Category Archives: Legal News

Innovations in Legal Services: Leveraging Technology and Global Resources

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal services, innovation is the name of the game. With technology at the forefront, the delivery of legal assistance is transforming worldwide. Here is a look at how these innovations are reshaping the legal industry and leveraging global resources to provide more efficient and accessible services.

The Tech Revolution in Legal Services

Gone are the days of dusty law libraries and endless paperwork. Technology has revolutionised the way legal professionals work, making processes faster, more streamlined, and accessible from anywhere in the world. From case management software to virtual courtrooms, the legal sector is embracing digital solutions like never before.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are particularly noteworthy. These technologies can sift through vast amounts of data in minutes, helping lawyers conduct legal research more efficiently and accurately. Document automation tools are also becoming increasingly popular, simplifying tasks such as contract drafting and document review.

Outsourced Paralegals

In addition to technological advancements, legal firms are leveraging global resources to enhance their services. Outsourcing paralegal work to countries with lower labour costs has become a strategic move for many firms. By tapping into a global talent pool, firms can access specialised skills at a fraction of the cost, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

Outsourced paralegals in the Philippines and other countries can play a crucial role in supporting legal teams and handling tasks such as document preparation, research, and administrative duties. With the rise of remote work and digital collaboration tools, managing a team spread across different time zones has never been easier.

Advancements in Communication Tools

Effective communication is essential in the legal profession, and technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with clients and colleagues around the globe. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become indispensable tools for virtual meetings and consultations.

Secure messaging apps and client portals also ensure that sensitive information is shared securely and confidentially. With real-time communication capabilities, lawyers can provide prompt updates to clients and collaborate seamlessly with team members, regardless of their location.

Legal Software for Enhanced Efficiency

Legal software solutions are another game-changer for modern law firms. Practice management software streamlines administrative tasks such as time tracking, billing, and client intake, allowing lawyers to focus more on practising law and less on paperwork.

Case management software provides a centralised platform for organising case-related information, including documents, deadlines, and communications. With cloud-based solutions, lawyers can access case files from anywhere with an internet connection, improving flexibility and productivity.

Legal software often includes features for document automation, which can significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks like contract drafting and document review. These tools use predefined templates and rules to generate accurate and compliant documents quickly, freeing up valuable time for lawyers to focus on more complex legal work.

The adoption of legal software is not just about keeping up with technological trends; it’s about maximising efficiency, improving client service, and staying competitive. By harnessing the power of technology, law firms can optimise their operations and deliver better outcomes for their clients.

The Future of Legal Services

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for innovation in legal services are endless. From AI-powered legal research to blockchain-based smart contracts, the future holds exciting prospects for the legal industry.

However, it’s essential to recognise that technology is not a panacea. While it can enhance efficiency and accessibility, it must be used responsibly and ethically. Safeguarding client confidentiality and data security should always be top priorities for legal professionals.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, innovations in legal services are revolutionising the way legal assistance is delivered worldwide. By leveraging technology and global resources, law firms can provide more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible services to their clients. As the legal industry continues to evolve, embracing these innovations will be key to staying competitive in the digital age.

 

How To Take Legal Action Against A Negligent Professional

Professional negligence can take many forms. This article takes you through its various aspects, including the definition of the term, examples of professional negligence, and making a claim for any financial loss experienced by your business as a result.

You’ll find all of this information below, so read on.

What Is Professional Negligence?

The term “professional” can refer to many different fields. Here are a few examples of roles it could refer to:

  • Accountants.
  • Financial advisors.
  • Architects.
  • Solicitors.
  • Surveyors.

When a professional takes you on as a client, they’re also agreeing to provide your business with a level of service that meets a certain standard. Making sure they provide you with the standard required of them is known as them upholding their duty of care.

This is expected of them due to the training, knowledge, and experience they have in their field. If the service they provide falls below the required standard, then this is known as a breach of their duty of care.

A breach of a professional’s duty of care can cause you loss. If it does, then your company is said to have experienced professional negligence. However, it’s important to bear in mind that a professional breaching their duty of care does not automatically equate to professional negligence. The breach needs to have also caused your company financial loss.

How Could A Professional Act Negligently?

We have provided some examples below of how various professionals could breach their duty of care they owe to you as their client.

  • Solicitors – Your business may have sought the help of legal professionals for various reasons. Their negligence could result in losses experienced by the company that could have otherwise been avoided.
  • Financial advisors – Your advisor could provide you with investment advice that is poorly researched. This could result in your company losing the money they invest as a direct result of the advice with which they’re supplied.
  • Architects – One of an architect’s responsibilities can be to obtain planning permission before construction on a project can begin. Otherwise, the building could be demolished when it comes to light that planning permission was never acquired. If your company has invested money in the construction process, this could mean a financial loss.
  • Surveyors – Those in this role are required to assess the condition of a property before their client purchases it. Part of this includes noticing issues such as damp or structural damage. If they do not notice them, their client may end up owning the property and then needing to spend more money on repairs that they weren’t aware were necessary.
  • Accountants – For instance, they may miscalculate how much tax you owe. If you pay too little, you could be landed with a fine. Too much, and you’d end up overpaying.

It’s important to remember that there are other relevant professionals and scenarios that we have not included here.

About Professional Negligence Claims

Professional negligence claims can arise from a professional breaching a duty of care to their client. If your business has experienced loss due to the negligence of a professional they have hired, it could be that you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation.

If the claim is successful, the amount received is calculated with the company’s specific circumstances in mind. The aim of the compensation is to restore the business to the same financial position as if it had not experienced the loss for which the claim is being made.

In addition to this bespoke figure, 8% per annum is added to the value of a professional negligence claim for every year that’s passed since the loss. This is so any interest that would have accrued over this period is also accounted for.

Because professional negligence is categorised as a breach of contract, the relevant legislation (The Limitation Act 1980) tells us that you have 6 years to begin the process of claiming. However, there are certain exceptions to this time limit.

What To Do If You Experience Professional Negligence

If your business experiences professional negligence, there are a few steps it can be helpful to take. We have included a few of them below. However, these are general examples. Your own circumstances may require different or additional steps.

  • Establish the nature and extent of your loss – Because professional negligence can take place in various scenarios, the loss experienced by clients will differ on a case-by-case basis. For instance, an accountant’s professional negligence could result in your business experiencing a financial loss.
  • Check when the loss took place – It’s important to know if you’re within the 6-year limitation period to begin a professional negligence. If this window of opportunity expiries, you may not be able to pursue a claim it all. This would result in you company failing to be reimbursed for the loss experienced.
  • Seek legal advice – If your business has experienced loss due to professional negligence, it can be helpful to enlist the services of a solicitor. They can offer helpful advice and guidance, as well as explain complex legal jargon.
  • Gather evidence – If you are planning on making a professional negligence claim, you’ll need to support it with evidence. Your company’s financial records can prove useful here, as can the correspondence with the professional who caused the loss. If you’re working with a solicitor, they may be able to help you during this process.

These are just general examples. Your own circumstances may require different or additional steps.

Thank you for reading. We hope you now have a better understanding of what professional negligence is, and the steps you can take if it has caused your company financial loss.

 

Record breaking year for Inheritance Data

Growing business expands its reach with range of new partners and services

Inheritance Data has reported a record-breaking year with enhanced services and functions and a significantly expanded customer base.

Through new partners The National Will Register and CLS Property Insight, along with existing partners, a growing number of Executors and Probate Professionals are taking advantage of services provided by Inheritance Data.

Through industry leading technology and API (application programming interface) capability, searches can be placed seamlessly from a multitude of platforms, with results shown instantaneously as Inheritance Data receives them.

In addition to new partnerships, a raft of new services are now available through the Inheritance Data platform to complement its Comprehensive Financial Asset Search, such as:

  • Certainty Will Search (powered by the National Will Register)
  • Liability Search (powered by Equifax)
  • Section 27 notice (London Gazette)

Inheritance Data is also working with a further range of new partners which will enable additional services to be unveiled soon, offering a complete searching solution for all probate matters.

Daniel Cane, CEO of Inheritance Data said: “We’ve welcomed new members to the team and achieved a record-breaking year which will allow Inheritance Data to invest further in our technology. Thanks to our growing success we are able to offer the most comprehensive Financial Asset Search, with a range of other complimentary services, all in one place.”

As the most experienced Financial Asset Search providers, Inheritance Data services benefit from not only exclusive Share searching capabilities but an Estate Distribution Warranty.

Every search placed comes with a unique warranty, to protect the Executor / Administrator from any additional costs that could be incurred from a missed asset for up to 10 years.

For more information, or to request a free demo to see how Inheritance Data’s services could benefit your organisation, assist probate professionals and help to mitigate risk, get in touch with the team at www.inheritancedata.com.

Arbitra celebrates its first birthday with four new members

Leading practitioners join next-generation arbitrator support service, which celebrates its first anniversary today.

12.07.22 – London // Arbitra, the management service for arbitrators, has welcomed four new members as it celebrates the anniversary of its foundation. The new members, internationally recognised for their work in this area, are Adrian Cole, Dmitri Evseev, Dana MacGrath, and Eun Young Park all having formerly been partners at major international law firms including King & Spalding, Arnold & Porter, Sidley Austin and Kim & Chang respectively.

The four new members join Arbitra’s existing membership, which has grown steadily throughout the last year, whose numbers, with their arrival, now stand at 35 members.

The concierge-style service for arbitrators, mediators, and neutrals, with offices in London and Washington, D.C, launched with eighteen members in July 2021. Headed by chief executive Owen Lawrence, Arbitra aims to be a natural home for arbitrators, mediators, and dispute board members, helping them manage their careers and market and grow their practices.

Arbitra enables members to resolve disputes swiftly, fairly, and efficiently by focusing, without distractions, on dispute resolution. It operates a conflict-free membership-based structure that offers members the full range of practice management, consultancy, and administrative services, located at prominent London and Washington DC locations.

Owen Lawrence, the chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome such pre-eminent new members to Arbitra. Choosing the right person to resolve your dispute is crucial; at Arbitra, our members’ breadth and depth of knowledge are unrivalled.

“These four appointments add to this. They set the seal on a year in which our membership has doubled, thanks to market interest in our offering, helping us to reshape the way international arbitrators administer their practices and how law firms strategically find and appoint the right neutral.”

“Last year has seen the scope of our offering span a global range of sectors, industries, geographies, laws, and practice areas. Our members have represented Arbitra across all the leading arbitral institutions, as well as in flagship events such as Dubai, Tel Aviv, Paris, and London Arbitration Weeks, and the IBA’s Arbitration Day in Istanbul.”

“We work with them to enable them to focus on what they do best – resolving disputes – while we do the rest. That includes helping law firms and their clients select the individual best able to resolve their disputes, and so find the most suitable tribunal from a diverse stable,” added Lawrence.

Arbitra continues to act as a destination of choice for lawyers seeking to find and appoint tribunals to resolve their disputes privately, increasing the options available to law firms in resolving disputes for commercial clients.

“We understand and discuss the particular needs and requirements of a dispute with the parties to ensure the most suitable member to resolve it is put forward, and then work with them, through their lawyers, to support their disputes from start to finish,” said Lawrence. “There has been considerable demand for our recommendations, based on detailed knowledge, client understanding and case requirements at no cost to the law firm. There is continued strong demand from law firms and corporate counsel to use our services, which we expect to grow still further.”

Top Latin American Law Firm, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, Adopts Lexsoft T3 for Best Practice Knowledge Management

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s knowledge management department is delivering enhanced capability to over 400 attorneys across the firm’s offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru

Madrid, Spain – 07 July 2022 – Lexsoft Systems, a provider of IT and business process solutions, today announces that the top full-service Latin American law firm – Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría (PPU) – has adopted its Lexsoft T3 solution for enterprise-wide, best practice-led knowledge management (KM). Today, PPU’s KM department, comprising just four people, is making significant efficiency gains, benefiting from a structured, taxonomy-based KM system with streamlined processes. The team is delivering timely, modern KM capability to over 400 attorneys across the firm’s practice areas and four offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

T3, which was implemented in just two weeks, replaces PPU’s incumbent in-house developed KM system. Already, since deployment in April this year, T3 stores more than 1,500 knowledge documents and this number is growing on a regular basis.

PPU chose T3 as its firm-wide KM solution, following an exhaustive review of similar systems available on the market. T3 met the needs of PPU’s KM department as well as that of its users. For PPU’s KM department, the solution offers the most advanced functionality to build a sophisticated, multi-level taxonomy structure, it easily integrates with the quality tools the team uses for formatting and templating documents, provides control over KM processes and crucially, ensures the highest level of security. From a user perspective, the solution provides an intuitive and familiar user interface, and integrates seamlessly with iManage Work, the firm’s document and email management system, making it easy for attorneys to use T3.

Isabela Loscher, Head of Knowledge Management at PPU, says, “For a large, multi-office and multi-practice law firm such as ours, a best practice-led knowledge management capability is a business-critical requirement. T3 has completely changed how the KM department functions – already in such a short space of time, we are seeing substantial efficiency benefits through KM processes that are embedded in attorneys’ day to day activity. Moving forward, we will be able to focus on enhancing the firm’s broader KM capability. Up until T3’s deployment, we spent a lot of time manually processing requests for things like definitions, model documents and other firm knowledge – because attorneys could never be sure that the documents in the KM system were the most accurate or the best ones for their requirement.”

Today, the KM system represents a single version of the truth for PPU’s knowledge-related information. Previously, there were multiple versions of the same document, as the incumbent KM system allowed attorneys to edit documents that were already residing in the solution. Also, frequently, a document had to be stored several times, if it was relevant to different practice areas. All this meant that ensuring accuracy and consistency of documentation was extremely difficult and time consuming for the KM department.

The process for capturing knowledge documents for inclusion in the KM system is now streamlined. Any document attorneys highlight for inclusion in T3, automatically goes into a separate inbox assigned to the KM department. This allows the KM team to triage the document, make it compliant with data protection requirements such as the GDPR, and format it based on internal policies and guidelines, before uploading to T3.

Contributions of documents by attorneys for the KM repository have increased as the process is now so simple. Using the “Submit Knowledge” button in iManage Work, attorneys are able to assign documents for inclusion in T3, with a click of a mouse.

Loscher, adds, “T3 has greatly increased attorney buy-in for the KM discipline, enhancing the value of the function to the business. And there can be no greater return on a technology investment than enthusiastic, firm-wide user adoption. Today, our attorneys are actively taking the initiative to work with us to ensure that all their model documents are stored in the KM system. They have experienced the benefits of a best practice KM system first hand.”

Attorneys’ reliance on the KM department for access to documents has reduced, freeing up the team to undertake more strategic activities pertaining to the discipline. With T3 offering multi-level taxonomy alongside powerful search capability, attorneys are able to independently search for and surface the model documents and other information they need, confident and secure in the knowledge that they will indeed access the correct files within the legal context that they are working in.

Carlos García-Egocheaga, CEO of Lexsoft Systems, comments, “We are delighted with the positive impact that T3 has had in PPU. T3 genuinely imbibes the collective KM best practice in the industry – it’s a solution that we are continuously developing and honing to meet the needs of both, the KM leaders as well as the users.”

Today, four of the top 10 global law firms (among others) are already using T3 for KM programmes. The solution can be implemented within days and there are no hidden IT costs. Additionally, the solution is part of an extensive ecosystem and integrates with a wide variety of third-party solutions and technologies. T3 is implemented over pre-existing iManage infrastructure, the leading knowledge work platform in the legal sector globally.

Calling a man bald is sexual harassment, employment tribunal rules

In a landmark decision, an employment tribunal last week ruled that calling a man bald is sexual harassment, once again affirming the need for a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and formal training for line managers.

Electrician, Tony Finn, brought the case against his employer, British Bung Company, claiming he had been labelled a “bald c***” by factory supervisor Jamie King during an argument in 2019.

Mr Finn claimed that the comment was sexual harassment because his being bald was directly tied to being a man as men are more likely to experience baldness than women.

 

Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, says employees and employers should always be mindful that any comments, jokes, or actions displayed at work that humiliate or offend someone will likely be classed as bullying.  He explains:

“Never forget that anything you say in the workplace that has the effect of humiliating, degrading, or offending someone will probably be classed as bullying or harassment.

“This judgement should serve as a reminder of the impact that nasty remarks about a person’s physical appearance can have.

“The tribunal considered whether the remark was sexual harassment or just an insult.

“Eventually, the tribunal ruled upheld Mr Finn’s claim that, because he is a man, he was much more likely to be on the receiving end of such a comment and that the words were made with the intent of hurting him.

“On top of this, the remark was an unwanted violation of Mr Finn’s dignity and created an intimidating environment for him.

“Cases like this also reinforce the need for employers to have clear standards of behaviour to protect themselves against tribunal claims.

“Clear policies and a zero-tolerance stance on workplace bullying, harassment, and discrimination and protect your organisations.

“Every workplace needs to effectively communicate these policies and standards to the workforce through regular staff training and a culture of professionalism and mutual respect.”

 

Smyth, Stapleton & Co selects Zylpha for document bundling

Irish law firm, Smyth, Stapleton & Co Solicitors has selected Zylpha’s electronic document bundling platform to assist the team with producing secure document bundles and electronic Court bundles.

Zylpha, the electronic document bundling software and case management system integration specialist, will integrate with the firm’s LEAP case management system, ensuring a seamless connection between the two systems.

Zylpha’s electronic bundling platform is designed to produce court compliant bundles in a matter of minutes. It is used by law firms and legal teams of all sizes who want to significantly reduce their consumption of stationery, photocopying, storage, and the time taken to produce document bundles (compared to traditional manual methods).

General Practice Solicitor, Verona Smyth of Smyth, Stapleton & Co Solicitors said:

“It was Zylpha’s integration with LEAP that made them the obvious choice for us. We are now producing bundles in a fraction of the time it took previously, making it a big hit with everyone in the firm. Productivity levels are up, and there’s more time for us to spend with our clients. It’s a win, win for me. I just wish we had made the move sooner.

David Chapman – Head of Sales & Marketing of Zylpha comments:

“Smyth, Stapleton & Co have an excellent track record in providing legal advice at a consistently high level, with a focus on achieving optimum client care. We are delighted they have chosen the Zylpha bundling platform to help them produce electronic bundles in a quick and efficient manner.”

Zylpha helps customers produce electronic bundles and briefs in a quick and timely manner through the use of easy to use and intuitive software. The technology is available through integrations with leading legal systems including Visualfiles, LEAP, iManage, Peppermint and NetDocuments.

To find out more visit www.zylpha.com

Zylpha celebrates the launch of document bundling software for NetDocuments

Zylpha (www.zylpha.com) today announces the launch of a new NetDocuments integration for their flagship electronic document bundling platform.

This new integration will make legal document bundling faster, more efficient, and more affordable for NetDocuments users. In an industry first, law firms and legal teams, that use the NetDocuments document management system, can now use Zylpha’s affordable ‘Pay As You Go’ document bundling software platform to create even the most complex court compliant bundles in just minutes.

By using Zylpha’s easy-to-use drag and drop toolset and streamlined single-view dashboard, NetDocuments users can access records, matters, and data to create court-compliant electronic bundles professionally and affordably, in a fraction of the time required to prepare them manually. The unique pay-as-you-bundle price plan means that the days of expensive software acquisition are not something organisations that use Zylpha have to worry about.

Commenting on the launch, Zylpha’s Head of Marketing David Chapman said;

“We know from speaking with clients that there was a space in the market for a well thought out and professional NetDocuments connector that takes full advantage of the changes made to the NetDocuments API. As a technology business we have always focussed on ‘making lawyers’ lives easier’ and for the first time ever, organisations that use NetDocuments can build Court compliant bundles and deal bibles in minutes on a consumption-based price plan.”

To find out more contact the Zylpha Team

GS Verde Group expand Bristol presence at Generator Building

Building upon the recent expansion of their Cardiff headquarters, dealmaking business GS Verde Group has increased capacity in Bristol city centre by more than double, signing a significant lease at the Generator Building, accommodating over 30 staff with capacity to expand further as the business continues to enjoy rapid growth across its multiple disciplines.

 

The new offices, situated in the contemporary and centrally located Generator Building at Finzels Reach, will support the increased staff count across the businesses’ multiple disciplines. The business has made several appointments already in 2022 with more vacancies available following a year of significant growth, as demand for the M&A and business sale specialists’ multidisciplinary approach has soared.

 

Having only recently doubled their Welsh office space, the new Bristol premises underpin the Group’s growing presence across England, Wales and Ireland furthering the team’s reach.

 

This substantial expansion also follows recent success for GS Verde in the Experian Market IQ reports on deal-making in 2021, achieving a unique feat by being the only firm to rank in both the corporate financial and legal rankings in Wales, in first and second place respectively.

 

GS Verde advised on over 100 deals across the UK and Ireland last year, in the business’ best year of trading to date, and expects to see their activity increase even further through 2022.

 

With GS Verde’s complete advisory team across corporate law, finance, tax and communications, these new offices are more than double the Group’s previous space in Bristol, a significant increase that accommodates the fast growth of the business.

 

Speaking of their expansion, GS Verde Group CEO, Nigel Greenaway said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our Bristol office and operations across the South West, augmenting the scope of our offering of unique M&A advisory services throughout the UK and beyond.

 

“Just a few months into 2022, GS Verde has already seen rapid growth in multiple locations, reflecting the value of our multidiscipline approach, and the appetite for corporate transactions.”

 

As GS Verde also progresses plans to expand their EU location in Dublin and expects to continue to acquire as part of its own buy and build strategy, there are still more exciting developments to come this year.

 

 

Zylpha Announces 2022 ‘Legal Innovation Award’ Winners

Leading UK Legal systems developer Zylpha (www.zylpha.com) has announced the winners of its annual ‘Legal Innovation’ Awards. The annual award scheme recognises legal practices that have demonstrated innovative solutions and working practices over the previous 12 months.

Commenting on the 2022 Awards, Miranda Evans, Zylpha Marketing Manager had this to say; “We set out to highlight the benefits that can be achieved through having a forward-thinking and innovative mindset. The legal landscape changed dramatically in 2020 and we noticed a lot of organisations challenging the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset and opting for more intuitive and process efficient solutions.

“Many of our products such as Zylpha Bundling are now widely recognised as “best practice” solutions, and we, therefore, felt it was time to recognise and honour the achievements of those who are leading the way. The awards show our appreciation for their loyalty but also their dedication and ability to keep going during challenging times.

“We would like to be able to present the winners with their awards in person, but government guidelines, particularly with the Omicron variant of Coronavirus, may mean this isn’t always possible. We will however ensure that the awards are received safely by each of the worthy winners.”

There are five Legal Innovation Award Categories:

  1. Outstanding Achievement:

This year the award winners were a firm that demonstrated a clear plan for innovation that was driven by their goal of delivering exceptional client care. We have been continually amazed by their commitment to delivering a top-tier service.

The winner of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award goes to Burstalls Solicitors

  1. Commitment to Technology:

This award was won by an organisation that wants its employees to have access to the best technology solutions available whilst providing a considered and well-thought-out plan for delivering these applications, so they achieve maximum value and longevity.

The winner of this year’s Commitment to Technology Award goes to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  1. The 2022 Bundle of the Year:

As a business that prides itself on its market-leading electronic bundling platform, we wanted an award that celebrated the largest electronic bundle produced over the last 12 months.

The winner of this year’s Bundle of the Year Award goes to Bluebird Support Services

  1. Outstanding Individual Achievement:

For an individual recognised by their employer for going above and beyond what is expected of them in the last 12 months.

The winner of this year’s Outstanding Individual Achievement Award goes to Katie Philpot – South London Legal Partnership

  1. Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year 2022:

This award was presented to a law firm that has gone above and beyond across all metrics despite difficult trading conditions caused by the pandemic.

The winner of this year’s Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year Award goes to JWP Solicitors

Everyone at Zylpha would like to congratulate all of the winners at this year’s awards, as well as all of the finalists too.