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THIS ISSUE
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Issue: Vol 176, Issue 8144

09 January 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
‘Over-regulating’ the cryptoassets sector could stifle growth when the government brings regulations into force in 2027, a digital assets lawyer has warned
Solicitors received a new year’s boost this month with the announcement of an uplift to the guideline hourly rates
There’s no need to change the rules or introduce more legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector, the Law Society has said this week in its response to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology’s call for evidence on the AI Growth Lab
Barristers and advocates in Scotland, England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have urged the government to drop its proposals for judge-only ‘swift courts’ in cases where the sentence is three years or less
Criminal silk Kirsty Brimelow KC, of Doughty Street Chambers, has taken over the reins at the Bar Council, succeeding family silk Barbara Mills KC
Former Law Society president, I Stephanie Boyce has been awarded a CBE for services to the legal profession, diversity and access to justice, in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2026
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Results
Results
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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
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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