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Issue 41 Autumn 2026 www.snels.org.uk
In Touch The Official Magazine of
Suffolk & North Essex
Law Society
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society A 2
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CONTENTS B AUTUMN 2026
Editor Benjamin Carver
Law Society 4 A Message from our President – Ben Carver 6 Update From Council Member for Suffolk – Duncan McGregor 8 Beyond Being Good at Your Job: How Solicitors Become Truly – Clara Rose Consultancy 10 Please help Suffolk Law Centre keep afloat: an appeal to the legal community – Suffolk Law 11 SRA Signposts Further Safeguards to Protect Client Money – Lovewell Blake
Advertising Simon Castell
12 Can You Reopen a Divorce Financial Settlement Because Assets Have Fallen in Value? – Dovaston Law 14 -15 The Financial Adviser’s Perspective: 10 Things Solicitors Should Know – KingsFleet
Design East Park Studio
16-17 Silicon Fen Moves Home: How AI is Redefining the East Anglian Property Market – GEODESYS
Accounts Tony Kay
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
FINDING YOUR VOICE IN TODAY’S DIGITAL AND PRINT MEDIA
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18 Good practice guide for wealth advisers launches to support growing client demand for philanthropy -RAC
Published February 2026
20 New Research Reveals Prevalence of Charitable Legacies Among the UK’s Wealthiest – RAC
Legal Notice © East Park Communications Ltd. None of the editorial or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. East Park Communications Ltd would like to point out that all editorial comment and articles are the responsibility of the originators and may or may not reflect the opinions of East Park Communications Ltd. Correct at time of going to press. The appearance of advertising copy in this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the individual advertisers by the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society.
22 Behind the Numbers: Comon issues in business valuation – FHM 24 Key insights from EWI’s Workforce Mapping Research – EWI 26 The Hidden Cost of Pension IHT Changes – Philip Nairn, Co-Managing Director, Exizent 27
Legal sector leaders unite to launch Solicitor Wellbeing Alliance – The Law Society
28 Book Reviews 30 What Makes a Drug and Alcohol Test Legally Defensible in Court? – Certis BioLabs
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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 2025-2026
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President Benjamin Carver John Fowlers Colchester Tel: 01206 576151 Email: bencarver@johnfowlers.co.uk
A message from Our President Dear Readers,
Honorary Secretary Ivana Radovic Birketts, Ipswich Tel: 01473 921 716 Email: ivana-radovic@birketts.co.uk Honorary Treasurer Louise Cardwell Ashtons Legal Tel: 01473 261320 Email: louise.cardwell@ashtonslegal.co.uk Honorary Council Members Duncan McGregor Council Member for Suffolk Tel: 020 7504 7071 Mob: 07484 761 525 Email: d.mcgregor@urbanchain.co.uk Karen Dovaston Council Member for Essex, Dovaston Iaw Southend on Sea. Essey Tel. 0800 083 6051 Mob. 07932 360 766 Email: Karen dovasionlaw.co.uk PRO/PLO Louise Goodenough Haywards Solicitors Stowmarket Tel: 01449 613631 Fax: 01449 613851 Email: louise.goodenough@haywards-solicitors.co.uk
Welcome to the Autumn edition. I hope that everyone has managed to enjoy something of a break over the summer months, whether that involved getting away somewhere, spending some well-earned time with family and friends, or simply finding an opportunity to step away from the emails for a little while. I also hope you managed to enjoy the sunshine without completely boiling in some of the hotter weather! It has been great to see so many members getting involved with the Society’s events since our last edition, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has attended and supported them. In particular, we recently held our Pizza and Wine Evening at Thorrington Mill Vineyards on 12 September. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Events like this are a really important part of what the Society is about. While we look to build the educational programme that we can offer, having the opportunity to get together in a more relaxed setting, catch up with familiar faces and meet colleagues from across the local profession is every bit as valuable. I hope those who attended enjoyed the evening as much as I did. Our programme of conveyancing seminars has also continued, with the seminar held on 2 March 2026, and 8 October 2026. Thank you to everyone who attended in March and October. We know that keeping up with developments is an increasingly important, and sometimes challenging, part of practice. The support for these sessions has been really encouraging, and we intend to arrange further seminars in the future. Please keep an eye out for details of those as they are announced. Looking ahead, our next event offers the opportunity for a little friendly competition, all in support of a good cause. Our Charity Quiz will be held at Colchester Rugby Club on 12 November 2026, and I would love to see as many members, colleagues and friends there as possible. Whether you are a seasoned quizzer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of obscure facts or, like many of us, you simply enjoy an evening out and are hoping somebody else on your team knows the answers, it should be a great night. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for us to come together as a local legal community while raising money for charity. One of the things I particularly enjoy about my role as President is seeing the breadth of the legal community across Suffolk and North Essex. We may practise in different areas, work in firms of very different sizes and face our own particular pressures, but there remains a real benefit in having a strong local Law Society that brings us together. As ever, thank you to everyone who gives their time to support the Society, whether by attending events, contributing to our activities or helping behind the scenes. It is very much appreciated. For those who would be interested in becoming more involved, please reach out as we would love to hear from you. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine, and I look forward to seeing many of you at an event soon. In the meantime, I hope the remainder of 2026 treats you well.
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Best wishes, Ben Carver
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
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Update from Suffolk Council Member of Law Society
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A Year in Review The Law Society’s AGM is on 14th October. Amongst other things happening at that event: Bett Dixon will be inaugurated as President; Dana Denis-Smith will step up to Vice President; and, Jeff Lewis will take the role of Deputy Vice President. I have no doubt we are in good hands with this team. The Law Society has been fortunate to have had over the last three years (culminating in his presidential year) of Mark Evans. Mark has championed grass roots membership of the Law Society, physical and mental health of the profession through his Legal Runner campaign. He will be moving on to head up LawCare (the mental health support charity for the legal profession). Over the last 12 months, the Law Society of England and Wales has continued to champion the interests of solicitors, promote access to justice and support the profession at home and internationally. Five achievements stand out. 1. Securing increased criminal legal aid funding Following sustained campaigning and a successful judicial review, the Law Society helped secure government commitments to increase criminal legal aid fees. These include improved payments for police station attendance, magistrates’ court work and certain Crown Court cases, providing much-needed support to criminal defence practitioners.
Duncan McGregor | Head of Legal
Looking Ahead These achievements demonstrate the importance of a strong professional representative body, particularly in influencing government policy and supporting practitioners. However, important challenges remain. Ensuring effective oversight and accountability 3. Supporting the profession internationally of the Solicitors Regulation AuthorThe Society has continued to promote English and Welsh legal services overseas, helping address barriers to international practice and supporting arrange- ity, demonstrating value for members, improving access to justice and mainments that enable solicitors to work across borders. This work contributes to the global competitiveness of a sector whose exports reached nearly £11 billion taining the Society’s own financial and organisational effectiveness must in 2025. remain priorities. 4. Strengthening support for in-house solicitors I will continue to take an active part The publication of an enhanced In-house Ethics Framework in February 2026 in continuing the Law Society’s work. provided practical guidance on professional independence, ethical responsiMost recently I attended the Law Expo bilities and whistleblowing. Developed through consultation with members, it offers valuable support to solicitors navigating the challenges of working within Conference in London where Sarah Rapson (CEO of the SRA) and Professor commercial and other organisations. Stephen Mayson discussed: professional ethics, the COLP/COFA updated 5. Promoting diversity and access to the profession regulation pause and a further strategic Through its Diversity Access Scheme, the Society awarded 16 scholarships in review of the SRA’s role. September 2026, helping aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome financial barriers to qualification. The programme also provides mentoring and opportunities for professional development.
2. Delivering improvements in civil legal aid The Society’s advocacy contributed to the first significant increases in housing and immigration legal aid fees for approximately 30 years. Although further investment remains necessary, this represents an important step towards sustaining access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
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Charity Quiz Night Colchester Rugby Club on Thursday 12th November 2026. Please do join us for a fun-filled evening of quizzing, friendly competition and fund raising on behalf of the Women’s Refuge in Colchester. Bring your colleagues friends and family to put your knowledge to the test in order for us to raise vital funds for an important local cause!
• Teams of 6 maximum, £10 per person • Raffle with some very generous prizes • Food available, but must be pre-ordered
Arrival from 6.30pm Quiz starts at 7pm
Last year was a sellout, so please get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Please RSVP to Jordan.Kluth@JohnFowlers.co.uk
Hosted by the Suffolk & North Essex Law Society and kindly sponsored by Dye & Durham.
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In aid of the Colchester Women’s Refuge
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The Legal Jobs Market: Steady Rather Than Stalled Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
points over the last few years, although there are absolutely still firms recruiting in both. The other clear trend is experience. There are fewer NQ opportunities around at the moment and more demand for lawyers who can come in with a few years’ experience and take on a caseload relatively quickly.
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Clara Rose As we head into the final part of 2026, it feels like a good time to take stock of the legal jobs market. If you read the wider employment headlines, you could be forgiven for thinking there isn’t much happening. UK vacancies have fallen to 702,000, down 4.9% over the year, and businesses generally seem to be taking a more cautious approach to recruitment. But from where I’m sitting, the legal jobs market feels steady rather than stalled. Firms are recruiting, but I think they are being more considered about it. Where they need someone, they really need someone. They are analysing what the team needs, what level they need and whether there is a genuine business case before adding headcount. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. It means we are perhaps seeing fewer speculative hires and less recruitment for recruitment’s sake. But there are still some very good opportunities for people who are considering a move for the right reasons, and even on a speculative basis for senior people. What am I seeing? There seems to be a little more movement around employment and disputes, while some of the transactional areas feel quieter at the moment. I’m seeing fewer residential and commercial property vacancies than at some Written by Clara Rose LLB LLM Clara Rose Consultancy www.clararoseconsultancy.co.uk 020 3286 7884
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That doesn’t mean NQs shouldn’t be looking, but I do think those approaching qualification need to be realistic about the market, start conversations early and think carefully about the experience they are building now. Have salaries reached a bit of a ceiling? This is something else I’ve been thinking about. Legal salaries have risen considerably over the last few years and some firms are now paying extremely well. We may be reaching a point where other firms simply cannot tempt those lawyers away with another salary increase. That isn’t to say salary doesn’t matter. There are still lawyers who are underpaid against the market, and if you know that you are one of them, it is definitely worth understanding what the current market rate is for your experience, location and specialism. Loyalty shouldn’t mean allowing your salary to fall significantly behind. But once you are being paid fairly, or particularly generously, another few thousand pounds may not be enough on its own to make a move worthwhile. And perhaps again, that’s no bad thing. Because once salary stops being the main differentiator, firms have to think much more carefully about why somebody would actually want to work for them. Hybrid and flexible working remain important. So do the people you work with, the quality of management, realistic workloads, investment in technology, training, progression and simply creating a working environment people enjoy being part of. I see this repeatedly in conversations with lawyers. Money matters, of course it does. But there is a difference between moving because
you are genuinely underpaid and moving from an already good salary simply because somebody offers another £5,000. For some people that extra money will absolutely be worth it. For others, flexibility, progression, better management, more interesting work or simply being happier day to day will have far greater value. Equally, firms doing things particularly well can be very attractive even when they aren’t the highest payer in the market. A good market for thoughtful career moves Overall, I’m actually quite happy with where the market is. It isn’t frantic. There isn’t a vacancy around every corner and opportunities vary considerably by practice area and experience level. But there are options. And perhaps a slightly more measured market encourages better career decisions. It gives you a reason to look properly at what you want from the next few years of your career. Are you still learning? Is there progression ahead of you? Do you like the people you work with? Are you being supported? Does the firm’s approach to flexibility work for your life? Are they investing in their people and technology? And, of course, are you being paid fairly for the experience and value you bring? For firms, I think the same applies. If you are going to recruit, be clear about why you need someone and why they should choose you. For lawyers, don’t move for the sake of moving. But equally, don’t assume that a quieter national jobs market means there aren’t good opportunities out there.There are. Perhaps that is the best way to describe the legal market as we move towards the end of 2026: not a market for moving simply because you can, but one where there are still very good opportunities when the right one comes along.
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Please help Suffolk Law Centre keep afloat: an appeal to the legal community
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Suffolk Law Centre offers free legal advice and assistance in civil law matters to people who are unable to afford or access such advice and representation elsewhere. Our main objective is equal access to justice: we help people whose legal issues are compounded issues such as poverty, mental and physical ill-health or lack of social capital. Suffolk Law Centre is an essential part of the local legal ecosystem.
charities to support, then please consider us. One-off donations are always very gratefully received and provide us with vital unrestricted funds. Ways to donate directly are on our website: Donate - Suffolk Law Centre Please help us to stay afloat, so we can keep delivering access to justice for thousands of people in Suffolk and East Anglia. Richard Hinton – Senior Solicitor, Discrimination Supervisor Sue Wardell – Director of Operations and Development
We run the only Housing Legal Aid contract in Suffolk, including the Housing Court Duty service at Bury St. Edmunds. Our Housing team also support the volunteer-run Ipswich Housing Court Duty. We are there to prevent people from losing their homes.
If you would like to talk about how your firm could support Suffolk Law Centre, please get in touch: sue@suffolklawcentre. org.uk
We have a Discrimination Legal Aid contract, mainly supporting people struggling to secure reasonable adjustments at work or in accessing services. We also work in partnership with other charities to ensure that people from marginalised communities can access legal advice. Our Family service supports litigants in person dealing with Private Children matters to navigate the Courts and legal processes. Where they are eligible for Legal Aid, we support them to find a local firm to represent them. Many of you offering Family law services will have had contact with our Family team, and you will be aware of the burgeoning strains on the Family Courts with the numbers of unrepresented litigants having increased more than 3-fold since 2013 Law Society calls for Burnham’s government to implement overdue legal aid means-test overhaul - Today’s Family Lawyer. Our Family team help hundreds of people who fall through the gaps. We do not charge clients for our services as they simply cannot afford to pay. Our two Legal Aid contracts provide a small income stream, but as many of you will know, Legal Aid rates have not increased for decades, and we are heavily dependent on charitable grants to pay staff salaries and keep our services open. Competition for grant funding has become increasingly fierce, while funding for the legal advice voluntary sector is shrinking. We are constantly looking towards the next cliff edge as respective grants come to an end. At a time when the cost of living is putting more and more households under stress, our precarious position is not healthy for our clients, our staff or the community. So, how could you help? One route is to consider paying your residual client balances to Suffolk Law Centre; as a registered charity, we are eligible to receive balances under £500 without your firm needing to notify the SRA. Of course, we love a fund-raiser! If your firm is looking for
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SRA Signposts Further Safeguards to Protect Client Money
Following a consultation earlier this year, the SRA has set out some reforms which are aimed at strengthening protections around client money and ensuring ongoing compliance within legal firms.
In practice, that means that the Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) and the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLF) must not be people who ‘make significant decisions about how the firm is run’.
The move is designed to help the SRA identify risks earlier and reinforce accountability within firms – and ultimately reduce the risk of harm to consumers. The two main changes are in the areas of accountants’ reports and the separation of roles within legal firms.
The idea is to ensure that no single individual can both run a firm and oversee its compliance, including with client money rules, reducing the risk that weak internal compliance challenge will allow problems to go undetected and unreported.
Under the new rules, which are currently expected to come into effect in 2027, all law firms which hold client money will be required to submit annual accountants’ reports to the SRA and provide key information through a declaration. Even in the case where exemptions apply, firms will still have to provide information on their exemption status.
This new rule applies to firms with a turnover of more than £600,000, or which hold more than £2 million of client money. In practice, this is all but the very smallest legal practices. However, there will be a partial exemption for smaller sole owner-manager firms where there may be practical constraints in separating those roles.
Currently only those firms which have had significant breaches of the rules have been required to submit an annual report, so the new rules take us back to the situation which existed prior to 2019. Submitting an annual accountants’ report should not be too onerous in most cases, but missing the deadline to file will raise a red flag with the SRA, and there are financial penalties both for late submission and
Both of these changes are likely to come into effect in 2027, so firms should be discussing how they plan to comply with the new rules with their accountants now. In particular, the separation of compliance roles may require firms to think about their structures and leave themselves plenty of time to implement any necessary changes.
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Legal firms need to start planning for the new rules now, says Shaun Mary of Lovewell Blake.
for not submitting a report at all. Firms should be liaising with their accountants as to who will in practice be submitting the reports. The second major reform aims to reinforce the separation between those responsible for compliance within a firm and the management of that firm.
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Can You Reopen a Divorce Financial Settlement Because Assets Have Fallen in Value? Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
may intervene. Significant New Evidence The courts have recognised that genuinely transformative new evidence may justify revisiting a case. However, the threshold is high. The evidence must be so significant that it fundamentally changes the picture presented to the court. Importantly, a simple fall in property prices, stock market losses, or a decline in business performance will rarely satisfy this test. Why the Courts Take This Approach The courts recognise that every asset carries risks. Property values can rise or fall. Businesses can thrive or struggle. Investments can perform better or worse than expected.
A 12 One of the most common concerns after a divorce settlement has been reached is what happens if property prices fall, investments lose value, or a business performs worse than expected. It can feel deeply unfair if an asset that was once worth a substantial sum is worth significantly less only months later. However, the law in England and Wales generally prioritises certainty and finality over revisiting financial settlements every time circumstances change. The Importance of Finality The family courts place great importance on the principle of finality. Put simply, when parties reach a financial settlement, the aim is to bring financial claims between them to an end so both can move forward with certainty. This principle is fundamental to the operation of the family justice system. If settlements could be reopened whenever property values rose or fell, very few financial orders would ever truly be final. For this reason, courts are generally reluctant to revisit agreed settlements or final financial remedy orders simply because one party later regrets the outcome or because the value of assets has changed. What Happens If Property Prices Fall? Consider a common scenario. A husband agrees to keep an investment property valued at £500,000, while the wife receives other assets of equivalent value. Six months later, the property market declines and the investment property is worth only £400,000. Can the husband return to court and ask for the settlement to be changed? In almost all cases, the answer will be no. The courts generally view changes in market conditions, investment performance, and property values as part of the ordinary risks of ownership. When a settlement is reached, each party effectively accepts those risks. A subsequent fall in value does not usually provide a legal basis for reopening the agreement.
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The same principle applies to: • Shares and investment portfolios • Cryptocurrency holdings • Buy-to-let properties • Businesses and company shareholdings • Commercial property investments • Market fluctuations are considered a normal feature of asset ownership rather than an exceptional circumstance justifying a second bite at the cherry. What Does the Law Say? The statutory framework under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 allows certain financial orders to be varied after they have been made, particularly ongoing maintenance arrangements. However, the legislation does not generally allow courts to revisit final capital settlements or property divisions simply because asset values change over time. This distinction is important. While maintenance payments may sometimes be adjusted if circumstances change, a final division of property is usually intended to remain exactly that: final. Are There Any Exceptions? Although finality is a powerful principle, there are limited circumstances in which a financial order or settlement can be challenged. Examples may include: Fraud If one party deliberately concealed assets, provided false information, or otherwise misled the court or the other party during the proceedings, the court may be willing to revisit the settlement. Material Misrepresentation Where a settlement was reached on the basis of information that later proves to have been fundamentally inaccurate, the court may consider whether the order should be set aside. Procedural Unfairness In rare situations where there has been a serious procedural defect affecting the fairness of the proceedings, the court
If every subsequent change in value allowed parties to reopen settlements, divorce proceedings would never truly end. The courts therefore strike a balance between fairness and certainty, with certainty usually prevailing once a final order has been made. As a result, the law generally leaves parties to live with both the benefits and burdens of the bargain they agreed. Practical Advice Before agreeing a financial settlement, it is important to: • Obtain up-to-date valuations of significant assets. • Ensure full financial disclosure has been provided. • Consider the future risks associated with retaining particular assets. Take legal advice on whether a proposed settlement remains fair if market conditions change. • Careful planning at the settlement stage is usually far more effective than attempting to challenge an order later. Conclusion The short answer is that a financial settlement cannot usually be reopened simply because property, investments, cryptocurrency, or business assets have fallen in value after the agreement was reached. The courts strongly uphold the principle of finality and expect parties to bear the ordinary risks associated with the assets they receive. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as fraud, material misrepresentation, or serious procedural unfairness, will the court generally consider setting aside a financial settlement. A disappointing investment outcome or a falling property market will rarely be enough. For anyone negotiating a divorce settlement, the message is clear: ensure the agreement is properly considered at the outset, because once a final order is made, the opportunity to revisit it is likely to be extremely limited.
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The Financial Adviser’s Perspective: 10 Things Solicitors Should Know
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assets and income do they have? What liabilities remain? Do they have a mortgage? What are their future plans? The figure itself is only one part of the story. Two clients receiving exactly the same amount could have completely different financial needs.
As financial advisers, we’re fortunate to work alongside solicitors and their clients. There is often a natural overlap between our professions, particularly when clients are going through significant life events such as divorce, bereavement, retirement, inheritance or the sale of a business. Yet, despite working towards the same goal of helping clients make good decisions, the two professions can sometimes feel as though they operate in separate worlds. So, from an adviser’s perspective, here are ten things we think are helpful for solicitors to know. The referral conversation matters A warm introduction can make a significant difference. Simply telling a client, “You should speak to a financial adviser” can feel like another task on an already long to-do list. A short explanation of why financial advice could be useful, followed by an introduction to the adviser, can make the process much more comfortable for the client. Timing can be just as important as the advice There isn’t always a need to wait until a legal matter has concluded before involving a financial adviser. Speaking to an adviser earlier can help a client understand the financial implications of the options available to them. It doesn’t mean the adviser is influencing the legal advice, it simply gives the client another piece of the jigsaw when considering their wider financial position. We need to understand the bigger picture If a client is referred to us following a settlement, it is helpful to know more than the amount they are receiving. What other
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“What do you want the money to do?” is often the most important question Clients can understandably become focused on the amount of money they have received. Our role is often to help them step back and consider what they actually want that money to achieve. Is it there to provide an income, fund retirement, buy a property, support children or grandchildren, or simply provide financial security? The answer can fundamentally change the advice. Cash isn’t always the whole answer – but nor is investing everything Following a settlement or inheritance, holding money in cash can feel reassuring, and there is nothing wrong with having cash available. The challenge comes when substantial sums remain in cash for many years without considering inflation, tax or longer-term objectives. Equally, investing money simply because it is available isn’t necessarily appropriate. Good financial planning is about finding the right balance for that particular client. Pensions can be more complicated than they look Pensions are a good example of where financial advice can complement legal advice. A pension fund value doesn’t necessarily tell us what income it might provide in retirement, and different types of pension can have very different characteristics. Where pensions form part of a settlement, understanding their longer-term implications can be particularly important. The most straightforward option on paper isn’t always the one that best fits the client’s wider financial plan. The client’s emotional position matters Financial decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. A client who has recently divorced, lost a spouse or received an inheritance may
be dealing with considerable emotion alongside the practical decisions they need to make. As advisers, we need to recognise that. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do initially is give a client some breathing space and help them understand their options before making major decisions. We don’t expect solicitors to be financial advisers This may sound obvious, but it is worth saying. We don’t expect a solicitor to know every detail of pensions, investments, tax or financial planning, just as you wouldn’t expect an adviser to provide legal advice. The best professional relationships work because each person understands their own area of expertise and knows when another professional should be brought into the conversation. Communication between professionals benefits the client With the appropriate client consent, communication between the solicitor and adviser can be invaluable. Knowing what has already been discussed, what decisions have been made and what still needs to be resolved can prevent duplication and, importantly, avoid confusing the client. It doesn’t always require lengthy meetings. Sometimes a quick conversation or email can make all the difference. Ultimately, we’re all trying to achieve the same thing Perhaps the most important point is that solicitors and financial advisers have more in common than we sometimes realise. Clients don’t see their lives in neat professional categories. They don’t think, “This is a legal issue and this is a financial issue.” They simply see a situation that needs resolving. Our job, collectively, is to help them navigate that situation as clearly and confidently as possible. For us, the best professional relationships are built on trust, communication and a shared understanding that the client comes first. A good referral isn’t simply about passing a client from one professional to another. It’s about recognising when a client could benefit from a different perspective and making sure they have access to the right support at the right time. That can make a real difference, particularly when the decisions being made today may shape a client’s financial wellbeing for many years to come.
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Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
Silicon Fen Moves Home: How AI is Redefining the East Anglian Property Market Frictionless Finance: The 24-Hour Mortgage The most significant pain point in the UK property journey has always been the ‘dead time’ between offer and exchange. In East Anglia, where the legal complexities of historic titles or coastal erosion risks can slow down conveyancing, AI is proving to be a critical accelerant.
16 A For decades, the East Anglian property market has been defined by its contradictions - the hyper-modern tech biosphere of Cambridge sitting just miles from the medieval timber-frames of Lavenham and the untamed coastline of North Norfolk. Buying a home here has traditionally been a game of local knowledge, whispered leads, and a fair amount of patience. However, as we move through 2026, a new force is quietly harmonising these extremes. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept and will inevitably become the primary tool for how we find, value, and secure homes across the East of England. Beyond the Search Bar: The Death of the “Filter” For years, house hunting was a digital chore of ticking boxes: ‘three bedrooms’, ‘detached’, ‘garden’. This binary approach often failed the nuanced beauty of our region. You couldn’t search for ‘a cottage with the character of a Broadland retreat but the connectivity for a London commute’. Now, AI is shifting the paradigm from searching to discovering. New platforms and enhanced tools on Rightmove allow buyers to use natural language. AI understands that a buyer in Norwich might value
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‘walkability to the Lanes” over a specific square footage. By using visual recognition to ‘see’ inside photos, AI can identify unlisted features - like original flint walls or south-facing solar potential that traditional metadata misses. This mismatch between planning approvals and infrastructure delivery creates uncertainty for conveyancers and their clients. In some cases, land may technically be approved for development but remain impractical to occupy or resell because the necessary facilities aren’t yet in place. The Valuation Revolution: Precision over Guesswork In a market as fragmented as East Anglia’s, where a townhouse in Bury St Edmunds can command a vastly different premium than one in Lowestoft, valuation has always been an art. AI is turning it into a highprecision science. By layering “hyperlocal” data, everything from microfluctuations in local school ratings to real-time footfall data near new developments, AI-driven Automated Valuation Models are providing a level of transparency previously unavailable to the average buyer. For the investor, AI tools are being used to predict rental yields, removing the ‘gut feeling’ and replacing it with robust ROI forecasting.
We are also seeing the rise of the ‘SelfDriving Mortgage’. AI-powered lenders can now verify income, conduct credit stress tests and cross-reference property data in seconds rather than weeks. When combined with AIassisted conveyancing, which in the future may be able to flag planning discrepancies or boundary issues instantly, the dream of a “one-month completion” is moving from a dream to reality. The Bottom Line East Anglia has always been a region of pioneers. Just as the physical landscape was once transformed by Dutch drainage engineers, its property market is now being reshaped by data scientists. For the modern buyer, the message is clear: the tools have changed. To secure a home in this competitive corner of the UK, embracing the Silicon Horizon isn’t just an advantage it’s a necessity.
If you’re ready for the full picture, head over to the Geodesys website to get in touch or call on 0800 085 8050. The team is here to answer any questions you may
Unlock effortless transactions Your right hand in commercial property
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Commercial property law is complex. Tight deadlines, high client expectations and complex sites demand more than a standard service. That’s why you need more than just a search provider. You need a partner.
Unlock effortless transactions
With Geodesys, you unlock more than just a service. With nearly three decades of experience, we offer consultative guidance, helping you navigate complex matters with confidence. Our team combines in-depth expertise with the latest legislative knowledge, ensuring you and your clients are always one step ahead.
Expert guidance, exactly when you need it
Your dedicated account manager is trained to advise on every stage of the process, from recommending the right searches for each transaction to supporting with client care letters.
Concierge support that keeps matters moving
This is all underpinned by our Conveyancing Concierge service. We take care of the details behind the scenes, managing searches, streamlining communication, and removing the roadblocks that cost you time. That means fewer delays, smoother transactions, and more time for you to focus on your clients. Because conveyancing is complex enough. We make it effortless.
Your right hand in complex transactions
Contact our dedicated team of Account Managers for a product demonstration or to find out more. sales.team@geodesys.com 0800 085 8050
Geodesys. Commercial Conveyancing Matters.
Good practice guide for wealth advisers launches to support growing client demand for philanthropy Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
also highlights the wider benefits of these discussions, from strengthening client relationships to supporting intergenerational engagement. With the UK entering the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history and many more estates facing an Inheritance Tax liability, having an up-to-date Will in place has never mattered more. Moving with the times Clare Stirzaker, Private Wealth Partner at Boodle Hatfield and Chair of Remember A Charity’s Wealth Adviser Committee, says: “Legacy planning has always been a central part of private client work, but in recent years I have seen a marked shift in what clients are looking for from their advisers. The traditional, purely technical approach to philanthropy is no longer enough on its own. Increasingly, clients want something more holistic. They want advisers who can help them explore what matters to them, articulate the purpose of theirwealth, and understand the impact they hope to have during their lifetime and beyond it.”
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Today, Remember A Charity is launching a good practice guide for wealth advisers. The new guide, Integrating Charitable Legacies into Wealth Planning, is designed to help advisers confidently incorporate charitable legacies into wealth planning discussions and better support their clients’ philanthropic ambitions. Developed in collaboration with Boon Philanthropy Consultancy and Boodle Hatfield, and with input from a host of industry experts, the free guide provides insights and practical tools to help advisers initiate and navigate conversations around legacy giving, particularly in the context of estate planning, succession and long-term wealth strategies. The launch of the guide comes at a time when demand for values-led advice is increasing. Research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) shows that 86% of high-net-worth individuals donate to charity and 93% of those who discussed philanthropy with their adviser found the conversation beneficial.¹ This highlights a significant opportunity for advisers to better align clients’ wealth with their personal values and goals. . A growing advice gap Further research from CAF shows that 6 in 10 high net worth individuals believe it is important for advisers to have a strong understanding of philanthropy². Meanwhile, economic modelling suggests that firms engaging clients in conversations about philanthropy could increase client lifetime value by almost 25% over ten years³. Despite this, philanthropy and legacy giving in particular, are rarely core components of mainstream wealth planning services. The new guide aims to address this gap, equipping advisers with the confidence, language and context to incorporate these discussions into client relationships. The opportunity for legacy giving Charitable legacies represent a significant and growing area of giving, with an estimated £4.4 billion donated to UK charities last year through gifts in Wills4. A 2025 study found that half of UK millionaires have already included a charitable gift in their Will, with many more intending to do so5. This points to a clear opportunity for advisers to support clients in turning intention into action. The guide outlines how advisers can play a pivotal role, not necessarily as philanthropy specialists, but as trusted professionals who can open up conversations, explore client values and connect them with the right expertise where needed. It
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Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, says: “Clients increasingly want theirwealth to reflect who they are and the impact they wish to have on the world. This guide has been developed to support advisers in responding to that shift, helping them to feel more confident introducing conversations about philanthropy and legacy giving, and to integrate these discussions naturally within broader financial planning.” Joe Crome, Head of Business Development and CAF American Donor Fund, at CAF, says: “Recent Charities Aid Foundation research found that although most donors consider philanthropy an important part of their lives, a significant proportion of charitable giving takes place without the involvement of a professional adviser. This is a missed opportunity — for greater impact, better alignment with personal values, and more thoughtful legacy planning. Being up to date on the options available and knowing where to signpost clients provides an opportunity for advisers to meet theirwider needs and develop deeper client engagement.” Sianne Haldane, Founder of Boon Philanthropy Consulting, says: “My clients see their philanthropy as ‘investments’, though in a way it is even more precious as there is no expectation of a financial return, but they do want the reassurance that the funding will be used well and most importantly have a lasting impact.” The launch of the new guide comes ahead of Remember A Charity Week (7-13 September 2026) – the national awareness week for legacy giving, bringing together charities, professional advisers and partners across the UK. The aim is to spark widespread conversations around charitable legacies and the vital role they play in funding charitable services, encouraging more people to consider leaving a charitable gift in their Will. Accessing the guide The Remember A Charity good practice guide for wealth advisers is available to download for free here. Remember A Charity offers a range of additional resources at its Wealth Adviser Hub. Explore the Hub here. Advisers are encouraged to participate in Remember A Charity Week. Find out more here.
Broken, battered and bewildered. A gift in your will can offer a lifeline to the conservation of East Anglia’s wild owl population
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
Every year the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary cares for a wide range of wild owls and other birds of prey suffering from injuries, ailments & traumas. Our mission is to rescue, care and rehabilitate them back to their natural habitat whenever possible, fit & flying free. Legacies and bequests provide a lifeline to help pay for the welfare, food, medication, veterinary services, accommodation and the indispensable care of our dedicated team of falconers as we strive to fulfill our mission.
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For more information please contact Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT info@owl-help.org.uk www.owl-help.org.uk
Registered Charity number 264221
W
e are a UK charity providing a fantastic selection of high-quality audiobooks, both online and via the post, to some 100,000 people across the UK who find it difficult or impossible to read due to an illness, disability, learning or mental health difficulty. We charge a membership fee to only half of our members- those who feel they can make some contribution and that is heavily subsidised. The other half need to be fully funded. Listening Books receives no central government funding whatsoever and very little local government funding. The reality is that Listening Books simply could not survive without the generous support of sponsors and the active co-operation of publishers. Whether you have already written your will or are thinking about writing one in the near future, we ask that you consider leaving a legacy to Listening Books. Your legacy will make a vital difference to the lives of our members for years to come.
CALL US NOW on 020 7407 9417 or email us at: bdee@listening-books.org.uk
www.listening-books.org.uk/Legacies 12 Lant Street, London SE1 1QH
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Listening Books.indd 1
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Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
New Research Reveals Prevalence of Charitable Legacies Among the UK’s Wealthiest
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• • •
50% of high net worth individuals have included a charitable gift in their Will Charitable Will Trusts and Donor Advised Funds used by one in three millionaires Legacy giving is more prevalent amongst millionaires with children than those without; a contrast to mass market trends
New research from Remember A Charity, the UK’s national legacy giving campaign, reveals the prevalence of charitable gifts in Wills amongst high net worth individuals (HNWIs), highlighting the opportunity for further growth. Charitable legacies prevalent The study, commissioned by Remember A Charity and conducted by independent research firm Savanta*, surveyed 500 people with over £1 million in investable assets. It reveals that half (50%) of millionaires have already included a charitable gift in their Will, rising to 75% for those with estates of £5 million+. Noting that legacy giving amongst high net worth individuals may extend beyond a simple donation in a Will, the research finds that nearly one third of the group (32%) have established a charitable Will Trust, and three in ten (28%) donated using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). There are generous tax incentives in the UK for those who leave a charitable gift from their estate. Donations are tax-free and if 10% or more of the net value of the estate is donated this can reduce the Inheritance Tax rate from 40% to 36%. Amongst those millionaires who have not included a charitable legacy in their estate plans, the large majority (58%) say they are open to doing so and
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just over 1 in 4 (26%) said that they simply hadn’t thought about it before. This indicates there is opportunity to engage this audience at the Willplanning stage.
millionaires in this study say they are in the process of writing or updating their Will, reinforcing the opportunity to integrate charitable giving into estate planning.
Percentage gifts Although only around one quarter of millionaires (26%) say they have prepared to leave a percentage of their estate to charity, rather than pledging a fixed sum, many more (40%) say they would be willing to donate a share of their estate. With market studies showing that around 90% of legacy income comes from residuary gifts and that high value estates are driving up legacy values, this demonstrates the importance and potential impact of increasing percentage gifts in this market.
“Charitable legacies are hugely valued across the sector, no matter the size of the gift or estate. But these insights into the high value legacy market reveal that legacy giving is even more prevalent in this space than many of us will have anticipated,” says Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity.
Family dynamics and intestacy In contrast to mass market trends, where childfree individuals are twice as likely as those with children to leave a charitable gift , this study finds that – for high net worth individuals – gifts in Wills are more prevalent for those who do have children (50%) than for those who don’t (42%). This indicates that, at this level of wealth, individuals may well recognise they are able to both secure their family’s future and provide support for charitable causes. This may also reflect the fact that intestacy tends to be higher amongst those without dependents, with 1 in 5 saying they don’t have a Will and have no plans to write one. The research showed a surprising lack of up-todate Wills amongst a demographic that is likely to leave considerable wealth to the next generation. Only 3 in 10 (31%) of millionaires have an up-todate Will, and over one third (35%) of those aged 55-65 don’t have a Will at all. One quarter of the
“While this is certainly encouraging for charities, many of which are becoming increasingly reliant on donations from those with wealth, this also helps to reinforce to professional advisers just how relevant philanthropy is to their client base – and how crucial it is that they can support their clients in achieving their charitable legacy.” Remember A Charity has developed a range of resources, case studies and practical tips for wealth advisers, alongside materials for solicitors and Will-writers, equipping them to explore the topic of legacy giving with clients. A new training programme for wealth advisers will launch this Remember A Charity Week (08-14 September 2025). Professional advisers are encouraged to use the platform of Remember A Charity Week as an opportunity to raise the topic of legacy giving with clients. To find out more, visit the campaign website.
There yesterday. There tomorrow. Thanks to you. For 140 years, SSAFA has supported our Armed Forces and their families. You too can be there for them today, tomorrow, and always. Join SSAFA in honouring our past and shaping their future. Download our free Gifts in Wills booklet and discover how your Will can create a tomorrow where no one in the Armed Forces battles alone. Search “SSAFA Gifts in Wills” or scan the QR code.
Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Established 1885. 1060.1025
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
Behind the Numbers: Comon issues in business valuation
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the profit and loss statements provided to us to check for profit and loss lines which look exceptionally high or low.
At FHM Forensic Accountants we have two experienced experts in the team. Both Fiona and Tom take instructions and focus exclusively on forensic accounting and business valuations. We typically accept 60 to 70 instructions annually and most are as expert witness. We also take instructions as Single Joint Expert, Party Expert and Shadow Adviser, and prepare business valuations for tax planning and commercial purposes. Team members Nick McCarthy, Kirsty Shuckford and Graham Hines help our experts and, beyond FHM, we work with a wider team of professional contacts when specific input is needed such as on international tax. In this article we take a look at some of the typical issues we come across when valuing businesses. Limitations The reliability of the underlying data on which a valuation is based heavily impacts the reliability of that valuation. Audited statutory accounts are often the most reliable source of financial information, however they may still contain immaterial errors or omissions. Forecasts, management accounts and unaudited statutory accounts may contain material errors and are therefore less reliable than audited statutory accounts. If material errors are present, then the underlying valuation itself is likely to be materially incorrect unless they are identified and adjusted for within the valuation. At FHM we perform a high-level review of the financial information provided to us and any unusual transactions and/or year-on-year movements are queried accordingly. Exceptional items When preparing a valuation based on maintainable earnings it is reasonable to take into consideration any exceptional transactions that have occurred. For example, if a business had recently been through a restructuring and incurred a significant amount of one-off expenses relating as a result, then the profitability of the business in that period may appear to be significantly lower than in other periods. If any such exceptional expenses are not adjusted for in a valuation, then this would result in an artificial decrease in future maintainable earnings which could have a material impact on the valuation of the company. At FHM we not only ask our clients whether there are any exceptional costs included in the accounts, but we also perform a high-level review of
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Earnings multiples Determining the appropriate earnings multiple to apply in a valuation of a profitable business is highly subjective and can be influenced by various factors. We not only need to consider the inherent risk factors of the industry in which the business operates but the specific risk factors for the business being valued. Whilst it typically follows that the larger a company is, the higher the multiple that may be applicable, other factors such as reliance on a small number of key customers or reliance on one of the directors for continuation of the trade can have a significant impact on the earnings multiple that may be applicable. At FHM we review industry sector multiples from reliable sources and consider specific risk factors for the business when determining the most reasonable earnings multiple to apply in a valuation. Market value vs Balance sheet value We often see assets on the balance sheet that have a market value which is materially different to the balance sheet value of the asset. For example, we are often instructed to value investment property businesses, and the market value of those investment properties can sometimes be very different to the value included on the balance sheet. At FHM we not only ask our clients whether there are any assets owned by the business which are valued materially differently to their balance sheet value, but we also perform a high level review of the balance sheets provided to identify any assets which could be under or over-valued. Minority discounts The application (or not) of a minority discount in the valuation of an individual shareholding in a company is a matter for the Court to decide however we are typically expected to give a view on whether a discount might be applicable and the likely percentage discount (if any). Whether a minority discount is likely to be applicable and the likely percentage discount is dependent on various factors including the number of shares in the company, the rights attached to those shares and any additional limitations or rights set out in a Shareholders’ Agreement. This is a highly subjective area and for this reason it is likely that any two experts will not agree on the minority discount that may be applicable (if any). At FHM we consider the rights attached to each class of share and review any Shareholders’ Agreements to help us determine whether a minority discount is likely to be applicable and the amount of any such discount.
fiona@fhmforensic.co.uk +44 (0)7770 642491 Tom@fhmforensic.co.uk www.fhmforensic.co.uk
April What As
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Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
Key insights from EWI’s Workforce Mapping Research
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This year, the Expert Witness Institute (EWI) embarked on an ambitious project to gain more insight into the size and demographics of the Expert Witness workforce. This research has provided the first-ever assessment of the size and characteristics of the Expert Witness workforce in the UK. Using national data sets and primary research, the EWI (working with White Space Strategy) have created a robust model and data set which estimates a workforce of 7,500 regular and 23,500 infrequent Expert Witnesses. Additional survey data has enabled us to identify the likely demographics of regular expert witnesses. This dataset will be invaluable in our policy, advocacy and lobbying work and as we deliver our 2026-2030 strategy.
The full report will be published on Thursday 17th October at https://www.ewi.org.uk/workforce The EWI intends to run this exercise again in a few years to monitor changes in the workforce and further refine the model.
The Expert Witness Workforce 2026 Key insights from EWI’s Workforce Mapping Research
Estimated
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
It is estimated that there are approximately 31,000 people in the UK undertaking expert witness work. This consists of 7,500 people in the UK undertaking expert witness work regularly and a further 23,500 who undertake cases infrequently. Specialist Medical Practitioners form the largest group with 40% of respondents. Construction and Building and Therapy professionals (including Occupational Therapy and Psychologists) are the next-largest groups. Over 50% have worked as an Expert Witness for over 15 years. 12% consists of “Professional Expert Witnesses” (those that only do Expert Witness work). 30% of Experts complete 100 or more cases on average per year. The average Expert Witness undertakes 60 cases per year. The majority of Expert Witnesses (77%) charge between £100 and £400 per hour. 41% do not hold any formal Expert Witness qualifications. Only 49% have completed core training in Law for Experts, Report Writing, and Expert Discussions/Joint Statements 11% have not undertaken any Expert Witness training in the key competencies required of an Expert Witness. 62% undertake work as a Single Joint expert but only half of those have completed training in being a Single Joint expert. 33% of the workforce are over 65 and have been working as an Expert Witness for 10 years or more. Only 24% of the entire workforce is female, but there are signs that over time there will be greater representation with a far more balanced gender split in the 35-44 age group. 86% of the workforce is from a White background More work is required in the next survey to understand the needs of the 6% who identify as having a disability. More work is needed to define and refine ‘regular’ and ‘infrequent’ Expert Witnesses in future surveys.
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Medical 40% Specialist
31,000
people in the UK undertaking Expert Witness work
The key findings identified in the report are: •
2. Discipline Breakdown
1. Market Size
7,500
23,500
REGULAR
INFREQUENT
(undertake expert witness work regularly)
(undertake expert witness work infrequently)
3. Experience over
and Building 12% Construction Occupational
Therapy and 11% Psychologists Other key groups: Medical (Other) 6%, Engineering 6%, Finance 6%, Nursing 5%
4. Caseload
50%
have worked as Expert Witnesses for over 15 years
5. Rates
100 or 30% complete more cases per year Average number 60 cases per year
6. Training
77%
charge between £100 and £400 per hour
7. Demographics
24%
are female but the balance is increasing in younger age groups
33%
are over 65 and have worked as Expert Witnesses for 10+ years
49% completed training in law for experts, report writing and expert discussions 11% have undertaken no training in key competencies 52% of those undertaking single joint expert work have completed training for the role
86% are from a white background
6%
identify as having a disability. More work is needed to understand needs
EWI will repeat this research again to refine the model, develop understanding, and monitor changes in the workforce The Expert Witness Institute, 2026
Full report available at www.ewi.org.uk/workforce
Ms Bita Manzouri is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Queen’s Hospital in Romford. She is a specialist in cataract, cornea and external disease. Ms Manzouri undertakes expert witness instructions, including the preparation of medico legal reports and giving evidence in court, in personal injury and clinical negligence cases relating to all of these areas of expertise. She has dual fellowship training in cornea/external disease and paediatric ophthalmology and has also obtained the Cardiff University Bond Solon (CUBS) Expert Witness Certificate. Ms Manzouri can act on behalf of either claimant or defendant or as a Single Joint Expert.
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
MS BITA MANZOURI BSC MBBS MRCP FRCOPHTH PHD CERTLRS PGDIP PGCERT CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON
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For enquiries, contact PA@bitamanzouri.com or phone 07711 357 211. Direct communication with Ms Manzouri is also available at BM@bitamanzouri.com.
www. bitamanzouri.com
Experts in Property & Construction
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Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
The Hidden Cost of Pension IHT Changes
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The proposed inheritance tax changes for unused pensions from April 2027, are inevitably sparking conversations around tax. Discussion around who will pay more, and how many more estates will become liable are certainly valid talking points. However, for private client professionals responsible for administering estates, a couple more pressing questions merit attention: what about the increased risk and how will firms cope with the additional workload? The reality is that the proposed changes will involve administering more complex estates and many more will fall under the new IHT rules then before, opening the door to increased risk. In reality this means more financial information will need to be gathered from multiple providers. It also means potential delays and the chance for human error. When most firms are already working at full capacity, it’s a challenge that needs to be planned for carefully. Complexity Adds Risk Estate administration has always involved a balance of legal expertise and detailed administration. The IHT400 for example, and its associated schedules, is already one of the most detailed and time-consuming forms in the estate administration process. Firms have shared with us that in some cases it can take a full day to complete properly. When additional asset information comes to light late in the process, figures then need to be updated consistently throughout the entire form. Detailed data entry and repetitive work likes this naturally creates risk of human error. And, as more estates become liable for inheritance tax, the volume of this administration is only likely to increase. It only takes a missed digit or a figure not updated following new asset discovery for inaccuracies to creep in. At the very least, one small error could lead to HMRC
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queries resulting in delays and dissatisfied beneficiaries. In the worst case, a firm could be liable for professional negligence. Technology Support Here’s where we believe technology can play a key role to support private client teams. The greatest gains come from removing repetitive administration that offers little value to clients. It also saves unbillable time that is often needed to amend or correct forms or accounts. Automatically populating forms, carrying information across documents, updating figures consistently and reducing manual data entry is a bread and butter for task for today’s advanced legal tech. In fact, tech can complete data replication and calculations far faster and more accurately than any person can and it’s more accurate therefore reducing risk. At Exizent, we see these benefits every day. Firms appreciating software that removes hours of administration, allowing those solicitors to spend more time advising clients and supporting bereaved families. Lara Waddell, Legal Assistant at Warners in Edinburgh uses Exizent and described just how significant that difference has been: “We have used Exizent since 2025 to help produce Estate Accounts, create correspondence to institutions to make enquiries about assets, and for IHT400 form completion. The Exizent platform is intuitive and brings everything together. A simple update or change needed within an IHT400 form for example needs to be reflected across the entire form. Exizent swiftly automates this process ensuring accuracy and saving hours, if not days, of repetitive, detailed administration relating to form completion, while also removing any chance of human error.” Questions There are still questions about exactly how the pension inheritance tax changes will operate when they come into force. However, we do know that many more estates are likely to require IHT reporting. This will result in more and
complex administration placing pressure on already busy private client teams. Those that will be best prepared will have invested the time in looking at suitable technological solutions to help them create the most efficient processes such as Exizent. There can be a certain level of fear surrounding technology. However, these days, tech has been designed for ease of use and for specific real-world applications such as IHT 400 form automation and the creation of estate accounts. At Exizent, our solution helps private client solicitors manage higher workloads while reducing risk every day. As Lara Waddell, puts it: “Exizent ensures we get everything right first time every time, and this means we provide an even better service for our clients”. At Exizent, that’s what drives us: helping private client professionals spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they do best offering valuable legal advice and guiding families through their bereavement journey as smoothly as possible. In advance of the IHT changes in relation to pension, find out more about how Exizent’s award-winning solutions here: www.exizent.com
By Philip Nairn, Co-Managing Director, Exizent
Legal sector leaders unite to launch Solicitor Wellbeing Alliance •
The launch comes as LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 research found that half of respondents had experienced anxiety over the last 12 months.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Mark Evans, said:
Three in five had poor mental wellbeing and around two in five (43.4%) said their mental health and wellbeing was significantly influenced by work. The four organisations have come together to provide a more coordinated approach to wellbeing support, helping solicitors and firms access existing resources, guidance and services. The Alliance will: • •
Share insight on trends and emerging issues affecting solicitor wellbeing Provide a unified voice and identify opportunities to positively influence organisational culture and working practices
“Solicitors face significant wellbeing challenges and no single organisation can tackle them alone. By joining forces, we can raise awareness of the support already available, share expertise and help drive healthier workplace cultures across the profession.
Suffolk & North Essex Law Society
The Law Society has joined forces with LawCare, The Solicitors’ Charity and the Mindful Business Charter to launch a new Solicitor Wellbeing Alliance for England and Wales aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing across the profession.
“The Alliance brings together organisations with a shared goal: ensuring solicitors can access the support they need to thrive.
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•
“Over the coming year, Alliance members will work together to develop and deliver practical outputs that improve awareness of support, share learning and help solicitors and legal organisations take positive action on wellbeing.”
Make it easier for solicitors and firms to find and access the right support by improving awareness and signposting between organisations Work together on shared priorities, focusing on what the four organisations can achieve together that they couldn’t do alone
YOU’RE AT RISK
Our reports
36% of our reports found one or more high risk development sites.
TO ALL PROPERTY LAWYERS
t: 01342 890010 e: info@devassist.co.uk w: devassist.co.uk
HOW FUTURE-PROOF WAS YOUR DUE DILIGENCE? When your client decides to resell, will they face hidden risks you didn’t foresee? At DevAssist, we don’t just assess the present... ...we uncover the future.
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Book Reviews CIVIL PROCEDURE The White Book Service 2026 Law and Practice Editor-in-Chief: Peter Coulson ISBN: 978 0 414 132702 8 SWEET & MAXWELL www.sweetandmaxwell.co.uk THE WHITE BOOK IS THE BEST PRACTICE BOOK FOR CIVIL MATTERS IN 2026 – NOTHING TO BEAT IT!
England and Wales should read this book. The new, second edition has been substantially revised by Taylor after the sad passing of Peter In addition, as to be expected, the work includes Lyons in 2023. Do read Lord Pannick’s Foreword all recent case law with expert commentary before you start the main work. Pannick defines throughout, including recent decisions in Tickle v BBC, advocacy as “communication with others to Laidley v Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd, Google persuade them”, explaining that it is “vital, not just LLC v Robertson, Bellway Homes Ltd v Occupiers of to the effective presentation of legal argument, Samuel Garside House, Chief Constable of Sussex but to all aspect of our lives” hence the very Police v XGY and R (Ayinde) v Haringey LBC. human nature of advocate itself. Court & Judicial Review Guide 2025 (September 2025)).
Pannick also concludes that the essential principles of court and tribunal advocacy are An appreciation by Elizabeth “surprisingly simple”, including “brevity, clarity, Robson Taylor MA of courtesy, integrity and a focus on offering a Richmond Green Chambers solution to the problem posed.” Additional and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head advocacy advice comes from Justice John I of Chambers, Reviews Editor, Laskin at the Court of Appeal for Ontario who “The Barrister”, and Mediator The focus of the 12th edition, as its title suggests, states that busy judges “want answers to two moves beyond the 2013 Jackson reforms to address questions: can you help us, and how fast”. more wide-ranging costs & funding questions across Pannick rightly concludes that persuading a The annual edition of “The White Book”, or “Civil the evolving civil litigation landscape which we, as court does not mean having an argument with Procedure” as it is formally known, remains a rare practitioners, are most grateful to receive. Sweet and the judge, or your opponent. What it means is to treat for practitioners to read and to use. It’s the Maxwell include supplements as part of their service listen as well as to talk! which remain invaluable. The work is available in print most authoritative civil procedure resource for and eBook powered by Thomson Reuters ProView. lawyers in England & Wales. The title of this book says it all. ‘Advocacy: A Practical Guide’ is exactly what it is, offering more The date of publicationofthecurrenteditionisstatedas than 350 plain- speaking pages of practical The White Book contains the sources of law March 2026. relating to the practice and procedures of advice and guidance throughout with page the High Court and the County Court for the after page distinguished in its accuracy, clarity ADVOCACY handling of civil litigation, subject to the Civil and usefulness. What Lyons and Taylor have A Practical Guide Procedure Rules (CPR), and is supplemented given us is advice on listening and talking which is 2nd edition by substantial and comprehensive expert “easy to state”, but “difficult to accomplish” when By Peter Lyons and Chris TaylorI commentary throughout the year. one is under pressure from judges, opposing counsel and the client! The point to be made ISBN: 978 0 85490 313 9 This important practice book is relied upon in here of how difficult it is (or has been in the WILDY, SIMMONDS & HILL PUBLISHING court by more judges and lawyers than any past) to find a readable and authoritative work www.wildy.com other legal text and it is trusted for its authority of reference to the ins and outs and attitudes and commentary. We cannot do without it! of advocacy. Which means, that in this new AN IMPORTANT UPDATED SECOND EDITION Anyone studying law needs to be familiar with and to up to date edition, this book in particular TO THIS EXCELLENT GUIDE FOR MODERN it, and it remains fundamental reading for all emerges as precisely that: a clear and accurate ADVOCACY members of the Bar. guide to good advocacy, which the author rightly describes as ‘communication which offers to An appreciation by Elizabeth As usual, The White Book 2026 edition has persuade,’ adding that in effect, persuasive skill Robson Taylor of Richmond been fully updated with all recent and relevant ‘is vital, not just to the effective presentation of Green Chambers and Phillip legislative and procedural changes. The updates legal argument, but in all aspects of our lives.’ Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers include the Civil Procedure Rules and notes. and Reviews Editor, “The Note especially that in this latest edition from It includes the Civil Procedure (Amendment Barrister” Wildy Simmonds & Hill Publishing, this eminently No. 3) Rules 2025 (SI 2025/1229) (which inserted a new section 3 in CPR Pt 77, Provisions in Support of informative second edition offers a new chapter ‘ Criminal Justice) and the 192nd PD Update, in force on online advocacy, which makes the book Every advocate should have a copy’ is the book’s main essential reading — and certainly an essential 31st December 2025, plus the 191st PD Update selling point, especially as the author, Peter Lyons (PD 51ZH—Access to Public Domain Documents) purchase for advocates everywhere, who will (in force 1 January 2026), and updated Court Guides has been accurately described by his co-author, undoubtedly value its straightforward approach (the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) Guide 2025 (2nd Chris Taylor, as ‘one of the finest advocacy to an often-complicated subject. ed, November 2025); the new Senior Courts Costs teachers of the last 30 years.’ Office Guide 2025 (October 2025) and updates to Thesecondeditionofthispaperbackbookwas the Chancery Guide 2022 and the Administrative Anyone who practices law in the courts of publishedbyWildyin2026. Practitioners will find included in the White Book 2026 Service the most useful 12th edition of Costs & Funding in Practice: Questions & Answers, brought fully up to date with recent costs & funding developments, case law and new questions and answers.
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Why process matters as much as the result In legal & safeguarding settings, identifying whether a substance has been detected is only part of the picture. For a result to be suitable for use in court or formal proceedings, the whole process must be robust and clearly documented. Where there are specific court order wording or Part25 applications, these must be carefully followed. Legally defensible testing depends on more than accuracy. It requires proper procedures, confirmatory laboratory analysis and clear reporting, so that the findings can be explained and, where necessary, scrutinised. It also requires the correct samples to be taken with appropriate windows of detection. Not All Drug Tests Are Suitable for Court Drug and alcohol tests are used for different purposes, and not all provide the level of evidence required for legal proceedings. Rapid (or on-site) screening tests can indicate whether a substance may be present but are not generally sufficient on their own. These are referred to as “presumptive positive” results and should always be supported by laboratory confirmation. Confirmatory laboratory testing uses highly specific analytical techniques to identify what has been detected and, where applicable, its concentration. Legally defensible testing is not simply about the analytical result. Each stage, from sample collection through to interpretation, should be supported by appropriate procedures and records. The result should be reliable, traceable and explainable, creating a clear evidential trail that can be reviewed if challenged.
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Chain of Custody and Sample Collection A reliable result starts with the sample and the informed consent from the donor. Chain of custody provides a documented record from collection through to laboratory analysis and reporting. As part of consent, the collection process should be signed off by collector and donor as a true reflection of what took place. Providing a full audit trail from beginning to end. Collection by trained professionals should include appropriate identity checks, labelling, documentation, secure packaging and controlled transport. Procedures vary by sample type, but each stage should protect the integrity of the sample and minimise the risk of contamination, misidentification or dispute.
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Laboratory Standards, Interpretation and Reporting Forensic testing should be carried out using appropriate validated methods and quality controls. Samples collected through Certis BioLabs are analysed by UKAS-accredited testing partners operating under recognised technical and quality standards.
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Results need to be interpreted in context, taking account of factors such as the sample type, detection window, declared medication and possible environmental exposure.
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