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NLJ this week: Corporate law in the digital fast lane

01 August 2025
Issue: 8127 / Categories: Legal News , Company , Technology , Artificial intelligence , Governance , Risk management
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From virtual AGMs and e-signatures to AI-assisted governance, technology is streamlining business processes but also raising complex legal questions. Writing in NLJ this week, Piers Larbey and Izabella Brooks of Hunters Law LLP explore how digital transformation is reshaping corporate operations—and the legal frameworks that govern them

While legislation like the Companies Act 2006 and Electronic Communications Act 2000 supports many digital practices, gaps remain—particularly around AI use and directors’ duties. The authors warn that reliance on AI for decision-making may conflict with directors’ statutory obligations to exercise independent judgment and diligence.

They also highlight the evolving legal landscape, including reforms like the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. As digital tools proliferate, companies must ensure their governance frameworks keep pace.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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