THIS ISSUE
In the first of a two-part series, Cris McCurley examines key changes to the treatment of domestic abuse victims & their children within the family justice system
Despite the UK’s intention to be a global leader in cryptoassets, the courts are still wrestling with the basics: Rachel Coyle of 36 Commercial explains why it’s time to get to grips with the insolvency context
In the second of a three-part series by Collas Crill on Jersey and Guernsey law, James Tee explores options available to victims of fraud in an insolvency context
Neil Parpworth examines the new law on public processions & public assemblies
The UK would be wise to pay close attention to the Welsh government’s call for devolved justice, says Roger Smith
It’s no longer a one size fits all for law graduates, as paralegal chief Amanda Hamilton explains
Fee earners could risk failing to have their bills assessed if the right fee earner information is not provided, says Laura Rees
Holyrood & Westminster: a consensual divorce? With talk of Scottish independence back on the table, Marc Weller examines the legality of the routes available
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA’s) fining powers have been increased from £2,000 to £25,000 (a rise of 1,150%), as of last week
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Cripps—Radius Law
Commercial and technology practice boosted by team hire
Switalskis—Grimsby
Firm expands with new Grimsby office to serve North East Lincolnshire
Slater Heelis—Will Newman & Lucy Spilsbury
Property team boosted by two solicitor appointments
NEWS
The Supreme Court has delivered a decisive ruling on termination under the JCT Design & Build form. Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Singer KC and Jonathan Ward, of Kings Chambers, analyse Providence Building Services v Hexagon Housing Association [2026] UKSC 1, which restores the first-instance decision and curbs contractors’ termination rights for repeated late payment
Secondments, disciplinary procedures and appeal chaos all feature in a quartet of recent rulings. Writing in NLJ this week, Ian Smith, barrister and emeritus professor of employment law at UEA, examines how established principles are being tested in modern disputes
The AI revolution is no longer a distant murmur—it’s at the client’s desk. Writing in NLJ this week, Peter Ambrose, CEO of The Partnership and Legalito, warns that the ‘AI chickens’ have ‘come home to roost’, transforming not just legal practice but the lawyer–client relationship itself
A High Court ruling involving the Longleat estate has exposed the fault line between modern family building and historic trust drafting. Writing in NLJ this week, Charlotte Coyle, director and family law expert at Freeths, examines Cator v Thynn [2026] EWHC 209 (Ch), where trustees sought approval to modernise trusts that retain pre-1970 definitions of ‘child’, ‘grandchild’ and ‘issue’
Fresh proposals to criminalise ‘nudification’ apps, prioritise cyberflashing and non-consensual intimate images, and even ban under-16s from social media have reignited debate over whether the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA 2023) is fit for purpose. Writing in NLJ this week, Alexander Brown, head of technology, media and telecommunications, and Alexandra Webster, managing associate, Simmons & Simmons, caution against reactive law-making that could undermine the Act’s ‘risk-based and outcomes-focused’ design
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