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29 September 2020
Issue: 7904 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Future is virtual too

The COVID-19 lockdown will result in a long-term shift in attitude among solicitors towards technology, research indicates

A survey by Manchester chambers St John’s Buildings found 97% of more than 120 solicitors expect home-working to become commonplace post-pandemic, while 87% said they expect online court hearings to continue.

Technology will provide an acceptable alternative to face-to-face meetings after the pandemic ends, according to 87% of respondents, and 84% said they will be quicker to embrace technological solutions in future. 

David Anderson, head of corporate services, St John’s Buildings, said: ‘This survey demonstrates just how resilient our sector can be, but also how essential technology has been throughout this period. In March when the courts closed it’s fair to say there was a level of uncertainty regarding how to proceed, but to see so many of our solicitor partners embracing technology and continuing to work closely with our barristers is very encouraging.’

Issue: 7904 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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