THIS ISSUE
Barristers have been warned to be on guard against anthropomorphism, hallucinations, information disorder, bias in data training, mistakes, data protection blunders and confidential data leaks when using generative artificial intelligence (AI)
Legal aid lawyers have welcomed increased fees for criminal, housing and immigration work
Public willingness to take part in class actions is rising, according to annual research by communications consultancy Portland
The Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have set up a joint steering group to oversee the implementation of Harriet Harman’s recommendations to tackle bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, published in September
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is consulting on proposals to replace its 2017 guidance on equality and diversity with an outcomes-based ‘framework’ for regulators
Solicitors are installing panic buttons and thumb print scanners due to ‘systemic and rising’ intimidation including death and arson threats from clients
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams
Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant
Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias
International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner
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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