News
Summer Fixtures, Holiday Cover and Keeping Your Firm Match-Ready As football fans turn their attention to this summer’s tournaments, law firms face a different kind of challenge: maintaining performance when key players are off the pitch.
The summer months bring well-earned annual leave, school holiday commitments and, inevitably, periods where teams are stretched. For many firms, balancing client expectations with reduced capacity can feel like managing a busy fixture list with a shortened bench.
The most successful football teams don’t rely on their starting eleven alone. They plan ahead, build strength in depth and ensure they have trusted support ready when it’s needed. The same principle applies to law firms.
Manchester Law & Technology Conference 2026
Date: Thursday 2nd JulyTime: 09:30 – 16:30Location: No.1 Circle SquareCost to attend: Free but you must register here. The Manchester Law & Technology 2026 Conference returns for a one-day, cross-sector deep dive into the technologies reshaping legal services, financial infrastructure and regulation, and to explore possible collaborative business enterprise contributing to Northern UK economic development. Set in Bruntwood’s Circle Square, the annual
The client account isn’t always the safe option. It can be the riskier one
Most law firms treat holding client money as the conservative, responsible choice. The SRA’s own enforcement record suggests otherwise.
Welcome to our new Operations Manager
We are delighted that Edricia O’Brien has joined the team on 1st June as our new Operations Manager. Edricia will be supporting Carla as she moves into the CEO role in August when Fran retires. Chandre and Grace are going to still be here making sure everything runs properly! Chandre is your first port of
The June Messenger is Out Now!
Read all the latest news and updates in Manchester’s legal community in the June Messenger, published with our partners at Document Direct.
Focus on supervision – lessons for law firms following the Mazur appeal
The recent Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur has provided much-needed clarity and reassurance for CILEX professionals, paralegals, trainees, and other non-qualified fee earners within the legal sector. The judgment recognises the valuable role played by these individuals, validating their qualifications and contributions to the justice system. By rejecting a rigid separation between ‘assisting’ and ‘conducting’ litigation, the Court has endorsed more flexible and pragmatic team structures, provided they are underpinned by robust supervision, accountability, and professional standards.
SRA tightens its grip: AML enforcement intensifies further in 2026
As the UK legal sector navigates an increasingly scrutinised regulatory landscape, 2026 marks a decisive escalation in the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)’s anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement agenda. With record fines, wider proactive inspections, and the imminent transfer of professional supervision to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), law firms are facing the most demanding compliance environment to date.
A market showing intent, but still testing patience
The residential property market entered 2026 on steadier ground, with early indicators pointing to renewed intent from both buyers and sellers. Landmark Information Group’s latest Q1 2026 Residential Property Trends Report shows that pent up supply began returning to the market following the pause in activity seen around the Autumn Budget in late 2025. Listing volumes rose across England and Wales, signaling growing confidence to move, even as broader economic pressures persist.