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30 January 2026
Issue: 8148 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Legal services , Regulatory
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LSB marks Mazur homework

Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)

The LSB found guidance ‘was not always articulated with sufficient precision’ and that ‘greater cross regulator engagement on draft guidance may have supported a more consistent approach’. Moreover, their responses to direct questions from the profession ‘evolved over time... which risked inconsistent outcomes’.

The LSB, which oversees all eight legal regulators, launched its review in October, after the decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechleys [2025] EWHC. Mazur held that only authorised persons can conduct litigation, prompting confusion about the proper role of legal executives and other non-solicitor fee earners.

CILEX chief executive Jennifer Coupland, said: ‘The LSB report underscores the relevance of Mazur across the entire legal profession.  

‘We look forward to presenting our argument that Mazur was wrongly decided in the Court of Appeal next month. In the meantime, CILEX continues to promote the excellent work of CILEX professionals, supporting our members and encouraging them to apply for practice rights.’

Issue: 8148 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Legal services , Regulatory
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Forbes Solicitors—Stephen Barnfield

Forbes Solicitors—Stephen Barnfield

Regulatory team boosted by partner hire amid rising health and safety demand

Arc Pensions Law—Kris Weber

Arc Pensions Law—Kris Weber

Legal director promoted to partner at specialist pensions firm

Clarke Willmott—Jonathan Cree

Clarke Willmott—Jonathan Cree

Residential development capability expands with partner hire in Birmingham

NEWS

From blockbuster judgments to procedural shake-ups, the courts are busy reshaping litigation practice. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School hails the Court of Appeal's 'exquisite judgment’ in Mazur restoring the role of supervised non-qualified staff, and highlights a ‘mammoth’ damages ruling likened to War and Peace, alongside guidance on medical reporting fees, where a pragmatic 25% uplift was imposed

Momentum is building behind proposals to restrict children’s access to social media—but the legal and practical challenges are formidable. In NLJ this week, Nick Smallwood of Mills & Reeve examines global moves, including Australia’s under-16 ban and the UK's consultation
Reforms designed to rebalance landlord-tenant relations may instead penalise leaseholders themselves. In this week's NLJ, Mike Somekh of The Freehold Collective warns that the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 risks creating an ‘underclass’ of resident-controlled freehold companies
Timing is everything—and the Court of Appeal has delivered clarity on when proceedings are ‘brought’. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ, Stephen Gold explains that a claim is issued for limitation purposes when the claim form is delivered to the court, even if fees are underpaid
The traditional ‘single, intensive day’ of financial dispute resolution (FDR) may be due for a rethink. Writing in NLJ this week, Rachel Frost-Smith and Lauren Guiler of Birketts propose a ‘split FDR’ model, separating judicial evaluation from negotiation
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