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10 October 2014 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 7625 / Categories: Features , Legal services , Profession , Wills & Probate
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Waiting for Superman

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Jon Robins questions whether all publicity is good publicity

It is probably fair to say of all the extensive superhero family, “Will Power” must surely rank as one of the more forgettable members. For readers who cannot remember or else choose to forget, this was a cartoon character used to promote “Make a Will” week in 1991. A lawyer’s version of the Green Cross Code man, if you will.

Solicitors zipped themselves into turquoise and white Lycra bodysuits and hung around supermarkets in the admirable aim of raising awareness of the dangers of intestacy. An admirable cause. However Will Power proved so detested by the profession that the Law Society’s head of communications received hate mail from mortified probate solicitors.

Media campaigns

It is probably uncontroversial to say that Chancery Lane has a somewhat chequered history when it comes to media campaigns to promote the services of its members. That its latest campaign (“Use a Professional. Use a Solicitor”) has not provoked controversy within its membership or derision on the

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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
Should a conviction stand when a later ruling reveals that the law underpinning it was wrong? The answer exposes a clash between finality and justice
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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