling more confident due to easing interest rates and that optimism is reflected in the latest mortgage approval figures, now at their highest level in almost two years, said Head of Mortgages at Halifax. HMRC monthly property transaction […]
Grenfell report recommends Building Safety Act definitions reviewed
The phase II report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry has recommended key definitions laid out in the Building Safety Act are reviewed a a matter of urgency because of their current ‘arbitrary’ interpretations. The report, which was published on 4th September 2024, lays bare the failings of government and industry in protecting the residents of […]
Distribution partnership for AI-powered enquiry management tool
An enquiry management service which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and itemise communication from one conveyancer to another has secured investment and a distribution partnership with conveyancing intermediary and technology platform LMS and its parent company Movera. Enquiry Manager, which has been developed by Collaborative Conveyancing, formally launched in March 2024 having secured investment […]
LegalRunner launches to improve wellbeing through exercise
The incoming Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a new initiative, which is set to form part of his own Presidential term, to encourage the legal profession to focus on improving their mental health and wellbeing through regular exercise. Mark Evans, who is a lecturer at the University of […]
Interview: Thomas Bee, Matterhive
Thomas Bee, founder of Matterhive, talks to Today’s Conveyancer about the pain of moving home, challenges conveyancers face, the proliferation of prop-tech, and why a German-based company is interested in home moving technology in the UK… TC: What is your background and where did the concept for MatterHive come about? TB: When I both […]
Law Society comments on first AI treaty
Human rights, democracy and the rule of law will be further protected from potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) under a new international agreement to be signed by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood on Thursday. The new framework has been agreed by the Council of Europe commits parties to collective action to manage AI products […]
Interview – Mark Evans, Deputy Vice President of the Law Society
In a wide ranging interview Deputy Vice President of the Law Society Mark Evans talks to Today’s Conveyancer podcast host David Opie about his experience of working in property law, and more recently his role as a Tutor at the University Of Law. In October Mark will transition from Deputy Vice President to the role […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – What goes around comes around
It is at this time of year when I reflect on my career. It is the start of a new school year and that always feels more like the start of the year than January. I started my articles in September 1988. On my second day, my principal (now called a training partner) asked me […]
Making Change Part of the Furniture: Lessons from Paul O’Neill and Alcoa
Change is often perceived as a disruptive force, an unwelcome visitor that turns our routines and structures upside down. However, there are powerful examples from history that demonstrate how change, when integrated thoughtfully and systematically, can become as integral to an organization as the furniture within it. One of the most compelling cases is the […]
