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26 September 2025
Issue: 8132 / Categories: Legal News , Technology , Legal services , Artificial intelligence , Regulatory
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NLJ this week: Small firms call for tech clarity as AI looms

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Small law firms want to embrace technology but feel lost in a maze of jargon, costs and compliance fears, writes Aisling O’Connell of the Solicitors Regulation Authority in this week's NLJ

The SRA’s new research shows that while most firms now use digital basics such as e-signatures and cloud storage, only 12% have dipped into generative AI. Lawyers cite confusion over pricing, worries about security and integration, and scepticism about fast-changing tools. Yet many see technology as vital to improve efficiency, cut costs and expand access to justice.

To close the gap, the SRA’s Innovate programme is rolling out impartial guidance, FAQs and case studies, alongside events to help firms share experiences. O’Connell argues collaboration between regulators, providers and professional bodies is critical—otherwise small firms risk being stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Sidley—James Inness

Sidley—James Inness

Partner joins capital markets team in London office

Haynes Boone—William Cecil

Haynes Boone—William Cecil

Firm announces appointment of partner as UK general counsel

Devonshires—Nicholas Barrows

Devonshires—Nicholas Barrows

Firm appoints first chief marketing officer to drive growth strategy

NEWS
Cheating in driving tests is surging—and courts are responding firmly. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Parpworth of De Montfort Law School charts a rise in impersonation and tech-assisted fraud, with 2,844 attempts recorded in a year
As AI-generated ‘deepfake’ images proliferate, the law may already have the tools to respond. In NLJ this week, Jon Belcher of Excello Law argues that such images amount to personal data processing under UK GDPR
In a striking financial remedies ruling, the High Court cut a wife’s award by 40% for coercive and controlling behaviour. Writing in NLJ this week, Chris Bryden and Nicole Wallace of 4 King’s Bench Walk analyse LP v MP [2025] EWFC 473
A €60.9m award to Kylian Mbappé has refocused attention on football’s controversial ‘ethics bonus’ clauses. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Estelle Ivanova of Valloni Attorneys at Law examines how such provisions sit within French labour law
A seemingly dry procedural update may prove potent. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ this week, Stephen Gold explains that new CPR 31.12A—part of the 193rd update—fills a ‘lacuna’ exposed in McLaren Indy v Alpa Racing
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