Central London Lawyer Nov 2025

WHLS A New Term Begins

 International Committee Updates

 WHLS Annual Dinner 2025

 WHLS AGM 2025

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PUBLISHED

Summer 2025 © Benham Publishing Ltd.

LEGAL NOTICE

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DISCLAIMER

All views expressed in this publication are the views of the individual writers and not the society unless specifically stated to be otherwise. All statements as to the law are for discussion between members and should not be relied upon as an accurate statement of the law, are of a general nature and do not constitute advice in any particular case or circumstance.

Members of the public should not seek to rely on anything published in this magazine in court but seek qualified Legal Advice.

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Editorial

Members wishing to submit editorial please send to:

Editor-in-Chief: Anita Winsome

Editorial Board: Anita Winsome, Kene Onyeka Allison, Sarah Bradd and Ella Atkins.

The President’s Foreword

AUTUMN 2025

Ialmost can't believe that I am writing my first President's Foreward for Central London Lawyer. Having been involved with the Society since 2018, I have seen it evolve, adapt and thrive through both challenges and triumphs. I am proud and grateful to have been elected as President, and hope to do the role justice!

I should start by extending my thanks to Nicola, my predecessor, who has helped the Society take important steps towards modernisation. I hope to continue her work, particularly by ensuring our Society reflects the modern, dynamic, profession we represent.

To all our officers, committee members, and especially the Central London Lawyer editorial team: thank you. Your dedication and time are what keep the Society running and relevant. The work you do—often behind the scenes— is deeply appreciated.

Looking Ahead: My Vision for the Year

As I begin my tenure, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. My focus will be on three key areas: advocacy, engagement, and modernisation.

First, advocacy. WHLS has a rich history of contributing to law reform. I want to ensure our voice is heard in consultations and policy discussions. We will be reconnecting with our Council members and responding to Law Society consultations to ensure our members' views are represented at a national level.

Second, engagement. Our events are the lifeblood of the Society. From our Annual Dinner to our Summer Party, these gatherings remind us of the power of community. I want to build on this momentum by continuing to host flagship events, expanding our webinar and in-person offerings, and encouraging collaboration across our subcommittees.

I'm particularly excited about the events we are planning to host for our more junior members. The profession is undergoing significant change, with the SQE becoming embedded, apprenticeships on the rise, and AI signalling broader transformation on the horizon. We have a responsibility to support those entering the field. I’m delighted that Sarah Bradd will be chairing our Junior Lawyers Division, and I look forward to seeing the events and initiatives that will emerge under her leadership.

Our international committee continues to thrive, and I hope to widen the reach of its events so that more members can benefit from our wonderful global connections. Legal practice is increasingly international, and our Society is well-placed to support members hoping to widen their network.

Another area I am hoping to grow is our pro bono sub-committee. Pro bono work is a powerful way for lawyers to give back to the communities they serve. While not everyone may be able to commit time regularly, even small contributions can make a meaningful difference. WHLS is proud to be a part of the London Legal Walk each year, and I would hope we can have a strong showing in 2026.

Finally, modernisation. While it may not be as glamorous as other aspects, it is vital that the infrastructure of the Society keeps pace with our needs. I intend to invest in our administration, our website and our media channels, to ensure that the volunteers who give so much to our Society can focus on running events, making connections and responding to legal consultations.

Inside this issue: Highlights from across the Society

In this edition, we reflect on some of the Society’s recent highlights and initiatives.

You’ll find a report on our Annual General Meeting, where we had a fabulous turnout to bid adieu to Nicola and celebrate all the successes of the last year.

There is a wonderful recap of our Annual Dinner – an evening that truly showcases the strength of our community.

You can also read the highlights of our “Social Media for Lawyers” event, which offered practical insights into digital engagement for legal professionals. This is a hot topic, as the relevance of social media continues to grow, and our members were excited to learn all about the practicalities of the algorithms and the potential challenges.

Our International Committee shares an exciting update on its expanding programme, and we introduce you to the people working behind the scenes of the Society with our “Meet the Team” profiles.

Each article reflects the energy and commitment of our members, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we’ve enjoyed putting them together.

In Closing

The Westminster and Holborn Law Society is built on the strength of its members. I am continually inspired by the passion, generosity, and professionalism of those who give their time to support our work.

I look forward to working with you all over the coming year. Together, we can continue to build a Society that is inclusive, influential, and indispensable to the legal community in Central London.

All the best. 

Suzanna Eames President Westminster & Holborn Law Society

WHLS OFFICERS

Suzanna Eames President

Suzanna is a Senior Associate at Farrer & Co specialising in a broad range of private family law matters, including divorce, complex financial remedy cases, children matters, financial claims to support a child, jurisdictional disputes and pre and post-nuptial agreements. Suzanna has a long track record of supporting her legal community, having been a part of WHLS since 2018. In 2021-2022, Suzanna was Chair of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society; she is particularly passionate about supporting the junior members of the legal profession. Outside of the law, Suzanna is a mum of two young boys and spends more time than she ever expected at soft play.

Amanda Lathia Vice President

Amanda is a senior associate at law firm, Orr Litchfield, specialising in commercial and corporate law. She is passionate about finding business solutions for clients, from assisting on company law issues, to drafting or reviewing contracts to helping a business prepare for a future sale. Amanda joined WHLS in 2018, was co-chair of the Junior Lawyers Division from 2022 to 2024 and is excited to be Vice President of the society for 2025.

Aneesha Bhunjun Deputy Vice President

Aneesha is a digital dispute resolution expert, specialising in resolving complex disputes in England & Wales and internationally. She also focuses on AI regulation in mediation and conflictre solution, alongside advocating for women’s rights in the judiciary. As Deputy Vice President, Aneesha is passionate about promoting diversity and equality within the legal profession. Shechannels her expertise into her work with the WHLS, supporting its members and driving positive change within the legal system. She is honoured and proud to serve as the Deputy Vice President and looks forward to making a lasting impact in this role. She is honoured and proud to serve as the Deputy Vice President and looks forward to making a lasting impact in this role.

Tanya Arackal Vice-Treasurer

Tanya is currently a second year Trainee Solicitor at Dawson Cornwell. Tanya has worked on cases across the full spectrum of family law, including matrimonial finance and international children law. She has undertaken her own advocacy in the London County Courts, successfully obtaining non-molestation orders for vulnerable clients. She is a member of the YRes division of Resolution and a mentor with Lawyers Who Care, mentoring care-experienced aspiring lawyers. She was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s award from the University of Leeds for contribution to equality and diversity for starting her own organisation which provided a platform for women of colour. Tanya also created and leads the Aura Collective, a non-profit organisation that supports, through creative workshops, individuals who have experienced violence and abuse.

Lucy Clarke Co-Secretary

Lucy is a newly qualified solicitor specialising in clinical negligence at JMW Solicitors LLP. She works on a wide range of claimant side clinical negligence matters arising from treatment that has gone wrong or a failure to treat that has resulted in severe injury. Lucy has been a co-secretary of the Westminster and Holborn Law society since 2024. She is looking forward to working with the new officers and the exciting year ahead!

Noaman Malik Co-Secretary

Noaman Malik is a Trainee Solicitor at Farrer & Co. He studied History at the University of Glasgow, spending a year abroad at the University of Alabama, before completing the PGDL and an LLM in Legal Practice (SQE) at the University of Law. His previous experience includes working as a paralegal for an ultra-high-net-worth client on a politically sensitive and complex $2 billion civil action, working at a hedge fund, and interning at the Department for Business and Trade. He also serves as a Family magistrate.

Anita Winsome Editor in Chief

Anita completed her LLM specialising in Comparative & International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London. She is a recipient of the SEED (Student Enhanced Engagement & Development) Award 2023 from the Humanities & Social Sciences department, QMUL. Her interests include domestic & international arbitration, competition law & intellectual property rights. She is a qualified lawyer in India and a licensed member (Advocate) of the Bar Council. Her favourite pastime activities include discovering beautiful cafes, exploring museums, and strolling around the royal parks near South Kensington.

Nicola Wainwright Immediate Past President

Nicola Wainwright is a specialist clinical negligence solicitor with more than 20 years’ experience. She is a Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence-London at JMW Solicitors LLP. Nicola specialises exclusively in clinical negligence claims for patients arising from medical treatment that has gone wrong, or from a failure to provide medical treatment. She has expertise in a wide range of claims, but particularly those that are complex or that result in severe, life changing injuries. Nicola has been ranked in Chambers & Partners legal directory for 14 years. Nicola qualified as a solicitor in 1997 after training with Pictons. She is a member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation Panel and an Association of Personal Injury (APIL) Senior Litigator. She is also a member of FOCIS (Forum of Complex Injury Solicitors), and the Association of Women Solicitors, London (AWSL)

WHLS EDITORIAL TEAM

Kene Onyeka Allison

Kene is an in-house solicitor at Mizuho International plc, a Japanese investment bank. She is dual-qualified in England & Wales and Nigeria. Her areas of specialisation are Debt Capital Markets and Derivatives. She volunteers in different capacities with different organisations with the aim of improving ethnic and minority diversity.

Sarah Bradd

Sarah is a current trainee at Charles Russell Speechlys and has been a member of CWHLS since 2019. She enjoys contributing to the Central London Lawyer magazine and assisting the editorial team. In her free time, Sarah enjoys going on holiday to explore new places, eating at restaurants and watching films at the cinema.

Anita Winsome

Anita completed her LLM specialising in Comparative & International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London. She is a recipient of the SEED (Student Enhanced Engagement & Development) Award 2023 from the Humanities & Social Sciences department, QMUL. Her interests include domestic & international arbitration, competition law & intellectual property rights. She is a qualified lawyer in India and a licensed member (Advocate) of the Bar Council. Her favourite pastime activities include discovering beautiful cafes, exploring museums, and strolling around the royal parks near South Kensington.

Ella Atkins

Ella is currently an Associate at a PR and public affairs agency in London. A graduate of the University of Bristol, she has gained experience across the legal and policy sectors, having completed placements at DLA Piper, Dixon Ward Solicitors, and the Centre for Social Justice think tank. In addition, Ella is also a producer of Politics Inside Out, a podcast that lifts the lid on how Westminster really works.

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International Committee Update

The international Committee has continued its quarterly meetings for members with the most recent event, covering social media where the panel members discussed how this can assist international lawyers, pros and cons of different platforms and top tips. Our committee members who were also the panel speakers, Julia Splavska and Alex Kowalska, discuss this more fully on page 14 of this magazine. The moderator was Marta Sánchez Merino who is also leading on the international evening meetings, so any suggestions, do please let us know.

The AGM was an opportunity for us to commend Jeffrey Forrest, a longstanding committee member, who was made an honorary member of the Society. I’m delighted that Sara Chandler was able to give an address and has included details for everyone to read in this magazine. Many congratulations Jeffrey.

By the time this magazine is distributed, we will have completed the delegation’s visit to Palermo, Sicily. Westminster and Holborn Law Society is twinned with the Palermo Bar Association and on our return, we will report back on the details of the trip. Visits to twinned Bar Associations or to the conferences held by the Federation of European Bars take place every year and any member of WHLS is welcome to get involved. You do not need to be on the international committee or even doing international work. For some, it is an excellent opportunity to widen their

network and learn about other jurisdictions purely for interest, for others there can be business opportunities. Do feel free to get in touch to discus if you want to know more.

For 2026, we intend to continue our London evening meetings. The next one will be on 28th January 2026 at Edwin Coe LLP and will be held to mark the Day of the Endangered Lawyer. Our committee member Lizzette Robleto de Howarth is working hard to make this a standout evening. As soon as tickets are available, we will publicise on our social media channels, so please make sure you follow WHLS.

Many thanks to the whole international committee for working on events, articles, the website or one of the many other tasks. In the last magazine, we introduced Olivia Longrigg, a member returning from maternity leave, and our newest member Lizzette Robleto de Howarth. This magazine includes profiles of Jeffrey Forrest, Alex Kowalska and Patricia Ayodeji. We will include more profiles in future magazines, and you are welcome to get in touch with any of us. ■

Young Lawyers Success in Antwerp and Frankfurt

Members of Westminster & Holborn Law Society have been active in Europe during September and October. The Autumn Congress of the Federation of European Bars (FBE) was held in Frankfurt where over 100 lawyers met over 25th to 27th September. The delegates discussed “Attorney Independence in Challenging Times” Reports from countries where lawyers and judges have been subjected to threats, attacks, arrest and imprisonment including Turkey, Poland, Netherlands and Spain. This panel was followed by speakers discussing options for action. An important start to the afternoon session was led by a young lawyer from Belfast and the title was: “Navigating the realities of Starting a Law Firm: The Young Lawyer’s Perspective”, with contributions from the European Young Bar SAssociation (EYBA) and then five speakers from Italy, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Spain spoke on “Mental Health- How can bar associations support their members.”. A strong contribution from the Madrid Bar can be accessed here:

As an end to a busy day the delegates dined at the Frankfurt Opera, with a splendid gala. On Saturday Bar Leaders spoke about the particular issues they face, and then in the General Assembly delegates applauded Diana Birsan from Russell-Cooke who won

the FBE Young Lawyers Human Rights Competition 2024, held in Gdansk. Part of her prize was to attend the Congress and address the General Assembly.

Diana was not the only young lawyer from London who starred in the FBE. From 9th to 11th October, Amelia Hancock represented WHLS in the 2025 FBE Young Lawyers Human Rights Oratory Competition. Amelia is a 4th year student at Kings College who is a Director in the Law Clinic. She spoke on the theme: “Can the United Nations develop an effective international strategy to solve the current levels of migration”. She was presented with her award on 16th October . Candidates in the annual competition travel to the city of the year, which in 2026 will be Cologne. During the 3 days of the competition there is an opportunity to network with lawyers, and fellow candidates, as well as enjoy the hospitality of the Cologne Bar. Any WHLS JLD member who would like to hear more about the competition should contact sarachandler.lawsociety@gmail.com ■

Meet the TeamAlex Kowalska Vice Chair of the International Committee

1. Why did you join the International Committee?

Being dual-qualified and having spent most of my career working with international clients, I felt that joining the International Committee was a natural step. I have always been passionate about international work and wanted to use my experience to contribute to the Committee’s initiatives. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to connect with professionals who share the same enthusiasm for international collaboration and I’m happy to have found such inspiring colleagues here.

2. What is your professional background and current role?

I’m qualified in Poland and in England & Wales, but my professional life is based in London. In the early years of my career, my main areas of practice were criminal and civil litigation. I then moved to the UK and after working in the City, I decided to transition into the charity sector, where I felt my skills and experience could bring more value. I currently work as Legal Counsel for an organisation supporting migrants from Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, I run a consultancy where I help international lawyers improve their communication, legal English, business development skills, and build their professional brand.

3. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Committee?

I really enjoy our regular meetings and being surrounded by people who want to make a difference and contribute to society. Many of our members have fascinating life stories and have achieved extraordinary things, both here in England and internationally. I’m constantly impressed and inspired by their accomplishments. It’s truly heart-warming to see how much work is done pro bono, supporting fellow lawyers, often those in difficult or even dangerous situations. I also enjoy our events and the opportunity to meet colleagues from our twinned bars.

4. What has been your most memorable moment with the Committee so far?

The most memorable moments for me are always the Committee events. This year, my favourite was undoubtedly Legal Links. We had the honour of hosting guests from European Bar Associations, in-

cluding the FBE, Cluj, Bilbao, Murcia, Palermo, Cracow, Gdańsk, the Vienna Bar Association, and more. The event offered a rich mix of experiences: visits to law firms and chambers, a legal quiz, and a Legal London walk with stops at The Old Bailey, the Royal Courts of Justice, the Law Society, and the Inns of Court.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other members in a more relaxed setting. Conversations often start with legal topics, but they naturally move to broader subjects, giving wonderful insight into the people behind the profession. Many of our members have unusual career paths and fascinating life stories, it’s always inspiring to hear about their journeys.

5. What was your best international experience?

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from many jurisdictions, but one of the most fascinating experiences was spending time in Oman. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about their legal system, meet local lawyers, and understand their everyday practice. It’s always so interesting to see how lawyers work in different countries and the challenges they face. I often discover that many of these challenges are surprisingly similar, no matter where you are. Not to mention, the weather in Oman was unforgettable!

I also greatly enjoy training colleagues from the Polish Bar Association. Although I left Poland over ten years ago to move to London, I remain an active member of the International Committee of the Pomeranian Bar Association and run Legal English courses for its members. It’s incredibly rewarding to stay connected and share knowledge across borders.

6. What advice would you give to lawyers interested in becoming more active internationally?

If you want to be more active internationally, you need to actively seek out opportunities and make connections, they rarely just appear on your doorstep. Building expertise in an international area and making yourself visible is key. Social media can be a surprisingly powerful tool for this.

International lawyers often work with clients across different countries, so you won’t necessarily meet them by chance in a court corridor. Being visible online helps you build connections and develop your professional brand. And there’s no need to dance in videos (unless you want to!) or follow every trend. Just communicate clearly who you are, what you do, and how you can help. That’s how you meet interesting people, expand your network, and open doors to new opportunities. Who knows where the journey might take you! ■

Alex Kowalska

Meet the TeamPatricia Ayodeji

1. Why did you join the International Committee?

I am one of 8,273 solicitors based overseas (Law Society’s International Data Insights Report 2025).

I am dual-qualified. Being dual- qualified is very unique.

I joined the International Committee because I am able to actively contribute as a British lawyer who after qualifying and practicing as a Solicitor in London then went on to live, qualify, and practice in a civil jurisdiction.

Clients conduct cross-border transactions with greater frequency; lawyers must be able to respond. I offer a unique perspective of the cross-border approach to law and the legal profession.

English law continues to be a preferred governing law for international commerce and experience shows that clients seek globalised lawyers with expertise in more than one legal system.

2. What is your professional background and current role?

Dual-qualified Solicitor for England and Wales, Abogada (Lawyer) in Spain. I converted my English Degree into a recognised Spanish degree. I am able to practice law with the same rights and obligations (without any restrictions) as Spanish nationals, using the Spanish professional title of Abogado and am bound by the same professional, administrative, ethical, and legal regulations and standards that define and govern the profession in Spain. I am a member of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB) which has been twinned with WHLS since 2017.

I have a strong background in data protection and intellectual property but recently obtained a master’s degree in Compliance from the Barcelona Bar Association in Catalonia.

Founder of E-PDP, European Privacy and Data Protection https://epdp.eu/

E-PDP is a registered trademark details of which can be found in the Spanish Patent and Trademarks Office https://www.oepm.es/

I am a regular conference speaker on data protection and e-evidence and have been fortunate and privileged to be invited to speak in the Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, and England.

My next speaking technology and law event about the pitfalls and risks faced by legal professionals relying on Generative AI will be held in the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB) in February 2026.

I am currently actively looking to lead an in-house governance, risk management compliance, privacy position in an international company with an office in Barcelona, Catalonia.

3. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Committee?

Forming part of a vibrant group with a clear international focus. I enjoy interacting with legal professionals with differing specialities, experience and size of firm. Being an active member of the Committee keeps me abreast of the current needs of the legal sector in England and Wales, whilst based overseas.

4. What was your best international experience?

Numerous as I am a regular conference speaker. One of my favourite events was in Barcelona where I was able to exchange views and experiences with a former telecommunications officer of the White House. But I have also spoken in Zagreb, Sofia, Prague, Frankfurt, and Munich.

5. What advice would you give to lawyers interested in becoming more active internationally?

More and more cross-border transactions are taking place. If you are not able to go down the dual qualification route, then consider learning an additional language. This will not only set you apart from the competition but also attract clients beyond the UK. In addition to English, I am fluent in Spanish and Catalan. I find that it offers me a wider reach.

Join different international commercial associations including Chambers of Commerce. Go to their events and actively engage. Remember networking is not about selling your services. It’s about building long-lasting professional relationships. My experience shows that services are contracted once trust has been established and this normally takes time.

I joined the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain and eventually became a member firstly of its Barcelona Regional Committee and then elected as a member of its Governing Council. I also joined Spanish Association of Directors (AED) and eventually became a member of one of its Social Participation Committee. Over time I attracted clients from both entities.

It’s important to stand out in this profession. Be active in social media such as Linkedin and publish regularly. It is not enough to like other professionals’ publications! I have found that my publications in LinkedIn (I have a profile since 2010) helps both my national and international contacts remember who I am and stay abreast of the legal services I offer. I publish as myself and as E-PDP. The global reach is not to be underestimated. ■

Patricia Ayodeji

Linkedin profiles:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-ayodeji-digitallawyer/?locale=en_US https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-pdp/?viewAsMember=true

Honorary Life Member

Jeffrey Forrest, Honorary Life Member

At the WHLS annual general meeting on 22nd October, the Society recognised the long standing contribution to both City of Westminster Law Society and the merged society, City of Westminster & Holborn Law Society, after joining with the Holborn Law Society.

Jeffrey was admitted as a solicitor in 1975 and practised in Westminster for 50 years with his own firm. He became active in the Society, 30 years ago, becoming the President of WHLS in 2004 and Law Society Council member in 2005. As President, Jeffrey attended the meetings of all committees, with particular interest in Professional Matters, Access to Justice and International Committee. In 2005 he became the Council Member for City of Westminster and served on the Council of the Law Society of England & Wales until 2021.

During his year as President Jeffrey attended the Federation of European Bars congress in Marseilles and in those days the Berlin Bar was active in its twinning agreement with annual invitations to Berlin, and return visits in London in which Jeffrey participated. In 2005 WHLS began its long support of human rights lawyers in Colombia, and in 2008, Jeffrey was a delegate in the first international delegation of jurists to Colombia, the Colombia Caravana, organised by WHLS and the Law Society, and has been a Director of the Colombia Caravana since 2010, visiting Colombia several times since, supporting lawyers at risk.

Jeffrey was one of the organisers of the 2012 international legal visit of around 30 European lawyers to hear about Magna Carta and afterwards hosted a visit to the British Library to see the copy of Magna Carta held there. In 2015 an international conference on Brexit was co-hosted in Westminster by Jeffrey with European lawyers from our twinned bars. WHLS has twinning agreements with eight bar associations in Europe enabling our members to have professional contacts for the benefit of their legal practice and their clients. Members including JLD members have had interesting visits to some of the bars. Jeffrey has been an active promoter of these opportunities, and served as Co-Chair with Coral Hill of WHLS International Committee from 2021 to 2025.

Since 2005, Jeffrey has been a member of the society’s Main Committee contributing to the governance of the society for 20 years. It was with great pleasure that the society recognised his contribution and President Nicola Wainwright congratulated him and thanked him for his decades of achievement on behalf of the society and recorded the award of Honorary Life Member. ■

WHLS Annual General Meeting 2025

Social Media for International Lawyers: The New Era of Legal Visibility

On the 28th of October, JMW Solicitors opened its doors for a remarkable session titled “Social Media for International Lawyers” as part of the International Legal Evenings series. The event gathered lawyers from multiple jurisdictions to explore how social media can serve as a professional tool for visibility, connection, and growth in the legal field.

The session featured two speakers, each representing a different platform:

LinkedIn - Julia Splavska, LinkedIn Consultant, Co-Chair of the WHLS Social Media Committee, and Employment Lawyer.

Instagram - Alex Kowalska, dual-qualified lawyer, Legal Counsel at a London-based charity, lecturer, and Founder of Alex Legal English.

The session was moderated by Marta Sánchez Merino, Council Member at the Law Society, member of the International Committee at the WHLS, and a dual-qualified lawyer specialising in crossborder commercial and company law. This is the third session of the International Legal Evenings, launched and led by Marta since earlier this year. The series has been, and continues to be, a great success!

Julia shared insights on how LinkedIn supports both individual lawyers and firms. She highlighted practical ways to make profiles stand out and position professionals with clarity and authority. Julia also spoke about employee advocacy - a strategy where firms amplify visibility through the authentic voices of their people rather than relying solely on company posts. With the right structure, clear Social Media policy and guidance, employees can become trusted ambassadors who strengthen the firm’s reputation and visibility across LinkedIn.

Alex presented how Instagram can offer lawyers a space to communicate visually, demonstrate personality, and make the legal profession more approachable. She emphasised that modern

audiences value authenticity and connection, and that lawyers can use social media to bridge the gap between expertise and relatability. She also covered potential risks, such as breach of confidentiality, data protection, reputational damage and online safety.

Marta closed the session with a series of face-to-face networking tips drawn from her own journey as an international lawyer - reminding us that while social media helps us get noticed, real trust is built one conversation at a time.

The event concluded with an engaging networking session. It was inspiring to see lawyers from so many different countries connect, exchange contacts, and, fittingly, follow one another on social media.

The discussion highlighted a simple truth - social media has become more than a part of everyday life. It is now an essential component of professional visibility. For lawyers, this represents a growing opportunity to share knowledge, build connections, showcase expertise, and create trust across borders.

We extend our sincere gratitude to JMW Solicitors and Nicola Wainwright for their generous hosting and to all attendees for making this session both dynamic and insightful.

The International Legal Evenings series continues to provide a valuable platform for legal professionals to exchange ideas, explore modern challenges, and strengthen the sense of the international legal community.”

Co authored by Marta Sánchez Merino, Alex Kowalska and Julia Splavska

Would The Celebrity Traitors UK Survive in a Court of Law?

In The Celebrity Traitors UK, lying is the name of the game. Under Claudia Winkleman’s watch, a group of famous faces including Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, Paloma Faith, Kate Garraway and Tom Daley spend their days in a Scottish castle aiming to prove they can be trusted whilst winning money for charity. It’s brilliant to watch, but if this game was real, would any of it stand up in a court of law? Probably not. But thinking about it shows how much the show plays with ideas like truth, fairness and trust.

Before anyone steps foot in the castle, they know what they’re signing up for - the tricks, the twists, the tense moments and the possibility of looking a bit foolish on TV. But even though they agree to take part, they still have rights. The people making the show have to make sure no one actually gets hurt. So, when Alan Carr “murders” his close friend Paloma Faith in the game, it’s just part of the story. Behind all the drama, there’s a production team ensuring everything remains ultimately light-hearted.

Still, reputations are harder to protect. Around the star-studded round table, the celebrities accuse each other of lying in front of everyone. When Claire Balding was wrongly voted out as a Traitor, it was hard to watch. Everyone piled on her with guesses and gut feelings. In the real world, being called dishonest like that on TV could be a big deal. But because this is a game, the accusations are tactical rather than offensive. Everyone knows it’s all part of the show. Even so, for people whose jobs depend on public image, it can be unsettling to be seen as untrustworthy, even for fun.

We’ve seen this sort of thing happen in real life. In 2022, there was the famous defamation case known as the “Wagatha Christie” trial, between footballers’ wives Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Rooney publicly claimed that Vardy had been leaking her private Instagram stories to the newspapers. Vardy took her to court for defamation, saying the accusation had damaged her reputation. But the judge found in favour of Rooney, concluding that her claim was substantially true. The case showed how serious it can be when someone’s honesty is questioned in public, and how, unlike on The Traitors, real accusations need real evidence.

Then there’s fairness - or lack of it. The round table can feel like a trial with no rules. There’s no one making sure things are fair, no proper defence, and no second chance. People get voted out based on hunches, not proof. Stephen Fry’s exit, based on nothing more than a “big dog” theory, showed how random it can all be. It’s entertaining, but also a bit uncomfortable at times.

And those “murders”, the secret meetings where the Traitors secretly choose who to eliminate, sound almost criminal if you forget it’s a game. Of course, no one gets hurt, but it does make you think how strange it is to cheer for people plotting against their friends.

So no, The Celebrity Traitors UK probably wouldn’t survive in a court of law. It’s built on lies, sneaky plans and emotional chaos. But that’s what makes it so good. It shows what happens when fairness and honesty disappear, and how quickly trust can break. In the end, no one leaves the castle guilty of anything, but everyone leaves recognising how easily people can turn on each other when the stakes are high. ■

Ella Atkins

Andrew Acquier FRICS FNAVA CHARTERED ARTS SURVEYOR

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WHLS Annual Dinner 2025

On 2nd October 2025, members of the Westminster & Holborn Law Society met for the Annual Black-Tie Dinner 2025, hosted at the House of Lords. It was yet another fantastic evening of networking and celebration, delicious food and drinks, kindly sponsored by Handlesbanken.

The Guest of Honour, Dame Fiona Woolf DBE delivered her inspiring speech sharing her experiences, from her early days with the Law Society to becoming the second ever woman Lord Mayor of London. In her speech, she shared highlights from her stellar career, including being a partner at CMS when the idea of a woman being a partner in a commercial law firm was still very new.

It was indeed a very empowering speech and WHLS is immensely grateful for her presence at this year’s Annual Dinner.

The outgoing President, Nicola Wainwright expressed her gratitude to all members of the society and shared the remarkable achievements of the WHLS sub-committees during her term as President, including the Legal Links events hosted by the International Committee, during which the society invited delegates from the European Bars Federation (FBE), and the Bar Associations from Cluj, Bilbao, Murcia, Palermo, Cracow, Gdansk and Vienna to explore Legal London. The success of the Speed Networking Event by the Junior Lawyers Divisions was also noted for its reach among the junior lawyers, trainees and students.

Suzanna Eames, the Vice-President of WHLS, delivered the vote of thanks and concluded the speeches for the evening. Suzanna, who will be taking the reins from Nicola as President for the upcoming term was instrumental to organising this lovely evening for the members of WHLS, from carefully curating the menu to making sure that the well anticipated social event in the WHLS social calendar was a memorable evening for all attendees. We wish her a very successful term ahead as President. ■

Anita Winsome

WHLS Annual Dinner 2025

WHLS Annual Dinner 2025

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Social Media Committee

Hello from Julia Splavska and Jessica Farnsworth! We are co-Heads of the Publicity & Social Media Committee.

Julia looks after LinkedIn, and Jess takes care of Instagram. All updates on our social media channels come directly from us.

We recently had a committee meeting and decided to expand our team. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Jessica on jessica.farnsworth2@yahoo.com.

Our focus will go beyond sharing updates about what is happening in the Society. We want to take you behind the scenes and to show our meetings, event preparations, and how our ideas come to life.

We are also working on growing our Society by attracting new members and creating more engagement.

If you would like to be part of this journey, we would love to hear from you. ■

Julia Splavska and Jessica Farnsworth

Junior Lawyers DivisionMeet the new Chair!

Since joining the CWHLS and the JLD in 2018, it’s been a pleasure to watch our society grow. Having previously been the editor of the Central London Lawyer, I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of the JLD Chair and building on the strong foundations laid by my predecessors.

I’m looking forward to bringing people together, supporting those at every stage of their journey in law and championing the society as a whole. A big focus this year will be on reviving in-person engagement, including face-to-face meetings and events. I’m especially excited to meet many of you at our upcoming ‘Networking & Nibbles’ event on 3rd December.

An important part of my role and something close to my heart is ensuring that we provide practical and educational sessions for inspiring the future of our legal profession. The society has taught me so much and I am looking forward to paying this forward to others.

I’m very lucky to have a fantastic team behind me who are committed and talented to help bring forward the JLD.

I can’t wait to get started!

If you would like to join the JLD, please do contact us at our new email address: juniorlawyersdivision.whls@gmail.com

All the best. ■

Sarah Bradd

Why LinkedIn is Every Lawyer’s Hidden Advantage

Think about the last time you received a new instruction, a referral, or even an invitation to speak.

It probably started with a name. Someone mentioned you. Recommended you. Or saw your post on LinkedIn.

That is the quiet power of visibility.

And in 2025, it has become one of the strongest business development tools a lawyer can have.

What law firm employee advocacy really means

Employee advocacy simply means when people inside a firm, including you, become visible voices of expertise on LinkedIn.

It happens when lawyers share their insights, explain recent cases, or comment on legal changes.

Not as “marketing.” But as professionals who care about their field and want to add value.

The result is simple: you build trust, strengthen relationships, and attract work naturally.

And here is the key: people trust people far more than they trust firms.

A post from a partner explaining a client success story will always perform better than a firm announcement. Because the voice is personal, the tone is human, and the insight is real.

A Story

When I worked as an Employment lawyer, I once had a hearing where everything came down to the wording of the contract. The claimant tried to challenge it, but their argument was dismissed almost immediately because the contract was written so precisely that there was simply nothing to question.

I was representing the respondent. The contract had been drafted by the company I worked for. I still remember feeling proud.

After that hearing, I shared a short post on LinkedIn. Nothing promotional. Just a reflection on how well-drafted contracts protect businesses.

A few days later, someone from my network messaged me: “We want contracts like that too.” That single post turned into a fivefigure deal for the firm.

That was when I understood what LinkedIn really does.

When you share your real experience, people see the quality of your work before they ever meet you.

Why LinkedIn for lawyers is no longer optional

Many lawyers still believe LinkedIn is only for recruiters or graduates. But things have changed.

• Decision-makers are watching. Managing Partners, General Counsels, Legal Directors - they all use LinkedIn to research expertise before making contact.

• The algorithm favours individuals. Your personal profile has 5-10x more reach potential than your firm’s page.

• Visibility builds trust before the first meeting. And consistency makes you memorable.

• It protects your reputation in a competitive market. The most visible experts are often perceived as the most competent, regardless of whether that is objectively true.

If you are not visible, someone else in your practice area will be. I know this because I conducted research, reviewing 100 profiles of immigration lawyers, and noticed that only a few had updated their profiles or posted on LinkedIn. And those who did - attracted all the attention.

How to start building your personal brand

You do not need to post every day. You just need to show up with intention. Start small, but strategic:

1. Optimise your profile

Make sure you have the right positioning and the profile fully reflects your expertise.

2. Share your perspective

Comment on new regulations, judgments, or industry developments. Explain why they matter in simple, human language.

3. Show the human side

Posts about your journey, lessons from the courtroom, or challenges in practice create relatability. People connect to honesty more than perfection.

4. Remember of confidentiality

Avoid mentioning client names, sensitive figures, or any confidential information. Focus on experiences, lessons learned, and general insights. Authenticity does not require sharing secrets.

5. Engage with others

Visibility is not only about posting. It is about being part of the conversation. A thoughtful comment can bring as much visibility as a post.

When a firm supports its people, everyone wins

Firms that encourage their lawyers to use LinkedIn see real results: more referrals, stronger reputation, and easier recruitment. Employee advocacy is not about losing control of messaging. It is about amplifying your firm’s voice through genuine stories.

One post from an associate explaining a complex issue in plain English can travel further than any paid campaign.

When every lawyer in the firm becomes a a micro-ambassador, the collective visibility compounds. Quietly but powerfully.

In law, credibility is everything

But today, credibility is built not only in courtrooms or conferences - it is built online. LinkedIn is where influence starts before decisions are made. Your next client, referrer, or opportunity might already be reading what you post.

Employee advocacy turns visibility into reputation. And reputation into business. You already have the expertise. Now let people see it. ■

Julia Splavska

LinkedIn Consultant, Employment Lawyer

About the Author

Julia Splavska is the Founder of Intelligence & Influence, a Londonbased LinkedIn consultancy. A former employment lawyer, she helps law firms and partners transform their LinkedIn presence into visibility, authority, and measurable business growth.

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The Hidden Risks Law Firms Overlook

By Alex Hill, Client Director at Konsileo, specialising in Professional Indemnity and Commercial Insurance for Law Firms

Insurance is not the most exciting part of running a law firm, but it is one of the most important. Too often, firms focus on their Professional Indemnity renewal and overlook other exposures that can cause serious financial and reputational damage.

After more than a decade managing law firms before moving into insurance, I have seen how easily blind spots can creep in — and how costly they can be when left unaddressed.

“Even the best-run firms have risks that sit quietly beneath the surface.”

Cyber

Many firms assume that using secure, cloud-based systems keeps them safe. Yet most cyber incidents now result from phishing or business email compromise rather than complex hacking. A single spoofed email can freeze client accounts and halt operations.

Cyber insurance is about crisis response, not just ransom payments. The best policies include 24/7 incident support, IT forensics and PR help — vital when every minute counts.

Executors and trustees

Partners acting as executors or attorneys often don’t realise that claims from those roles fall first on executor insurance, not the firm’s PI policy. Without a separate policy, the liability can land directly on the firm. Executor and inheritance insurance is inexpensive but still overlooked.

Management liability

This protects partners and senior managers against allegations of mismanagement, employment disputes or regulatory investigations. It isn’t about wrongdoing; it’s about having protection when decisions are questioned. Even a diligent COLP or COFA can face scrutiny from the SRA or HMRC.

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Probate and unoccupied property

For firms handling estates, standard home insurance rarely applies once a property becomes unoccupied — often after 30 days. Without the right cover, there is no protection for escape of water, theft or vandalism. Specialist property insurance ensures the executor’s duty to protect assets is met.

The office itself

Finally, the humble office policy, often renewed automatically without much thought. But with hybrid working, rising rebuild costs, and shared spaces, it is worth reviewing whether your current policy still fits how you operate. Are laptops covered off-site? Are you insuring the correct sums now that the cost of reinstatement has risen by over 30 per cent in recent years? These small checks can save major headaches later.

A joined-up approach

Insurance should not be a once-a-year admin task. It should be part of your wider risk management strategy. Having worked on both sides — first as a Practice Manager and now as a broker — I understand the pressures law firm leaders face and the value of joined-up protection.

At Konsileo, we help firms make sure their PI, cyber, management liability and office policies all work together, closing the gaps that so often get missed.

If any of these risks sound familiar, or you would like a fresh look before renewal season, I’d be happy to have a conversation. ■

Beyond Awareness: Building a

Healthier Legal Profession in 2026 with The Solicitors’ Charity

As 2025 comes to an end, solicitor wellbeing remains one of the profession’s most pressing topics. From the ongoing challenges of rising client expectations and ever increasing regulatory pressures to the emotional toll of legal practice, the past year has once again tested the profession’s resilience.

For many members of the Westminster & Holborn Law Society, these challenges will feel familiar. Whether working in large City firms, smaller local practices, or in-house roles, solicitors are balancing intense professional demands with growing awareness of the need to look after their own wellbeing.

Westminster & Holborn Law Society’s continued focus on supporting its members through a vibrant networking and professional development programme makes this an important moment to reflect on what 2025 has taught us and how firms can turn insight into action in 2026.

Both The Solicitors’ Charity’s Big Report and LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 report point to a profession under pressure but also in transition, one that’s talking more openly about wellbeing and beginning to recognise that systemic change, not individual resilience, is what truly makes the difference.

“The data is clear,” says Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity. “While conversations around wellbeing have never been louder, meaningful change still depends on what happens inside firms, in their leadership, culture, and everyday practices.”

A year of rising demand

The Solicitors’ Charity has seen unprecedented need for its services with referrals for emotional wellbeing support rising in 2024 by 60%. The complexity of the cases the Charity handles is also growing, with many solicitors experiencing overlapping personal, financial, and professional challenges.

Anita McCallum, Director of Impact and Development, says this complexity tells an important story:

“It’s not just that more solicitors are reaching out it’s that they’re coming to us with interlinked issues that reflect the realities of modern practice. Wellbeing, financial security and career stability are now inseparable. It shows why we need joined-up approaches that meet people where they are.”

The findings from LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 echo this. Stress, burnout and anxiety continue to affect a significant proportion of legal professionals, with time pressure and lack of psychological safety among the top causes. While more solicitors now feel able to talk about mental health, many still hesitate to seek support within their own firms.

From awareness to action

Over the past decade, awareness of wellbeing issues in law has grown dramatically. But awareness alone, Nick Gallagher says, “isn’t the end goal, it’s the starting point.”

“We’re moving from conversations about why wellbeing matters to discussions about how we build it into the fabric of the profession,” he explains. “That means leadership, consistency, and compassion, not one-off initiatives.”

Encouragingly, more firms are now embedding wellbeing into their organisational planning and culture. Through policies, leadership programmes, and collaborative initiatives like Firm Friends, The Solicitors’ Charity’s new corporate giving scheme, a collective approach to supporting solicitor wellbeing is evident.

“The Firm Friends initiative brings together firms and suppliers creating a well-funded ecosystem for wellbeing helping to sustain vital services,” says Gallagher. “It’s about ensuring that support for solicitors is funded sustainably from a profession that looks after its own.”

Looking ahead to 2026

As 2026 approaches, there’s a clear opportunity for firms to turn insight into impact. Reviewing existing wellbeing strategies, evaluating employee engagement, and ensuring early access to support are all steps that can make a tangible difference.

Importantly, early access to support isn’t limited to internal resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Many solicitors benefit from connection to external, discreet services, spaces where they can seek help independently and confidentially. Normalising these external pathways is crucial to creating an environment where asking for help feels safe and supported.

Anita McCallum believes connection will be the key theme for 2026:

“The next step is about connection between firms, suppliers, charities and individuals. When we align our efforts, we create a profession where seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength.”

Staying connected and playing your part

As the year closes, The Solicitors’ Charity who works in partnership with providers of wellbeing support to the legal sector is encouraging the profession to stay connected and take small but meaningful steps to support solicitor wellbeing in 2026.

You can:

• If you’re a firm, consider making 2026 the year you stand with the profession by joining Firm Friends and helping sustain vital wellbeing services.

• Sign up to The Register to receive monthly updates, insights and stories from across the profession, and you’ll be sent you a brew kit to enjoy a moment of pause while you read.

• Or simply take a break and listen to new podcast, Legal Pause, where experts from across the legal and wellbeing sectors share ideas on how to build healthier workplaces.

A shared responsibility

As Gallagher reflects, the message for 2026 is clear:

“Wellbeing isn’t a trend or a box to tick it’s the foundation of a sustainable legal profession. When we look after the people behind the law, we strengthen the law itself.”

This is no new subject. LawCare’s research, coupled with The Solicitors’ Charity’s own data, has tracked the state of wellbeing in the profession since the pandemic. Now, the focus must be on prevention as well as support — both of which are only possible if firms and suppliers recognise the value of wellbeing not just from a human-interest perspective, but as good business practice aligned with HR, CSR and career development objectives.

One message endures: solicitor wellbeing is not simply about recovery, but about resilience, connection and care. And building that now will take care of all of us.

Find out more about joining the Firm Friends movement: The Solicitors’ Charity, Firm Friends: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/firm-friends/ 

Caroline Watson Senior Fundraising Manager, The Solicitors Charity

Footnotes

1. LawCare, Life in the Law Report 2025: https://www.lawcare.org.uk/life-in-the-law/

2. The Solicitors’ Charity, The Big Report 2024: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/article/big-report-2024/ 3. The Solicitors’ Charity, The Register sign-up page: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/the-register/

4. The Solicitors’ Charity, Legal Pause Podcast: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/the-legal-pause/

1. Please tell us about your journey into the pro bono world.

I joined Charles Russell Speechlys in 2022 as a Responsible Business Team Assistant, new to both the legal and pro bono sector. I quickly found myself drawn to the legal elements of the role and once settled, began shadowing colleagues during legal advice clinic appointments to understand how advice is delivered in practice. Sitting in on calls with clients facing urgent and deeply personal issues was difficult but seeing a lead lawyer resolve something that had felt overwhelming to a client brought home the value of pro bono and its impact on people who are at their most vulnerable. Those early experiences shaped my career path and ultimately led me to the role I’m in now, as the Pro Bono Paralegal.

2. Tell us about pro bono at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP?

Our Pro Bono Practice is focused on widening access to justice for people who cannot afford legal representation. Alongside supporting vulnerable individuals, we advise small non-profit organisations to provide legal advice and assistance. We take a strategic approach, partnering with trusted charities, legal advice centres and frontline organisations so that our efforts add value and are sustainable. Our focus is on providing high-quality legal advice and building longterm relationships with clients, treating pro bono clients in the exact same way as fee-paying ones.

3. What is your favourite part of your role?

It’s hard to choose just one favourite. I really love managing the Disability Benefit Appeals project which, in partnership with frontline organisation Z2K, allows our lawyers to provide free legal representation for people suffering with severe medical conditions and disabilities and who have had their benefits unfairly reduced or removed altogether by the DWP. Another aspect that I really enjoy is scoping new requests and working with our internal network of Pro Bono Champions to assign matters. This has been invaluable for me to learn how different legal teams work and the type of work each area involves. I am also really proud to work with my team to coordinate five legal advice clinics, providing advice on family, employment and housing law, as well as civil litigation and wills and probate.

4. How do you manage your workload day to day?

I am studying the GDL part-time in the evenings while working fulltime as a Pro Bono Paralegal, so managing competing demands is a skill I am actively trying to develop. I rely on disciplined planning: structured to-do lists, careful diary management and clear prioritisation across multiple inboxes. It can be challenging to be strict with time in a junior role—particularly when combining Qualifying Work Experience with law school—but I am fortunate to

Interview with Caroline Wilson Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

have a supportive team that understands the balance and conflicting responsibilities/ priorities. Their flexibility and guidance make a huge difference, and I couldn’t do it without them.

5. What advice would you give to those wanting to start pro bono work?

Start small and build confidence. If you want to stay within your area of expertise, a legal advice clinic is a low-commitment way to contribute meaningfully. If you are looking to stretch into something new, consider an advocacy project or delivering legal education sessions (for example, through the Schools Consent Project which is open to all qualified or aspiring lawyers).

Also, be clear about your motivations – whether that’s a professional duty to bridging the gap in access to justice, a desire to address an injustice in the law, or personal development – let this guide your choice.

6. What skills have you gained as a result of pro bono and how have you applied it to your current role.

Professionally, pro bono work has helped me to develop my drafting, client-interviewing and advocacy skills. On a personal level, having the opportunity to get involved in so many initiatives has really helped with me confidence, working as part of a team, and being organised. Working in a pro bono team has given me exposure to learn from the best, particularly when it comes to efficiency and dealing with stressful situations. Like most roles in a law firm, it’s incredibly fastpaced and demanding, but I love it.

7. What makes pro bono unique or different and what change has it brought to the people you've helped?

Pro bono is unique because not only are the clients facing urgent deadlines and high stakes situations, but they have limited resources, which demands a whole other level of practicality and creativity needed. The work is very much client-centred, as with fee-paying matters. I’ve seen so many examples where individuals or small charities come to us unsure what they need or where to begin but having a conversation with a lawyer can bring clarity and reassurance.

In my experience, the most meaningful change is often confidence. We take for granted the knowledge and skills obtained in legal roles, at times all the client wants/ needs is to feel heard and supported, and to leave with a clear plan for next steps. Sometimes the legal issue itself is technically straightforward, but what matters is providing steady guidance at a difficult moment.

8. If you could change or do anything relating to your pro bono journey/activity, what would you change/do?

If I could change anything, I would have found this path earlier. Balancing full-time work with study is demanding, and had I known about these roles sooner, I might have studied law at university and been able to dedicate more time to training from the outset. That said, working and studying in parallel has been valuable. The two reinforce each other, and the practical experience has given real context to my studies, which in turn strengthens the support I can offer within the team. ■

Caroline Wilson

Pro Bono Paralegal, Charles Russell

Dye & Durham Enhances AML Compliance with Credas Integration in its Unity Practice Management

Dye & Durham UK, one of the UK’s leading legal technology providers, has announced the integration of a new suite of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) tools into its Unity Practice Management platform, powered by marketleading digital ID provider Credas.

This launch comes at a crucial time, as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) continues to issue significant five-figure fines for non-compliance of AML regulations – with one firm receiving a penalty of £114,000 in July this year*. For legal practices, efficient, auditable onboarding and risk checks are no longer optional but are essential.

With the Credas integration, firms can now trigger advanced compliance checks on a Pay-As-You-Go basis directly within Unity, streamlining the entire process while ensuring real time results, full audit trails and secure document handling.

The offering includes:

• Biometric ID & Instant AML Check: Combines standard AML checks with facial recognition, liveness detection and NFC-based document verification.

• Safe Harbour Checks (Vendor & Purchaser): Specifically designed to meet Land Registry’s Safe Harbour standards.

• Source of Funds Verification: Dynamic questionnaires and open banking integration for thorough yet efficient due diligence.

Results are returned and stored within the Unity case file, supporting compliance, audit-readiness and risk mitigation.

Confirms Chris Shingler, Technical Product Manager at Dye & Durham UK: “The reality is that older ID checking systems just aren’t fit for today’s threats, and that’s before you even consider how cumbersome they are to manage. Our new Credas integration means firms can trigger checks with the data they already hold, see live progress and store every result securely, all without ever leaving Unity.

“From a compliance point of view, it’s a game changer. The SRA is cracking down hard and we’re reading news headlines reporting record fines every week. Our integration gives firms the assurance that they’re on top of their AML duties, with no manual tracking, no risk of missing documentation and everything in one place.”

Credas already supports over 350,000 AML checks every month, is involved in more than half of all UK property transactions and boasts a 4.6-star independent review rating.

Archie Barnett, Manager of the Client Delivery Team at Dye & Durham UK added: “This isn’t just about convenience: it’s about protecting your firm, your clients and your reputation from financial crime and non-compliance. All of Dye & Durham’s customers can now benefit from the same secure, scalable compliance infrastructure as some of the biggest names in the sector.”

For more information on Dye & Durham UK, visit: www.dyedurham.co.uk ■

From precedent libraries to prompts The next step for legal drafting

Almost every lawyer maintains a Precedent Library, collections of letters, documents, and draft orders that serve as reliable templates for routine legal tasks. Whether housed centrally within a firm or kept individually by lawyers, precedent banks save time, promote consistency, and ensure that essential information is communicated accurately. They prevent lawyers from having to repeatedly craft the same content from scratch.

Yet while precedents are widely used, most lawyers do not yet have something that may soon become equally indispensable: a bank of prompts for automated legal drafting. A prompt is a set of instructions given to artificial intelligence, essentially a command or description designed to generate a specific output such as a document, letter, or analysis. Writing a good prompt is much like instructing a trainee solicitor: the instructions must be clear, unambiguous, and thorough. The more detail the prompt contains, the higher the quality of the result. These prompts often include instructions that might seem obvious, such as avoiding Americanised spellings, but are crucial for consistent outputs.

My recent move from private practice to a role with LEAP, a legal technology company specialising in case management software, has given me a new perspective on both precedents and prompts. As Head of Family Law, I now help shape the software to better support family lawyers. Leaving practice meant leaving behind 18 years’ worth of carefully curated precedents; I was hardly going to commit intellectual property theft to take them with me. Instead, I now work closely with LEAP’s precedent libraries, which contain a wide range of template letters and documents designed to streamline legal workflows.

In exploring these templates, I have begun adapting and creating precedents that offer enhanced automation. One example is a letter of instruction to an actuary, which not only pulls through key case details but also uses LEAP’s Word Add-in to offer dynamic questions. The lawyer indicates, for instance, whether a report is ordered or agreed, and the remainder of the letter changes automatically. This creates a more sophisticated tool than a static template, one that reduces repetitive drafting and accelerates routine tasks.

But this still raises an obvious question: what if technology could answer those questions itself by analysing information within the case file? This is where prompts rather than precedents begin to show their potential.

When I joined LEAP, I had limited experience with AI prompting. My early use of ChatGPT had been purely personal, such as asking

it for the correct reading order of John le Carré’s George Smiley novels. The idea of drafting complex legal instructions for AI was daunting; it seemed faster simply to type the letters myself. Yet the capability of AI systems to read and interpret case data changes that calculation. In theory, AI could identify pensions, values, dates, or factual circumstances directly from the matter, eliminating the need for manual data entry. A precedent could therefore evolve into a prompt, an automated set of rules that instructs AI on how to assemble the necessary document.

Once created, a prompt could be reused just like a precedent. It could tell the AI to consider the Pensions Advisory Group guidance, relevant Practice Directions, or even the terms of a specific court order. It could dictate formatting, tone, style, and legal framing. After the prompt runs within the secure environment of the case management system, the lawyer would receive a completed draft ready for review.

Another example is the preparation of briefs to counsel. Traditional precedents can pull basic information such as names, dates of birth, or case identifiers. But a prompt could go much further. It could analyse the matter file, summarise the children’s arrangements, extract the current issues in dispute, and compile the factual background. This would not replace the lawyer’s judgement, but it would provide a first draft similar to the one a trainee might prepare on their first day, only produced in seconds rather than an hour.

Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping legal practice, whether lawyers embrace it or not. The familiar saying captures the trend well: “AI won’t replace lawyers, but a lawyer using AI will.” Replacing or supplementing precedents with prompts is one way to harness the benefits of AI while preserving the lawyer’s expertise, oversight, and control. Just as precedents did not replace lawyers, prompts will not either. Instead, they represent a natural evolution in how we create, structure, and automate legal drafting in an increasingly digital profession.

Read our White Paper Artificial Intelligence (AI): Optimising law firm profitability in six simple steps

The Hidden Cost of Standing Still: Why Law Firms Can’t Afford “Business as Usual”

In today’s legal market, tradition alone won’t keep your firm competitive. Many solicitors are unknowingly paying a steep price for clinging to outdated systems—lost time, frustrated staff, and missed opportunities. The truth? “Business as usual” is costing far more than change ever will.

Outdated Systems Drain More Than Just Time

Every hour spent wrestling with clunky software is an hour not spent serving clients or bringing in new business. Across the UK, lawyers still report spending the bulk of their working day on non-billable tasks. The result? Burnt-out teams, dissatisfied clients, and firms falling behind.

Your Staff Deserve Better Tools

The tools you give your people directly impact their job satisfaction. Legacy systems that crash, lag, or make simple processes unnecessarily complex don’t just slow things down—they chip away at morale. Cloud-based legal practice management systems, on the other hand, make collaboration seamless, improve wellbeing, and free up lawyers to focus on meaningful work.

The Risk You Can’t See: Compliance and Security

If your software hasn’t had a major update in years, you’re at risk. GDPR compliance, data security, and operational resilience aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the bare minimum clients expect. Modern solutions like Clio are built with these needs in mind, offering peace of mind alongside performance.

Why Forward-Thinking Firms Are Switching to Clio

For firms in Hampshire, the choice is simple: continue absorbing the hidden costs of outdated technology, or invest in a platform designed for modern legal practice. With Clio, firms gain:

• Efficiency at scale – Automate routine tasks and reclaim billable hours.

• Happier teams – Empower staff with intuitive, reliable software.

• Future-proof security – Stay compliant, safe, and resilient.

• Better client service – Onboard clients quickly and communicate seamlessly.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Ask yourself: How much is inefficiency already costing your firm? Slower onboarding? Errors creeping in? Time wasted juggling multiple tools?

When you put numbers against these inefficiencies, the real expense becomes clear. And it’s usually far greater than the investment in modern software.

The firms thriving today aren’t necessarily the biggest, they’re the ones willing to adapt. If you’re ready to see what smarter systems could mean for your practice, book a quick walkthrough of Clio and see how it can help your firm work smarter, not harder. ■

Sarah Murphy, General Manager of Clio EMEA

SMART BUDGETING

When it comes to running a business, even making small changes and improvements can make a difference, whether it’s saving money, or being good for the planet.

One small step small business owners can take is to get a smart meter. They are the next generation of gas and electricity meters that are being installed in small businesses and households in Great Britain, replacing traditional meters.

A smart meter can help small business owners to understand exactly how much energy they are using, which can help them with managing energy usage and costs.

Smart meters also put an end to estimated bills, as they provide near-real time data on your energy use, which is automatically and regularly sent to your energy supplier, meaning you shouldn’t have to submit your readings. It also means that you can use your previous bills to forecast future costs and budgets.

SMART METER BENEFITS

As well as helping to give you more control of your business budgeting, smart meters are playing an important role in Great Britain’s energy infrastructure upgrade, as we continue to increase our use of cheaper, greener renewable energy sources.

The data smart meters provide is key to this innovation, and will enable us to buy, store and consume energy differently to the way we do today, gathering the information the energy networks need that will help the energy system better manage supply and demand. This will make the whole system more efficient and able to use more renewables such as wind and solar power.

So just by having a smart meter installed, you’re helping to create a smarter, greener energy system that will benefit Britain, the planet - and you.

Smart meters have lots of benefits for small businesses, including:

• Accurate billing: smart meters measure energy usage in near real-time, so no more manual readings or estimated bills. This means you only pay for the energy you use, which can help with managing cashflow

• Control: the data provided by smart meters can give you more control over your business’ energy spend,

helping you monitor energy usage and identify where cost savings can be made

• Access to historic energy usage data: small businesses with a smart meter can request free access to 12 months of data from their energy supplier. This could help with budgeting and reduce bill shock. It could also help you plan for your next

Smart meters are currently available, and installations are happening now.

bill by identifying any trends or patterns in your energy use across the year

• Information on your energy use: smart meters give you access to free and regular information on your energy use. Your energy supplier may provide this via an online platform, app, smart meter display or other data tools.

Whether you own or rent your business premises, you may be eligible for a smart meter, and if you are renting, but pay your own energy bills, you can ask your supplier to install one (*).

To find out if your business is eligible, contact your energy supplier or broker; search “Get a smart meter for business” or visit smartenergyGB.org.

Other ways to help lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Encourage staff to be mindful Training staff to think about how they use energy is essential to keeping costs down and running efficiently. Better habits, like switching lights off when not in use, could result in savings.

2. Upgrade to LED lighting LED lighting is more energyefficient and long-lasting, meaning you’ll save money on energy bills and maintenance costs.

3. Use energy-efficient equipment

When purchasing new equipment, look for products with an ‘Energy Star’ rating. These items are designed to use less energy, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

4. Install motion sensors

Help reduce energy waste by installing motion sensors in areas such as toilets, storerooms and corridors, so that lights only turn on when someone is present.