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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found guidance ‘was not always articulated with sufficient precision’ and that ‘greater cross regulator engagement on draft guidance may have supported a more consistent approach’.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

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

From first-generation student to trailblazing president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, John McElroy of Fieldfisher reflects on resilience, identity and the power of bringing your whole self to the law

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Planning and environment team expands with partner hire in Manchester

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Firm appoints chief operating officer to strengthen leadership team

NEWS
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has underscored the sweeping reach of UK sanctions. In NLJ this week, Brónagh Adams and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper say the regime is a ‘blunt instrument’ requiring only a factual, not causal, link to restricted goods
Fraud claims are surging, with England and Wales increasingly the forum of choice for global disputes. Writing in NLJ this week, Jon Felce of Cooke, Young & Keidan reports claims have risen sharply, with fraud now a major share of litigation and costing billions worldwide
Litigators digesting Mazur are being urged to tighten oversight and compliance. In his latest 'Insider' column for NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School provides a cut out and keep guide to the ruling’s core test: whether an unauthorised individual is ‘in truth acting on behalf of the authorised individual’
Conflicting county court rulings have left landlords uncertain over whether they can force entry after tenants refuse access. In this week's NLJ, Edward Blakeney and Ashpen Rajah of Falcon Chambers outline a split: some judges permit it under CPR 70.2A, others insist only Parliament can authorise such powers
A wave of scandals has reignited debate over misconduct in public office, criticised as unclear and inconsistently applied. Writing in NLJ this week, Alice Lepeuple of WilmerHale says the offence’s ‘vagueness, overbreadth & inconsistent deployment’ have undermined confidence
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