THIS ISSUE
The Law Society has urged the government to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) tool for government services to include signposting on legal issues
Sir Stephen Cobb has been sworn in by the Lady Chief Justice as president of the Family Division
Judges could be issued with a guideline for the offence of using violence to secure entry, which is often committed in a domestic abuse context
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which gives separating families £500 of mediation, has been extended for another year
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed its assessment and investigatory resources are under ‘significant pressure’ due to ‘an unprecedented increase’ in misconduct reports
MOVERS & SHAKERS
DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony
Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London
Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster
Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds
Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh
Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment
NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
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