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17 September 2025
Issue: 8131 / Categories: Legal News , Technology , Damages , Divorce , Wills & Probate , Family , Public
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Digital reform a 'mixed experience' so far

The Ministry of Justice has published its first evaluation of digital services introduced under HM Courts and Tribunals Service’s Reform programme

It covered seven areas—damages, divorce, probate, family public law, financial remedy, social security and child support, and civil money claims.

It concluded last week that legal professionals had a ‘mixed’ experience. Judges felt the services had increased their administrative burden while lawyers were deterred if they could not complete the case journey end-to-end digitally.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson called for investment to be sustained to overcome any gaps in functionality.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—four appointments

Birketts—four appointments

Firm expands partnership with four lateral hires across key practice areas

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joins corporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

NEWS
Serial sperm donor Robert Albon has lost his bid for a declaration of paternity, ‘on the ground that to grant it would manifestly be contrary to public policy’
The government is considering wholesale reform of consumer class actions—the ‘opt-out’ collective claims certified by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT)
A ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ may have taken place at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of about £39.5m of client funds, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will invest in technology to catch tech-reliant fraudsters and handle voluminous case materials
Law firms enjoyed rapid growth in 2025, according to a Financial Benchmarking Survey, published by the Law Society last week
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