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30 October 2020
Issue: 7908 / Categories: Legal News , Covid-19 , Wills & Probate
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NLJ this week: Remote wills

Wills can be witnessed using video conferencing technology, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 executive measure. It defines ‘presence’ in statute for the first time

However, the Justice Secretary’s Order facilitating this has some ‘curious features’, solicitor Nick Bevan writes in NLJ. He scrutinises the legislative move, the run-up to it and the manner with which it was communicated.

Bevan identifies some mixed messages, half measures and missed opportunities. Moreover, he writes, there appear to be ‘two concurrent video will execution regimes in force’. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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