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Negotiation skills for lawyers

Topics include:<ul><li>What is negotiation?</li><li>Planning and preparation</li><li>Red and blue negotiating styles: their pros and cons</li><li>Sending and reading body language signals</li><li>Assertive trading</li><li>Tricks and tactics used by negotiators</li><li>Example of a commercial negotiation</li></ul>

Clear writing for lawyers

This practical webinar highlights the principles of clear legal writing, an essential skill for lawyers who have to advise on complex legal matters in client-friendly language.It will cover:<ul><li>Using the active and passive voice</li><li>Use of tabulation to itemise lists and to avoid ambiguity</li><li>Using one word instead of three or four</li><li>Best practice for maximum sentence length</li><li>Tips for decluttering your writing</li></ul>

Handling difficult clients

This webinar will focus on how to handle difficult clients and is suitable for lawyers and support staff within law firms.Topics covered include:<ul><li>How to be assertive but not aggressive</li><li>Assertiveness self-assessment questionnaire</li><li>Detecting bullies</li><li>Techniques for dealing with angry clients</li><li>Reading body language</li><li>Action planning</li></ul>

Time & Stress Management for Lawyers

Six out of 10 lawyers in the UK have experienced burnout. This webinar will focus on stress and time management skills which can help you to take charge of your schedule and reduce your stress levels.This webinar will cover the following:<ul><li>Common causes of stress</li><li>Why some stress is good – effects of rust out and burn out</li><li>Self-assessment questionnaire – how stressed are you?</li><li>How to manage and control your stress day by day</li><li>Time management self-assessment – how well do you manage your time?</li><li>Common time thieves and how to deal with them</li><li>Action planning</li></ul>

What to do when you make a mistake

We all dread making the kind of mistake that can derail a professional career. It may not be the end of the world in itself, but maybe the reputational fallout will do the damage anyway. Actually, we all slip up from time to time, and the result is rarely Armageddon.Topics covered include:<ul><li> The most common mistakes made by lawyers</li><li>How to avoid them</li><li>How to handle mistakes when they do occur</li><li>Action planning to keep mistakes at bay</li></ul>

Project management – how to scope

This webinar introduces the principles of project management as applied to legal transactions. You will learn how to improve efficiency, control costs, manage risks, and meet client expectations while maintaining quality of service.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Scoping the project</li><li>Planning by using work breakdown summaries</li><li>Creating the timeline for the project by using Gantt charts and timetables</li><li>Risk assessment</li><li>Budgeting and cashflow analysis</li><li>Setting medium and long term objectives – and how to avoid having longer term projects blown off course by short term emergencies</li></ul>

TUPE Transfers – your essential guide

This engaging webinar will cover the essential elements involved in managing a TUPE transfer. We’ll delve into the commercial aspects such as outsourcing, business sales, handling TUPE data and effective negotiation strategies.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Key considerations in a TUPE transfer</li><li>Understanding who is affected by a transfer</li><li>The legal requirements</li><li>Rights that are transferred</li><li>Obligations related to information and consultation</li><li>Employee liability information</li><li>Approaching changes resulting from TUPE in a constructive and proactive manner</li><li>Preventing unfair dismissals in TUPE scenarios</li></ul>

Meeting etiquette for lawyers

In many legal workplaces, meetings are a regular part of the working culture. While some discussions genuinely require a meeting, others might be handled more efficiently through a focused email exchange or a quick online survey. Knowing when a meeting is necessary—and how to make it effective when it is—can save everyone time and improve outcomes.This webinar is designed to help you make the most of the meetings you attend or help organise.Topics covered include:<ul><li>How to prepare effectively so you’re ready to contribute</li><li>What is expected of all participants during the meeting</li><li>The key responsibilities of the chairperson</li><li>What needs to happen ASAP after the meeting</li></ul>Understanding these basics will help you build confidence, communicate clearly, and work efficiently in a professional legal environment.

How to get your witness statements right

Since Practice Direction 57AC came into force in April 2021, the stakes around witness statements have been raised significantly. There is now a steady stream of cases where compliance with the rules are tested and, in several of them, found wanting.A defective statement can be struck out, meaning that all of the evidence of the witness is dead and gone. At the same time, the courts have deprecated over-analysis of statements against PD 57AC as part of a tactical trial strategy.Professor Dominic Regan has covered the law around witness statements since it was introduced in 1992. This webinar will address:<ul><li>The essential ingredients</li><li>The most common drafting failures</li><li>The trap in CPR 32.10</li><li>How CPR PD 57AC change things</li><li>When a witness summary is required</li><li>When a witness might be ordered to give some evidence in chief</li><li>What should never be in a statement</li></ul>

The telecoms code

This webinar will provide an introduction to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code for property lawyers, and will answer the big questions posed by clients, namely<ol><li>Can we stop new telecoms apparatus being installed on/in our building?</li><li>If not, what compensation will we get, and will this cover loss of development potential?</li><li>How can we get existing telecoms apparatus removed from our building?</li></ol>Topics covered include:<ul><li>What are Code rights and how are they acquired?</li><li>Court powers to impose an agreement</li><li>Termination and modification of agreements</li><li>Pre-existing agreements and the 54 Act</li><li>Lessons from the cases</li></ul>

Leadership and performance using KPIs – A guide for law firms

A lot of the material around leadership, supervision and a high performance culture exists on the internet, in podcasts, and in books.  How do you turn this general leadership noise into day to day steps?In this webinar we will draw on other recent webinars (An Introduction to Leadership for Lawyers, Supervision – A Brief Guide for Law Firm Leaders, and How to Create and Lead a High Performance Culture a Guide for Lawyers) and focus on the power of the collective team and how you can influence a team moving forward using data, targets and performance indicators to raise awareness of team goals and make achieving them enjoyable collectively and to deliver high performance.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is the purpose of your team?</li><li>How to agree and define your goals as a team?</li><li>Using the published and respected frameworks of Jim Collins, Jerry Porros, Simon Sinek and Brad Stulberg to help.</li><li>In terms of culture creating a sense of purpose, connection and team safety.</li><li>Six key performance indicators which help profitability, client satisfaction and employees recognising your team and clients expectations.</li><li>How you can create a team ethos in the context of a law firm using established business and management tools.</li><li>We will focus on what you can do to make a difference through your leadership of a team and what to cut out to make you a more effective leader.</li></ul>

A guide to surrogacy for family practitioners

Surrogacy is an emerging and ever-growing method of family building. It is now, effectively, an international industry. In 2023, the Law Commission highlighted the need for statutory reform, but this remains unaddressed by Parliament. Case law, though, continues to stretch and develop as the Court seeks to apply an arguably outdated statutory framework to modern societal norms.Topics covered include:<ul><li>A brief overview of the existing legal framework covering surrogacy in England & Wales</li><li>An examination of the Court’s judicial creativity in the field of surrogacy</li><li>A look at the “state of play” of some of the key socio-economic issues facing surrogacy law</li><li>Case law</li></ul>

Service charges in commercial leases – what you need to know

Navigating service charges in a commercial lease can be challenging—especially when faced with a lengthy schedule in a lease for a new shopping centre, a small lock-up unit, or an office space. However, most service charge provisions share key elements that, once understood, can make the process more manageable.This webinar will guide you through those core elements, helping you identify what to look for and how to approach them effectively.Additionally, with the increasing focus on climate change and energy performance (EPC/MEES), there is growing scrutiny over who bears the cost of related works or alterations. This webinar will also explore how these evolving considerations are impacting lease negotiations and responsibilities.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The key sections of a service charge clause</li><li>The services</li><li>The proportion and future variations</li><li>How is the amount assessed and rights to challenge amounts</li><li>Concessions</li><li>Car parks in the building/Centre</li><li>MEES/EPC green lease improvements</li><li>New build issues – latent defects</li><li>Alterations – tenants and landlords</li></ul>

Advances in special guardianship and child arrangement orders – discharge and enforcement

Family practitioners advising on children law cases must understand the differences and practical implications of Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) and Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs).This webinar explores how each order operates, when one may be more appropriate than the other, and recent developments in legislation and case law. It will also cover the test for discharging an SGO and the methods of enforcing a CAO.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Child Arrangements orders – effect, criteria and Procedure</li><li>Enforcement of child arrangements orders – What options are available?</li><li>Alienating behaviour cases and enforcement</li><li>Special guardianship orders – how do they operate?</li><li>Care orders and SG orders – consideration of Re F and G (discharge of special guardianship order) 2021 EWCA Civ 622</li><li>Special guardianship orders – how do they operate?</li><li>Special guardianship regulations – position in England Wales</li><li>Assessments, timescales and support</li><li>Assessment for SG order and child crrangements</li><li>Extending the 26 weeks and effect of Re Re P-S (Children) 2018 EWCA Civ 1407</li><li>Discharge of special guardianship orders – Consideration of Re M (Special Guardianship Order: Leave to Apply to Discharge) 2021 EWCA Civ 442</li></ul>

GDPR – the latest news

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (‘the Act’) received royal assent on 19th June 2025 and makes a series of changes to the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003. Some of these changes are already in force and the remainder will come into force either in 2025 or in 2026.This webinar will look at the key changes in the Act and will highlight what controllers need to do to remain compliant. Other recent developments in the field of data protection will also be considered.]Topics will include:Summary of key provisions of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025<ul><li>Recognised legitimate interests</li><li>Privacy notices</li><li>Subject access requests</li><li>Automated decision making and profiling</li><li>International transfers</li><li>Cookies</li><li>Application of the soft opt-in to charities</li><li>Increased fining powers for breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003</li></ul>Subject access requests – Ashley v HMRC [2025] EWHC 134 (KB)<ul><li>Scope of subject access requests</li><li>Meaning of ‘personal data’</li><li>Reasonable and proportionate searches</li><li>Provision of information</li></ul>Regulatory Action <ul><li>Latest examples of enforcement action under the UK GDPR</li><li>Latest examples of enforcement action under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003</li></ul>

Newbuild - points to consider

When acting on a newbuild purchase conveyancers will have to consider a wide range of issues which may not all arise on a resale property. This session will look at some of the main points including:<ul><li>Land Registry plan requirements</li><li>Planning conditions and building regulations</li><li>Road and sewer agreements</li><li>SUDS & NAV</li><li>The difference between planning obligation agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy</li><li>Professional Consultant certificates</li></ul>

Planning issues with conditional contracts and options

Property lawyers who do not fully understand how planning works can have major difficulties when drafting, amending and understanding sale contracts that are conditional on the grant of planning permission.  This webinar will focus on the pitfalls to be avoided and the issues that you need to be aware of, including in particular:<ul><li>Defining the planning permission that is the subject of the condition – outline or detailed, onerous conditions, etc.</li><li>Third party challenges, judicial review and s288 – how do they work and what are the problem areas</li><li>Should the seller approve the form of planning application and/or be a joint applicant?</li><li>What about planning appeals?</li><li>Issues with s106 planning obligations</li><li>Lessons from the cases</li></ul>

Whistleblowing: dismissal and detriment

This webinar deals with unfair dismissal and detriment as a result of a protected disclosure (whistleblowing) – an important topic for those acting for employers or employees. The right to protection comes into play from day one, compensation is potentially unlimited, and in the case of dismissal there is the prospect of interim relief. The topics covered will include:<ul><li>What is a qualifying disclosure? Does it include an allegation as well as information?</li><li>What constitutes a reasonable belief that the disclosure is in the public interest?</li><li>What are the protected routes for making a qualifying disclosure?</li><li>Can a claim be made based upon an anticipated disclosure which has not yet been made?</li><li>Does the person who is responsible for the dismissal or detriment need to have knowledge of the disclosure for the whistleblowing provisions to apply?</li><li>What employment status is necessary to make a claim for whistleblowing?</li><li>The differing tests for liability in respect of dismissal and detriment</li><li>The differing rules for compensation in relation to dismissal and detriment</li><li>Claims against co-workers and agents</li><li>Gagging clauses in the context of whistleblowing</li><li>Interim relief: the procedure, the test and the outcome</li></ul>

SRA wellbeing, SLAPPs, NDAs and other issues

Explore the SRA’s increasingly stringent regulatory approach, which has seen firms across the UK face significant penalties for failing to comply with evolving rules, regulations, thematic reviews, and warning notices. While some view this as necessary enforcement, others see it as a barrier to sector growth—especially amid global challenges like Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, and Middle East unrest. We’ll also cover pressing issues such as SLAPP litigation, NDAs, and new wellbeing rules, helping you stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly shifting legal landscape. Topics covered include: <ul><li>The current SRA enforcement approach</li><li>SLAPP guidance and the pitfalls</li><li>NDA guidance – when we can and cannot use them</li><li>Awareness of the issues amongst the profession</li><li>Wellbeing steps that all firms should now have in place</li></ul>

Charities as beneficiaries: what personal representatives need to know

74% of people in the United Kingdom support charities during their lifetime. However, only 7% leave gifts to charities in their wills. Legacy income is predicted to reach over £6 billion by 2050. Charities are now preparing to plan, invest and be ever more creative to maintain and increase their legacy income, in a market that is becoming more crowded.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Personal representatives:<ul><li>Notification of benefit</li><li>Rights to information</li><li>Keeping in contact</li></ul></li><li>IHT considerations:<ul><li>Burden of IHT</li><li>Grossing up</li><li>Reduced rate</li><li>Post death variations</li></ul></li><li>Claims against the estate<ul><li>Ex-gratia claims</li><li>Misnamed charities</li><li>Cy-pres doctrine</li><li>Professional negligence and maladministration</li><li>Costs of executor and/or professionals</li><li>Contested legacies</li></ul></li><li>Other considerations<ul><li>Charities and the duties of charity trustees</li><li>CGT and appropriations</li><li>Charities Act 2022</li><li>Estate and trust accounts: issues for charities</li><li>Best practice in relation to Form R185</li></ul></li></ul>

Understanding estate taxation: income and capital gains tax for personal representatives

This webinar is designed to help practitioners navigate income tax and capital gains tax (CGT) issues in estate administration, including income arising before and after death, the CGT uplift on death, and CGT on disposals during the administration period. Participants will come away better equipped to manage these tax matters with confidence.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Income Tax prior to death<ul><li>Income tax on post death income and payments to beneficiaries</li><li>CGT uplift on death, how this works</li><li>CGT on disposals by the personal representatives and a guided calculation</li><li>A review of penalties and reporting to HMRC</li></ul></li></ul>

Secret commission claims through the back door

Firms like JG Solicitors and Checkmylegalfees have failed in the main to further their efforts to challenge solicitors’ profit costs and success fees through cases like Belsner and Karatysz. However, rather than discontinue the hundreds of live sets of Solicitors Act 1974 detailed assessment proceedings (and become responsible for adverse costs), energy is now being expended on ‘converting’ those proceedings into possible ‘secret commission claim’ associated with ATE premiums taken out by firms. Nick McDonnell, Director & Costs Lawyer with Kain Knight, will discuss the recent case Turner v Coupland Cavendish Ltd and its current ongoing journey to the Court of Appeal.

Commercial property update (including landlord and tenant) – Autumn 2025

This webinar is part of our regular quarterly update series, designed to be an engaging and efficient means of keeping abreast of key developments, and will cover a number of recent cases and other changes on both commercial leases and commercial property generally, including the following topics:<ul><li>The Court of Appeal on the lease /licence distinction: AP Wireless v On Tower;</li><li>Rights of light: damage or injunction? Lessons from the High Court in Cooper v Ludgate;</li><li>Landlord’s commission for insurance: the impact for landlords and tenant of the decision in London Trocadero v Picturehouse;</li><li>Nuisance & leases: whose liable? HLS Leisure v Darville</li><li>The end of upwards only rent reviews? A surprise addition to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill</li><li>Adverse possession – who can claim it? Atkinson v Browne</li></ul>

Employee ownership trusts

This webinar is designed to give participants an overview of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and the key stages in setting them up.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is an EOT?</li><li>Why organisations should consider becoming an EOT:<ul><li>A friendly buyer for your business?</li><li>Just the tax?</li></ul></li><li>Pros and cons of considering becoming an EOT.</li><li>Stages in setting up an EOT:<ul><li>Independent valuation</li><li>Deal structure:<ul><li>Corporate structure</li><li>Documents</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Employees</li><li>Tax</li><li>Conflicts of interest</li><li>Control, decisions and information</li><li>Culture (eats strategy for breakfast)</li></ul>

Guarding against financial abuse: lifetime risks and remedies

This webinar will help practitioners to better detect, prevent, and address financial abuse of older and vulnerable clients, focusing on the legal and practical framework for trustees, attorneys, and deputies. It will cover risks such as self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and misuse of assets, along with how to spot warning signs, reduce risks, and recover funds from wrongdoers.While financial abuse can occur alongside other forms of mistreatment, it is often perpetrated by those in positions of trust—frequently family members without formal authority but with access to accounts and assets—as well as by appointed trustees, attorneys, and deputies whose powers are misused or abused.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Statutory framework: lasting power of attorneys and deputies</li><li>Fiduciary duties</li><li>Financial abuse</li><li>Mental capacity</li><li>Self-dealing and/or conflict of interest<ul><li>Selling or buying property to a family member</li><li>Severing a joint tenancy</li><li>Charging for services</li><li>Making gifts, maintenance, and making family care payments</li></ul></li><li>Applications for authority from the Court: before or retrospective</li><li>Costs and wider considerations</li><li>Other remedies or options:<ul><li>Appointment of professional deputies</li><li>Account</li><li>Constructive trusts</li><li>Injunction</li><li>Criminal offences</li><li>Proceeds of Crime Act</li><li>Setting aside transactions or transfers</li></ul></li><li>Residency or contact orders</li></ul>

Code for completion by post – a refresher for conveyancers

Every residential conveyancing transaction will use the Code for Completion by Post. The Code contains important steps and undertakings and firms could face serious sanctions in the event of breach. But when did you last consider the Code and its requirements? This webinar will be a refresher on this key area for legal practitioners and those who work alongside them will learn the key principles. This webinar will contain practical examples set in a conveyancing context.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is the Code for Completion by Post?</li><li>What are the key implied undertakings?</li><li>What should conveyancers do at completion?</li><li>What changes were made to the Code after Dreamvar?</li></ul>

Rights of light – where are we post Ludgate?

Impacting both homeowners seeking to extend their property and commercial developers looking to maximise profit margins, a neighbouring property’s rights of light can cause serious issues and possibly even stop the planned work. This webinar examines:<ul><li>Defining a right to light and the owner’s remedies</li><li>Will the work actually cause loss of light, and how is that measured? Lessons from the High Court in the recent case of Cooper v Ludgate House</li><li>Are all rights of light equal? Badly lit buildings, offices: Beaumont v Florala; Midtown v City of London</li><li>Will the court stop building work or not – tips & traps for developers and light owners alike: Lawrence v Fen Tigers; Ottercroft v Scandia Care</li><li>Planning for damages – diminution or negotiating?</li></ul>

Break notices in commercial leases: drafting, compliance and case law

Enforcement of the tenant’s primary lease liability, the payment of rent, has been a major headache for landlords. Landlords now need to re-establish discipline as regards rental payments, and a good understanding of the available remedies is key.Do the CRAR loopholes deprive it of effectiveness? What are the pitfalls of forfeiture? Is it simply too expensive and slow to use debt proceedings in court? How effective are guarantees and rent deposits?At the same time, the problem of pandemic arrears remains, but is now confined in its scope. The operation of the compulsory arbitration scheme is therefore part of the picture of arrears recovery.This webinar will explore the issues through case study scenarios, to identify practical strategies to maximise recovery, and focus on the particular topics:<ul><li>Forfeiture</li><li>Use of statutory demands</li><li>County court action to recover rent arrears</li><li>Commercial rent arrears recovery</li><li>Guarantors and former tenants</li><li>Pandemic arrears and compulsory arbitration</li><li>The continued role of rent concessions</li></ul>

Subleases in commercial property – the key issues

Underletting in commercial property can be a complex area, full of potential pitfalls. Securing the necessary consents and navigating the legal and practical challenges has been the subject of extensive litigation. This webinar will highlight key issues that commonly arise and provide practical guidance on how to manage them effectively.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Obtaining landlord’s and superior landlord’s consent</li><li>The Alienation Property Protocol</li><li>Statutory provisions</li><li>What is ‘reasonable’</li><li>Valid objections</li><li>Terms of underlease</li><li>Terms of licences to underlet</li><li>Undertakings for costs</li><li>Rent reviews</li><li>Rent – underlettings at market value where lower than the passing rent</li><li>Security of tenure</li></ul>

Maximising profitability in private client matters

Time is money, but only if you know how to record it properly. In this webinar, Jade Gani explores how understanding both client and colleague psyche can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your time tracking and fee structures.She will show how moving beyond the traditional billable hour, and pricing your work based on its true value, can boost your profitability. You will also learn exactly what fee-related information to share with clients from the outset to meet the industry regulations and build trust with your clients.

Public children law – the latest news in 2025

This webinar will provide practitioners with an essential update on recent developments in public children law, including key case law and practice changes.Topics will include the use of intermediaries and cognitive functioning assessments, developments in public funding and instructing experts, approaches to risk assessment, and the latest position on deprivation of liberty and post-adoption contact.Delivered with a focus on the practical impact of changes throughout 2025, the webinar will offer a succinct yet comprehensive overview designed to equip you with the key principles and current issues shaping this area of practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Practice direction updates</li><li>Interim care orders and position with s.37 CA 1989</li><li>Vaccinations and parental responsibility</li><li>2024 EWFC 350</li><li>Instructing experts and funding – updates on the Remuneration Guidance in 2025</li><li>Experts and application for authority</li><li>Use of intermediaries, cognitive assessments and capacity – what is the current position?</li><li>Intermediaries and position in Re M (A Child: Intermediaries) 2025 EWCA Civ 440</li><li>Assessment of risk</li><li>2025 EWCA Civ 93</li><li>Secure accommodation and Deprivation of Liberty Orders</li><li>Dol cases and impact of Re J (A Child) 2025 EWCA Civ 478</li><li>Reporting pilot and practice direction updates</li><li>Modern view of adoption following R and C</li><li>Placement order contact</li><li>Case law update</li></ul>

Case and costs management

The powers of the courts were changed last year and the judiciary is more actively managing cases and their conduct. On costs, there has been a notable trend of claimants being penalised for putting forward unrealistic budgets, showing that the costs of CCMCs are not always in the case, which many practitioners assume to be the case.This webinar will cover:<ul><li>The extensive powers vested in the court</li><li>Budgeting developments</li><li>The jurisdiction to strike out</li><li>Relief from sanctions</li><li>How an exempt case can yet be costs managed</li><li>Curbs on witness statements</li><li>The Court of Appeal ruling in Alame v Shell confirming the parties’ freedom to plead their case as they want</li></ul>

Advising the buyer of a shared ownership property

Dealing with a shared ownership purchase will involve issues not encountered in a “standard” leasehold transaction.This webinar will look at the key points including:<ul><li>Overview of shared ownership</li><li>Current form<ul><li>Model Lease</li><li>Background</li><li>New provisions</li></ul></li><li>Practice Points</li></ul>

SRA accounts rules update – October 2025

This webinar will explore the latest developments in the SRA accounts rules following the Axiom Ince intervention.  The webinar will  cover the current relaxations firms can still utilise, the regulator’s tougher stance on compliance (including Rule 3.3 and banking facilities), and the updated guidance on systems and procedures firms should adopt. We will also discuss the growing focus on the COFA’s responsibility for financial oversight and insights from accountants on strengthening compliance and financial management.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An outline of the current rules</li><li>The key developments<ul><li>How do we describe ‘disbursements’ in our bills?</li><li>Are we charging the right VAT?</li><li>Dealing with residual balances on client account ledgers</li><li>Offering of banking facilities – case studies and examples</li></ul></li><li>How much is interest a contributor to our overall profits?</li><li>Recent enforcement actions and penalties</li><li>What should our relationship be with our reporting accountants?</li><li>Key checklists and benchmarks</li><li>Duties of the COFA – KPIs</li></ul>

Divorce, cohabitation and financial remedies - key developments in 2025

This webinar will provide practitioners with a focused update on recent developments in family law and practice, with particular attention to the management of divorce proceedings and applications for final orders. It will also examine the implementation and practical operation of the Express Financial Remedy Pilot [PD36ZH] in financial remedy cases.The webinar will review current case law and statutory provisions, highlighting how the evolving law on divorce is being applied in practice and addressing questions that have now been clarified since the reforms were first introduced.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Developments in divorce processes</li><li>Application for final order for divorce</li><li>Position surrounding the ‘20 week’ period when pursuing a divorce and difficulties surrounding financial remedy consent orders</li><li>Applying for a final order for divorce after 12 months</li><li>MPS Application and effect of HA v EN [2025] EWHC 48 (Fam)</li><li>Pre-nuptial agreement and drafting – importance of Loh v Loh-Gronager [2024] EWFC 241</li><li>Express financial remedy pilot: PD36ZH – how is this working and its use in financial remedy cases?</li><li>Seeking enforcement in financial remedy cases – consideration of WZ v HZ</li><li>2024 EWFC 407 (B)</li><li>Developments surrounding cohabitation cases</li><li>How does schedule 1 CA 1989 fit into trusts of land disputes?</li><li>NCDR and developments</li><li>Key case law updates</li></ul>

Buying and selling hotels

Property lawyers are sometimes asked to advise in relation to the sale and purchase of a hotel.  Where the hotel is currently used, and will continue to be used, as a hotel, this is basically the sale and purchase of a business, and many specific issues need to be considered.  This webinar will look at the main issues that should be considered, including:<ul><li>Employment issues</li><li>The sale and purchase of chattels</li><li>Management agreements</li><li>Licences</li><li>Fire regulations</li><li>Franchises</li><li>Third party contracts</li></ul>

Commercial tenant rent arrears – identifying strategies to maximise recovery

Enforcement of the tenant’s primary lease liability, the payment of rent, has been a major headache for landlords. Landlords now need to re-establish discipline as regards rental payments, and a good understanding of the available remedies is key.Do the CRAR loopholes deprive it of effectiveness? What are the pitfalls of forfeiture? Is it simply too expensive and slow to use debt proceedings in court? How effective are guarantees and rent deposits?At the same time, the problem of pandemic arrears remains, but is now confined in its scope. The operation of the compulsory arbitration scheme is therefore part of the picture of arrears recovery.This webinar will explore the issues through case study scenarios, to identify practical strategies to maximise recovery, and focus on the particular topics:<ul><li>Forfeiture</li><li>Use of statutory demands</li><li>County court action to recover rent arrears</li><li>Commercial rent arrears recovery</li><li>Guarantors and former tenants</li><li>Pandemic arrears and compulsory arbitration</li><li>The continued role of rent concessions</li></ul>

Taking and enforcing security in real estate finance transactions

This webinar will explain the different types of security which can be taken in a real estate finance transaction, perfection of that security and also a summary of enforcement of the security. The webinar will include practical tips on why certain security is used and who deals with drafting and registration.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Types of Security<ul><li>Mortgages and charges over land</li><li>Debentures</li><li>Share security</li><li>Alternative forms of security</li></ul></li><li>Priority of security<ul><li>Priority of security over freehold and leasehold property</li><li>Priority between legal and equitable security</li><li>Priority between different Lenders</li></ul></li><li>Perfection of Security<ul><li>Companies House</li><li>Land Registry</li></ul></li><li>Enforcement of Security<ul><li>What it means</li><li>How it happens</li></ul></li></ul>

Demystifying digital assets

This webinar will guide practitioners through dealing with digital assets in estate administration and will drafting.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What are digital assets?</li><li>How to deal with the various different types?</li><li>How to value and report in the IHT400, how to sell or transfer the same, risks and pitfalls.</li><li>The need for specialist Insurance</li><li>How to include within wills</li><li>What to keep and how to record what digital assets are owned, password storage and such like.</li></ul>

Legal leadership: understanding strategy

Leading a law firm and developing and communicating its strategy when thousands of other similar law firms exist can feel daunting and overwhelming.  Many law firms are led by those who do not have traditional management, leadership or business training.In this webinar we will look at some key strategic tools to enable you to understand what business strategy is and to deploy some well-known tools to help you develop and implement strategy in your firm with more confidence.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is the purpose of your team?</li><li>What is your current strategy?</li><li>An introduction to the Strategy Pyramid which gives you 9 blocks to know and understand your business</li><li>The 80/20 principle (Pareto) and what you can learn from it</li><li>The 5C situational analysis and what you and your law firm can learn from it</li><li>Communicating your strategy to the business and embedding it within the business</li><li>We will focus on what you can do to make a difference through your leadership of your team of your firm utilising some well-established strategy tools</li></ul>

What do journalists really want from lawyers?

If you're part of a law firm's business development, marketing or PR team, you know the drill all too well. A journalist is on a tight deadline and needs a quick, clear quote from a lawyer. You call around the firm… delays, hesitations, rewrites. When something finally lands, it's four paragraphs of technical detail and five hours too late.The challenge isn’t just time pressure — it’s translation. You’re the interface between two worlds: journalists who want sharp, digestible commentary, and lawyers trained to be precise, cautious, and often averse to visibility.This training webinar is designed to help you bridge that gap and give your fee-earners a rare insight into the reality of the newsroom. It shows them what makes journalists tick, why media opportunities matter, how to seize them without risk, and how to communicate legal expertise in a way that’s actually usable. It also gives you, as the PR and comms lead, a stronger foundation to support, brief and manage your spokespeople — making the whole process smoother, faster, and more impactful. No more endless edits. No more missed deadlines. Just better media engagement from the start.Topics covered:<ul><li>The difference between national, trade, and broadcast needs</li><li>What makes a story newsworthy (and what doesn’t)</li><li>How to shift lawyers’ mindset from ‘what I want to say’ to ‘what they need from me’</li><li>How to speak to the story, not just the law</li><li>The ‘quote test’: how to tell if your comment will get used</li><li>Quashing the common media misconceptions often held by lawyers</li><li>Case study: A good quote vs. a missed opportunity</li></ul>

Mazur – its impact on litigation and costs

<hr>On 16 September 2025, Mr Justice Sheldon handed down his judgment in Mazur which has since sent shockwaves through the legal profession. The judgment considers whether and to what extent non-authorised fee earners (and their employers) are permitted to carry out legal work within the constraints of The Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA). The Judge’s conclusions seem to indicate that many non-authorised fee earners, and their employers, may be ‘conducting litigation’ without the appropriate LSA authority; an act that can be considered a criminal offence.Nick McDonnell, Director and Costs Lawyer with Kain Knight, will consider the impact of Mazur on law firms and legal practitioners and specifically its potential impact on costs recovery in litigation.

Reporting to clients: an overview

Practitioners are faced with an ever-increasing list of issues on which they are expected to report on in conveyancing transactions.This webinar will consider:<ul><li>Duty to Report: Lessons from Orientfield Holdings v Bird & Bird</li><li>The Law Society Conveyancing Handbook guidance</li><li>Law Society comment on BSA Advice</li><li>SRA advice note on advising on leasehold transactions</li><li>Defining the retainer in the context of Harry v Curtis Law LLP</li></ul>

Mid-term repair and dilapidations issues - the Jervis v Harris clause

Often problems become apparent before the end of the lease if the landlord finds that the tenant has failed to comply with their covenants. This webinar will look at the following:<ul><li>What can a landlord do if the tenant of a commercial lease fails to keep the property in repair during the term. Does the landlord have to wait till the end of the lease to take action and claim dilapidations?</li><li>Is the threat of forfeiture the only remedy or can the landlord exercise its rights under a ‘Jervis v Harris’ clause in the lease?</li><li>What are such clauses – what are the pitfalls for landlords seeking to exercise these rights? In practice what should a landlord do?</li><li>What should a tenant consider if served with a notice under such provisions and what are the limits on the landlord’s rights</li></ul>

Costs and funding developments in 2025

<hr>Few areas of legal practice evolve as quickly as costs, with new decisions, guidance and other developments coming at a remarkable pace. In this webinar, Professor Dominic Regan will review the most important changes lawyers need to know.<ul><li>The budgeting ‘lite’ pilots</li><li>A stern new warning about budgeting conduct</li><li>When are indemnity costs to be awarded?</li><li>Part 36 developments</li><li>Should a non-party be ordered to pay costs ?</li><li>The latest on medical agency fees</li></ul>

Conducting advocacy in children cases

As more family lawyers undertake their own advocacy, it is essential to develop the skills and confidence needed to do so effectively.This practical webinar will provide guidance on advocacy across a range of family hearings, from case management to contested matters involving live evidence. Through tips, reminders, and worked examples, the training will help practitioners manage anxiety, build confidence, and improve technique.Structured in two parts—covering core procedures and practical approaches to handling live evidence—the webinar offers valuable support for lawyers acting on behalf of parents, children, extended family members, and local authorities.Topics covered include:First half:<ul><li>Steps to take in preparation</li><li>Using the law in Family advocacy to boost your confidence</li><li>Researching the law</li><li>Making submissions – structure and analysing of the case</li><li>Skeleton arguments and submissions</li></ul>Second half:<ul><li>Live hearings and calling evidence</li><li>Effective examination-in-chief</li><li>Is permission to ask supplemental evidence required?</li><li>Cross examination – it’s easy when you know how!</li><li>You can do it – believe in yourself!</li><li>Re examination</li><li>Contested interim care hearings – do I really need to contest?</li><li>Case management hearings – being on the ball with the issued to be covered</li><li>Issues resolution and final hearings</li><li>Remote hearings</li></ul>

AI for law firm leaders – practical deployment

This webinar is tailored for solicitors, managing partners, chief executives, and legal team leaders who are eager to bridge the gap between aspiration and the practical adoption of artificial intelligence in modern legal practice. With the English and Welsh legal market demanding enhanced performance and technological adoption, many professionals find themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain, especially when it comes to AI.Led by Paul Bennett, a solicitor renowned for his expertise in legal regulation and his commitment to productivity and exceptional client outcomes, this webinar transcends hype and sales pitches. Participants will be empowered to separate fact from fiction, understanding what AI truly is—and crucially, what it is not.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Demystifying AI: a clear introduction to artificial intelligence, tailored for legal professionals.</li><li>Identifying suitable tasks: which administrative and legal functions can be ethically and safely assigned to AI within a law firm?</li><li>Safe deployment: practical strategies for implementing AI technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance and client protection.</li><li>Upskilling and resources: making use of freely available materials and accessible training, enabling teams and individuals to build confidence and capability.</li><li></li></ul>Why view this on-demand?<ul><li>Gain practical insights grounded in legal expertise, not technical jargon.</li><li>Learn how to navigate the AI revolution safely and effectively, enhancing your firm’s productivity and client service.</li><li>End the webinar with actionable steps and resources to drive meaningful transformation.</li><li>Book now for a highly practical, ethics-driven exploration of AI in law, and equip yourself to lead your practice into the future—with confidence and clarity.</li></ul><ol><li>This overview was generated by Paul using his bullet points, but it was then converted into this summary using AI.</li></ol>

The changes to BPR and APR as they affect trusts and trustees

The November 2025 Budget is expected to deliver some stern tax measures, but a complete restriction of 100% relief on business and agricultural property remains unlikely. Draft legislation is now available for review.This webinar will look specifically at the way in which the changes will affect trusts. It will consider:<ul><li>Transfers to relevant property trusts pre- and post-budget day</li><li>Calculation of anniversary and exit charges for pre- and post-budget trusts</li><li>A window of opportunity for winding up trusts (but do you want to take advantage of it?)</li><li>Qualifying interests in possession</li><li>Trusts for bereaved minors and bereaved young persons.</li></ul>After this webinar you will be able to:<ul><li>Identify issues relating to the creation and management of trusts with relievable property, and</li><li>Advise trustees appropriately.</li></ul>

Tips and traps when selling land to developers

Developers are professional buyers of land, and it is your job to level the playing field when acting for an “amateur” seller of land dealing with a developer.  This webinar will look at the issues to consider, including:<ul><li>Conditional contracts versus options – which is best?</li><li>What are the drawbacks with a promotion agreement?</li><li>Drafting conditions in a conditional contract</li><li>What are the issues where an option is exercised on part only of the option land?</li><li>S106 planning obligations</li><li>Community Infrastructure Levy</li><li>Overage</li><li>Excepting and reserving rights</li><li>Practical issues and future protection for the landowner</li><li>Lessons from the case</li></ul>

Contract law – the latest developments

The courts continue to see a steady stream of contract law disputes ranging from contract formation to liquidated damages. This webinar summarises all the key developments and sets out a series of practical steps to take.Topics covered include:Contract formation:<ul><li>Can an exchange of WhatsApp messages give rise to a binding contract?</li><li>Jaevee v Fincham [2025] EWHC 942 (TCC)</li><li>Southeaster Maritime v Trafigura [2024] EWHC 255 (Comm)</li><li>Can a thumbs up emoji constitute acceptance?</li><li>Achter Land v South-West 2024 SKCA 115 – Canadian case</li><li>Agreements to agree and reasonable endeavours</li><li>Salem v Salem [2024] EWHC 3311 (Ch)</li></ul>Exclusion and limitation clauses:<ul><li>Exclusion of ‘anticipated profits’ – EE Ltd v Virgin Mobile [2025] EWCA Civ 70</li><li>Meaning of ‘aggregate liability’ – Tata Consultancy v DBS [2024] EWHC 1185 (TCC)</li><li>Limitation clauses and set-off provisions – Topalsson v Rolls Royce [2024] EWCA Civ 1330</li></ul>Liquidated damages clauses:<ul><li>Did a lender have a legitimate interest in inserting a higher rate of interest in the event of non-payment?</li><li>Houssein v London Credit Limited [2024] EWCA Civ 721</li></ul>Interest clauses:<ul><li>Meaning of ‘substantial remedy’</li><li>A&V Building v J&B Hopkins [2024] EWHC 2295 (TCC)</li></ul>Entire agreement clauses:<ul><li>Did an entire agreement clause successfully extinguish all previous agreements?</li><li>Capgemini UK PLC v Dassault Systemes UK Ltd [2024] EWHC 2728 (Comm)</li></ul>

Drafting a PR strategy and plan

PR works best when it’s intentional. Yet, many law firm PR efforts are reactive, inconsistent, or disconnected from wider business goals. This webinar gives you a practical, strategic framework to plan and deliver a PR programme that aligns with your firm’s commercial objectives, leverages your legal experts effectively, and consistently earns meaningful media coverage.You’ll walk away with the tools to build a clear, structured PR plan — whether you’re promoting a specific department or managing firm-wide communications.It will cover:<ul><li>The difference between a strategy and a plan and how to deliver both</li><li>Setting PR objectives that support your firm’s business strategy</li><li>The importance of data</li><li>Identifying key audiences, messages and spokespeople</li><li>Choosing the right media channels</li><li>Generating a consistent pipeline of content</li><li>Setting KPIs and measuring success</li><li>Managing lawyer expectations and understanding</li><li>Gaining lawyer buy in and making PR part of their routine</li></ul>

How to draft award entries that actually win

Winning or even just being shortlisted for industry awards isn’t just a nice-to-have. It builds your firm’s reputation, impresses clients and referrers, supports recruitment, and boosts team morale. But with fierce competition and tight deadlines, many submissions fall flat, not because the work isn’t award-worthy, but because the entry doesn’t do it justice.This practical, insight-packed webinar will show you how to:<ul><li>Identify which awards are worth your time (and which aren’t)</li><li>Craft compelling narratives that make judges take notice</li><li>Highlight your results without resorting to jargon or waffle</li><li>Manage the referee process smoothly and professionally</li><li>Avoid the common mistakes that sink otherwise strong submissions</li></ul>

Tax for professional deputies

This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of income tax, capital gains tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), and inheritance tax for professional deputies and their teams, including recent updates and forthcoming changes. By the end of the webinar, you will be better equipped to consider and address tax implications when making best interest decisions in their roles as deputies and attorneys.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Why, as deputies do we need to consider tax when making decisions</li><li>An introduction to each of the main taxes including Income tax, CGT, SDLT and IHT with particular focus on the areas deputies and attorneys will come across in practice</li><li>A run through of recent changes including the changes to the taxation of pensions, the new residence test replacing domicile and the impact of business property relief being reduced</li></ul>

Damages claim portal – updates and enhancements

The DCP has undergone significant changes in the last 12 months, and this webinar will go over the major changes since the first webinar put on by Legal Futures on using the DCP.The aim of this webinar is to arm litigators with the information they need to know to be able to use the DCP effectively and efficiently.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Intermediate track/multi-track</li><li>Applications</li><li>Query management system</li><li>Settlements</li><li>Discontinuance</li><li>What the future holds</li></ul>

The status of admissions and pleading problems

Admissions may be a good way of controlling the scope of proceedings, but they have generated their own bank of case law, which is vital for litigators to understand, especially if the party then seeks to resile from them. In this webinar, Professor Dominic Regan will consider:<ul><li>Ambiguous admissions</li><li>Varying an admission</li><li>Judgment on a written admission</li><li>When and how can a defendant resile?</li><li>Can the court find on a ground never pleaded?</li><li>Controlling pleadings after Baroness Lawrence v Associated Newspapers (2025)</li></ul>

The role of religious beliefs in modern estate planning

This webinar will help practitioners navigate the key considerations in succession and estate planning for clients with religious and spiritual beliefs. It will explore how different faiths approach estate matters, the diversity of beliefs even within families, and the importance of understanding clients’ wishes while recognising the legal limits in England and Wales. Using examples from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Scientology, Buddhist, and Hindu perspectives, participants will gain practical insight to give tailored advice and manage estates in a way that respects both faith and law.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Legal systems: common law, civil law, and Sharia law</li><li>Testamentary freedom vs forced heirship</li><li>Making a valid will in England and Wales</li><li>Erosion of testamentary freedom?</li><li>Religious beliefs: considering specific faiths and their beliefs, including common areas where wills and estate planning are impacted:<ul><li>Advanced Decisions and Living Wills</li><li>Powers of Attorney (and Deputyship Orders)</li><li>Wills and Trusts, including the identity of executors and trustees</li><li>Burial and Funeral Wishes</li><li>Ownership of Property</li><li>Disposition of Assets</li><li>Loans and Interest</li><li>Financial Planning</li><li>Charitable Giving</li><li>Dispute Resolution</li></ul></li><li>Other considerations:<ul><li>No-contest clauses</li><li>Validity of foreign wills</li><li>Domicile and impact on succession</li><li>Administering an international estate</li></ul></li></ul>

The twelve gifts of Christmas: legal strategies for passing wealth

This webinar will guide practitioners through key changes to the private client sector from the Autumn Budget 2024, including updates to inheritance tax and their practical implications. It will cover estate planning options, particularly relevant for farming families and those facing new inheritance tax liabilities as pensions form part of the net estate from 2027. With an estimated £5 trillion set to pass between generations over the next 30 years, participants will gain the knowledge to advise clients on strategies to mitigate tax, maximise wealth transfer, and plan effectively for later-life inheritance.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The Great Wealth Transfer: Silent Generation and Baby Boomers<ul><li>Changes on the horizon:</li><li>Pensions: being brought into the net estate</li><li>Private school fees and VAT</li><li>IHT reforms to farms and businesses</li><li>Borrowing costs set to rise</li></ul></li><li>Making gifts during lifetime</li><li>Passing on assets in a will</li><li>Using a trust to hold assets</li><li>Other considerations:<ul><li>Deliberate deprivation of assets: care fees</li><li>Lifetime gifts: presumption of undue influence</li><li>Inheritance tax: exemptions, tapering relief, and gifts with reservation of benefit</li><li>Farming families: APR and BPR</li><li>Disposing of assets: Capital Gains tax</li><li>Deeds of Variation</li><li>Charitable giving</li><li>Discretionary trusts</li></ul></li><li>Practical examples: gifting the family home</li></ul>

Property development – the latest news

This is the second development, planning and construction update of 2025, providing an update on all the recent issues that a property lawyer needs to know, including:<ul><li>Restrictive Covenants: guidance from Great Jackson St Estates Ltd v Council of the City of Manchester</li><li>Easements: developments arising from the Ludgate House cases (Cooper v Ludgate House Ltd and Powell v Ludgate House Ltd)</li><li>Planning: analysis of a range of recent decisions with implications for development projects</li><li>Collateral warranties and the effect of the Legal and General decision</li><li>Building Safety Act 2022: the Court of Appeal decisions in the Adriatic and Triathlon Homes cases (including the effect on corporate transactions of the Triathlon Homes decision); Almacantar v de Valk; the Building Safety Levy Regulations; an update on the issues arising from roof gardens; the latest news on delays relating to the Gateways process and what is being done to improve the position; update on the Remediation Acceleration Plan</li></ul>

Landmark international big money cases – Potanina v Potanin and Standish

The cases of Potanina v Potanin and Standish have made the headlines in recent months. Both involved considerable wealth and put the English family court firmly in the spotlight for international couples. As a result, will the floodgates for international cases coming through the family courts open in the hope of larger financial rewards or for fairness to financially weaker spouses?Topics covered include:<ul><li>Case details of Potanina v Potanin</li><li>Specific features of the case and in particular grounds for applying for Part III application</li><li>Clarification of the test for part III applications as a result of this case</li><li>What the case means for divorce law in England and Wales</li><li>Case details of Standish</li><li>Specific features of the case and the judgment from the Supreme Court in particular</li><li>Consideration of the new test for ‘matrimonialisation’ of assets</li><li>What the case means for future big money cases and defining marital and non-marital property</li></ul>

Commercial property update (including landlord and tenant) – Winter 2025

This webinar is part of our regular quarterly update series, designed to be an engaging and efficient means of keeping abreast of key developments, and will cover a number of recent cases and other changes on both commercial leases and commercial property generally, including the following topics:<ul><li>Service charges and ‘reasonableness’ of landlord’s apportionment: guidance from the Court of Appeal: Bradley v Abacus</li><li>Mortgagee’s right to relief from forfeiture: useful guidance in Mentmore Golf Club v Gaymer</li><li>Law Commission: reviewing AGAs, GAGAs and granting commercial leases in mixed-use buildings</li><li>Modifying restrictive covenants: practical benefits with and without ‘substantial value’: Garton v Wheatcroft; Harrison-Ellis</li><li>More on boundary agreements: Bishop v Jaques</li><li>Noisy neighbours & nuisance:  Bakhaty v Hampshire CC</li></ul>

Reporting to lenders: what are the obligations?

How far are practitioners expected to go in reporting to lenders? The obligations imposed by the lenders handbook are just the beginning.This webinar will look at:<ul><li>The UKFML Handbook & the significance of case law</li><li>Reporting obligations</li><li>Standard form Certificate of Title</li><li>What documents is a lender entitled to ask you to produce?</li></ul>

Family law – 2025 round up

2025 has seen a number of significant developments in family law, including changes to statute, case law, and practice guidance.The ongoing rollout of the Pathfinder Pilot continues to shape the approach to private children law cases in selected areas. In financial remedy proceedings, there have been important advances in the principles distinguishing matrimonial and non-matrimonial property, as well as in the treatment of pre-nuptial agreements. Further progress has also been made in other initiatives, including the Express Financial Remedy Pilot.This webinar will provide a comprehensive round-up of the key developments from the past year, offering practitioners an up-to-date overview of family law in 2025.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Divorce procedure developments</li><li>Pre – nuptial agreements and developments</li><li>The impact of standish v standish and division of assets</li><li>Piloting of domestic abuse protection notices and orders</li><li>Development in the pathfinder pilot for private children law cases</li><li>Developments surrounding parental responsibility</li><li>Domestic abuse and fact findings in private children law cases</li><li>Fact finding hearings in public children law cases</li><li>Modern views on post – adoption contact</li><li>Calling experts in children cases</li></ul>

Damages claim portal – common pitfalls

This webinar focuses the Damages Claims Portal where we will look at the common issues and mistakes people make whilst using the system. You will then go through the actions that litigators will need to do to fix these issues and/or how the CPR deals with these problems.All areas of the CPR will be covered including:<ul><li>Why wont my claim form generate?</li><li>I forgot to serve my DQ, what happens now?</li><li>I have served the claim, but my case has been dismissed – why?</li></ul>

Productivity and value-based pricing for law firms

How should you charge your clients? For your time or the value of your solution? In the age of law firm AI, why might value-based pricing be a promising strategy, offering potential benefits for your firm’s growth and success?The SRA Transparency Rules 2018 helped some law firms focus on more than hourly rates and to revise and improve their processes and approach to pricing. Yet years later, few law firms have a dedicated pricing function or focus on productivity.This webinar bridges technology use, management and productivity to explore how to leverage profitable options in your law firm, excitingly showcasing the potential of technology in boosting productivity.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The advantages and disadvantages of hourly rates and why they limit profitability</li><li>What we get wrong across the profession</li><li>The concept of value pricing and how firms are already applying it in practice</li><li>How focusing on your processes and use of technology (including but not limited to AI) can help raise productivity</li><li>How critical it is to value your skills and the value to the client of the solution</li><li>The dynamics of fee risk and price, and how to fix fees profitably</li></ul>

Client risk assessments under the current AML regime

In October 2023 the SRA indicated a fresh approach to the undertaking of client and matter risk assessments. They also introduced a compendious form to be used as a template.An essential part of the client risk assessment is the need to explain the thinking behind whatever risk rating we decide to ascribe to a particular client – a rationale justifying our decision-making. That is proving to be more difficult than it may appear.Further, we need to undertake some elementary source of wealth enquiries to back up whatever identification steps we put in place. Is this enough, though?This webinar will endeavor to answer those queries.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Our role as gatekeepers</li><li>What is the difference between Client and Matter risk assessments?</li><li>Explaining our reasoning</li><li>What do we do about clients we have known for years?</li><li>What records do we need to keep?</li><li>What evidence do we need of what we are told?</li><li>Ongoing Monitoring</li></ul>

Lease variations

Often the landlord and tenant need to agree a variation to the lease during the term of the lease. This webinar will consider the important issues to consider, whether acting for a landlord or a tenant.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Changes in the extent of the demise</li><li>Roof spaces and basements</li><li>Increasing – the surrender and regrant trap and consequences</li><li>Supplemental leases</li><li>Surrenders of part – decreasing the demise</li><li>Security of tenure issues</li><li>Changing rights and reservations – easements and so on – need for mortgagees consent?</li><li>‘Adverse possession’ of landlord’s property? Encroachments</li><li>SDLT consequences?</li></ul>

Accounts rules and why they matter for conveyancers

Both the SRA and CLC have Accounts Rules with which their regulated firms must comply. Front line conveyancers might think that Accounts Rules are something for their accounts department to worry about – but nothing could be further from the truth. This webinar will be a refresher on this key area for legal practitioners and those who work alongside them will learn the key principles. This webinar will contain practical examples set in a conveyancing context.This one-hour webinar will cover:<ul><li>What is the purpose of Accounts Rules?</li><li>What are the main differences between the SRA and CLC Accounts Rules?</li><li>VAT And search fees and disbursements</li><li>Client account do’s and don’ts</li><li>Conveyancing pitfalls</li></ul>

AML update – December 2025

What a year that was. Amid the scandals that have surrounded the SRA over Axiom Ince, SSB and the Post Office, a new CEO has taken office and is out and about visiting law firms to understand the lie of the land. In the light of the recent round of ever-increasing fines imposed on most of us for breach of our ML obligations I doubt she will get that good a hearing. And, to cap it all, the FCA is announced as the single professional AML services regulator in place of the SRA.However, in the meantime, the ‘offensive will continue’ as we try to get our house in order with the increasing burdens and demands imposed on us, notwithstanding some recent attempts to make the system more proportionate.What do those burdens require, exactly?Topics covered include:<ul><li>What it means to be a ‘gatekeeper’</li><li>SRA position & FCA regulation</li><li>What do we have to do to comply?<ul><li>FWRAs</li><li>CDD; e-ID&V</li><li>CRAs</li><li>MRAs</li><li>SoW</li><li>SoF</li></ul></li><li>What do all the acronyms mean?</li><li>The crucial importance of Ongoing Monitoring</li></ul>

Compassionate client care: supporting bereaved families and vulnerable clients

This webinar equips participants with practical strategies for supporting bereaved families and vulnerable clients, helping them deliver exceptional client service in challenging circumstances.Advisors will gain the skills to guide families empathetically through the estate administration process, adapt their advice to meet diverse needs, navigate sensitive interactions with relatives and beneficiaries, and enhance the accessibility and impact of their services.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Who is my client and making reasonable adjustments<ul><li>Changing advice styles – being a legal chameleon</li><li>Dealing with insistent relatives and beneficiaries</li><li>Accessibility of services</li><li>Becoming the family’s adviser for life</li><li>Golden rules of client service</li></ul></li></ul>

How to draft press release and pitches that get cut through

In a journalist’s inbox, your story is one of hundreds. If the subject line doesn’t hook them or the first paragraph doesn’t land, it’s deleted. This Press Office Masterclass webinar, led by expert PR practitioners and former journalists, shows you how to write press releases and media pitches that actually get noticed, opened, and used.You’ll learn how to identify the real story, shape a compelling angle, and speak the language of the newsroom, all while balancing legal nuance and client expectations. Whether you’re pitching legal insights, case wins, or expert commentary, we’ll show you how to turn your firm’s news into something journalists genuinely want to cover.This webinar is for any PR professional working in a law firm who wants to sharpen their media output.

Divorce, inheritance and trusts

Separation and divorce can be highly emotional and legally complex, particularly when trusts, family wealth, and inherited assets are involved. As trusts are increasingly scrutinised and incorporated into financial remedy discussions, practitioners must navigate a web of overlapping laws governing divorce, financial arrangements, asset distribution, and trust and inheritance disputes.This webinar aims to equip practitioners with a clearer understanding of these intersections so they can better support private clients in identifying key issues, managing expectations, and planning effectively for the future.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Background</li><li>Matrimonial vs non-matrimonial assets, and how the courts deal with them</li><li>Pre- and post-acquired assets and treatment of inherited wealth</li><li>Analysis of recent authorities:<ul><li>Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26</li><li>RM v WP [2024] EWFC 191</li></ul></li><li>Overview of the main different types of trusts</li><li>Assets within a discretionary trust and potential orders that can be made by the court</li><li>Considerations of the issue of disclosure and joinder applications</li><li>Overview of invalid and sham trusts</li><li>Procedural considerations and practical guidance</li><li>Looking to the future</li></ul>

Contempt and sanctions for breach

Rules and orders are there to be obeyed and there seems to be a rising tide of sanctions imposed by the courts for breach, including contempt proceedings. It even hit the national newspaper headlines in November, when the chief constable of Northamptonshire police was fined £50,000 for contempt after what he admitted was an “appalling” failure to comply with orders over four years. In this talk, Professor Dominic Regan will review:<ul><li>What is to be done where a party is in breach?</li><li>Unless orders</li><li>When does a sanction apply?</li><li>What if there is no sanction in place?</li><li>An update on the Denton criteria</li><li>The law of contempt after the Northamptonshire police case</li><li>Mitigation of contempt</li><li>How the court should deal with lawyers’ use of AI in litigation</li><li>Wasted cost orders</li></ul>

TA6 – the latest guidance for conveyancers

The Law Society has released the 6th edition of the TA6 Property Information form and a revised TA7 Leasehold Information form. The use of the revised forms will be compulsory for CQS registered firms.The format of the TA6 is very different to the previous editions and will necessitate a change to the way in which conveyancers interact with sellers & buyers in relation to these forms.This webinar will look at the key points and offer practical tips.

Commercial leases – the latest development

Commercial leasing is in a period of significant change, with the anticipated ban on upwards-only rent reviews and the introduction of high-street rental auctions. Several notable commercial lease cases have also emerged in 2025. This webinar provides property professionals with a clear understanding of these developments and their implications.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The banning of upwards-only rent review and the English Devolution Bill 2025;</li><li>The latest on high-street rental auctions;</li><li>Recent case law on the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954;</li><li>Recent case law on leases and licences;</li><li>Case law on tenancies at will;</li><li>The latest on minimum energy efficiency standards; and</li><li>The Building Safety Act 2022 and case law and guidance on measuring the height of buildings.</li></ul>

Employment law in 2025 and what to expect in 2026

This webinar will look at the key developments in employment law during 2025, ranging from an employment tribunal in January holding that the two-year cap on unlawful deductions claims was unlawful, to ACAS extending the conciliation period to 12 weeks from 1 December. We will also discuss developments due in 2026, including changes to statutory sick pay in April and the extension to employment tribunal limitation periods due in October.Other topics include:2025<ul><li>Increasing (or reducing) protective awards for a failure to collectively consult in a redundancy situation</li><li>Court of Appeal holding that a dismissal for gender critical posts on Facebook was direct discrimination</li><li>Neonatal leave and pay</li><li>Supreme Court ruling that the Equality Act definitions mean biological sex</li><li>Economic Crime and Transparency Act and the failure to prevent fraud</li><li>A former employee found liable for contempt of court over false evidence given in employment tribunal proceedings</li></ul>2026<ul><li>Introduction of the Fair Work Agency</li><li>The new duties to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and to prevent third-party harassment in relation to all protected characteristics</li><li>Dismissal and re-engagement to become automatically unfair unless an exemption applies</li></ul>

Domestic abuse and injunctions – essential guidance for family practitioners

In recent years, the landscape of injunctions in Family Law has continued to develop, raising key questions for practitioners surrounding the required timing of return dates, the meaning and practical impact of exclusion zones in non-molestation orders, the effect of a power of arrest and when undertakings are not accepted, and which legislative route—whether the Family Law Act, Protection from Harassment Act, Children Act or others—is most appropriate.this webinar will examine these developments alongside the other key issues practitioners face. Such as the rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and Order pilots, and the continued need to draft clear and enforceable orders to prevent future complications.Topics covered include:<ul><li>When is the Family Law Act 1996 applicable?</li><li>Non-molestation orders and occupation orders – essential criteria</li><li>Use of standard forms and use of FL401 template</li><li>Do you pursue civil or criminal sanctions?</li><li>Injunctions and case involving children – PD12J  – children being victims of domestic abuse</li><li>Use of domestic abuse protection notices and orders pilots – how do these operate?</li><li>Protection from harassment act 1997 – how is this relevant to a family lawyer?</li><li>Exclusion orders in public children law cases</li><li>Domestic Abuse Act 2021 – where are we now?</li><li>Ongoing developments</li></ul>

COLPs – what to expect in 2026?

Law firms have never before faced such intense regulatory scrutiny following the recent high-profile law firm failures.  Are you ready for this intense scrutiny as a firm? As a Compliance Officer, what is your 2026 plan?Few law firm leaders are compliance specialists, but can you afford not to be given the reputational risks? In this webinar, you will be empowered by knowledge; by understanding the expectation of your regulator, and you will explore the steps you can easily take to limit the reputational and financial risks all firms now face in the era of the SRA financial penalties regime.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An overview of the current Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) areas of interest: the SRA risks are evolving, and determining culpability in hindsight appears as a feature of the SRA disciplinary enforcement approach. Do you get it right as a firm with the benefit of hindsight? We will look at managing the risk down, as a firm and personally.</li><li>Data Security and Privacy: With the rise in cyber threats, law firms must ensure that data protection measures are robust and protect sensitive client data. Compliance with professional rules on client confidentiality, legal professional privilege, and legal obligations, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), is a crucial challenge for all law firms, yet client and professional pressures to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) are everywhere. What should be on your agenda?</li><li>Sanctions: the perception of the legal sector profiting from aiding those who are sanctioned has taken hold in the media, and the regime is much different now than prior to the war in Ukraine. How can you manage the sanctions risks arising? How do you evidence your compliance within client files?</li><li>Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF): Law firms need to get the basics right according to the SRA. What evidence should you be collating?</li><li>Ethics and Regulatory Compliance: Law Firms must comply with an increasingly complex regulatory framework established by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Allegations, investigations and disciplinary outcomes determined within the SRA under its increased sanctioning powers can lead to severe penalties and reputational damage but how can you manage the day to day risks from specialists in your firm who are not specialists in regulation?</li><li>Creating: a personal “to-do list” to help you manage the risks in your law firm</li></ul>

Negotiation of undertakings, representations and event of default in a REF transaction

This webinar provides a practical understanding of the commercial purpose behind undertakings, representations, and events of default in real estate finance transactions—examined from both the lender’s and the borrower’s perspective.The webinar will demystify why the provisions matter, how they shape deal dynamics, and what parties can realistically negotiate. Through practical examples, you’ll learn effective negotiation strategies that can be applied directly to real-world transactions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The Commercial basis of a real estate finance transaction.</li><li>What are undertakings, representations and events of default and how do they interact?</li><li>How does the due diligence process impact on the undertakings, reps and events of default.</li><li>Negotiation points and examples<ul><li>Reps</li><li>Undertakings</li><li>Events of Default</li></ul></li><li>What happens when undertakings, representations and events of default are breached?<ul><li>Amendments</li><li>Enforcement</li></ul></li></ul>

Payments on account of costs – improving cashflow in litigation

The need for adequate cash flow where solicitors are engaged in heavy and protracted litigation is now well understood. Despite this, practitioners seem hesitant to seek payments on account of costs particularly where the substantive claim is ongoing. In this webinar, Nick McDonnell, Director and Costs Lawyer with Kain Knight, will examine the law and practice surrounding solicitors seeking payments on account of costs:<ul><li>During the substantive claim;</li><li>At the conclusion of the substantive claim;</li><li>Upon commencement of detailed assessment proceedings; and</li><li>During the course of detailed assessment proceedings</li></ul>

Crisis communications: How to prepare for the worst

When a crisis hits — whether it’s a high-profile case, cyber breach, partner misconduct, or a client issue with media interest — the way a law firm responds can have lasting reputational consequences.In this one-hour webinar, our crisis PR specialists will walk you through how to manage communications swiftly, strategically and safely.You’ll learn how to prepare for reputational risks, control the narrative under pressure, support your clients behind the scenes, and work effectively with the media when scrutiny is intense.Whether you’re in-house PR, BD, or a lawyer advising clients in crisis, this session will give you the tools and confidence to handle difficult situations with clarity and control.

Navigating the autumn budget- key impacts for the private client sector

This webinar will equip private client practitioners with a clear understanding of the key changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 and 2025, and how these developments affect estate planning and the preparation of essential documents such as wills and lasting powers of attorney.You will gain practical guidance on incorporating the new measures into client strategies, understanding what considerations now arise, and identifying the immediate steps clients should take to ensure their affairs remain structured, compliant, and aligned with the latest legislative landscape.The webinar will cover inheritance tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty land tax changes brought about the 2024 budget and 2025 budget’s that have already come into place and those set to come into effect in April 2026 and beyond including:<ol><li>Domicile to Residence</li><li>Capital Gains Tax rates and impact</li><li>Stamp Duty Land Tax for second home owners</li><li>Inheritance Tax changes for Business Relief and Agricultural Property Relief</li><li>The new spousal transferable relief for BPR and APR</li><li>Pensions – the changes coming in this respect and the recommendations of the CIOT and others.</li></ol>

Licence to alter

Often a tenant finds that they want to carry out works of improvement or alteration during the term of the lease, but this is often strictly controlled by the lease.This webinar will consider the effect and interpretation of relevant provisions and then go on to consider the following:<ul><li>What rights does a tenant have to carry out alterations under the lease?</li><li>What are the effects of statutory/case law on ‘improvements’ vs alterations?</li><li>What is the procedure and the (non-statutory) protocol</li><li>Getting landlord and superior landlord’s consent</li><li>When can a landlord refuse consent?</li><li>Costs and undertakings issues</li><li>The licence for alterations</li><li>Rent review disregards – when will alterations be ‘rentalised’ on rent reviews?</li><li>Removal at the end of term & soft strip outs</li></ul>

Trespassing and squatting – what property lawyers need to know

Trespass and squatting issues continue to present urgent, high-stakes challenges for property practitioners. This practical webinar equips solicitors with the essential knowledge and procedural toolkit to advise clients confidently when faced with unauthorized occupation, from understanding the criminal offences under LASPO 2012 to navigating the complexities of Interim Possession Orders and enforcement.Whether you’re acting for landlords, property owners, or managing vulnerable occupier scenarios, you’ll gain clear guidance on choosing the right remedy, avoiding procedural pitfalls, and delivering swift, effective solutions. With its focus on real-world application and strategic decision-making, this webinar provides the up-to-date expertise you need to handle these time-sensitive cases with precision and authority.After this webinar you will be able to:<ul><li>Distinguish between civil trespass and criminal offences related to squatting and unauthorized occupation</li><li>Advise clients on the legal remedies available for removing trespassers and squatters</li><li>Navigate the procedural requirements for obtaining possession orders and interim possession orders</li><li>Identify the criminal offences under sections 144 and 147 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012</li><li>Understand the human rights considerations and defences that may arise in trespass and squatting cases</li><li>Recognize the differences in approach between residential and commercial properties</li></ul>

Conduct and ethics for conveyancers

The CLC has put ethics at the centre of its recent Code of Conduct review and the SRA consistently identifies conveyancing as high risk.  This one hour webinar will consider ethical responsibilities and professional conduct challenges for conveyancers, with practical examples throughout. This webinar will be suitable for conveyancers at all levels, either as a refresher or an introduction to the topic.The webinar will cover:<ul><li>What ethical standards apply to conveyancers?</li><li>What do the CLC and SRA identify as key ethical risks?</li><li>Professional conduct relevant to conveyancers: conflicts, confidentiality and undertakings</li><li>Mitigating the risks</li></ul>

Understanding company resolutions: how decisions are made in private limited companies

This webinar offers a clear and practical introduction to company resolutions within private limited companies, outlining the different types of resolutions and their commercial purpose.It explains the legal framework and procedural steps required to pass them, while highlighting best practices that support effective decision-making and accurate record-keeping.The webinar also explores common challenges and pitfalls in the resolution process, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate resolutions confidently and compliantly.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Importance of resolutions in company governance</li><li>Types of Company Resolutions<ul><li>Ordinary resolutions</li><li>Special resolutions</li></ul></li><li>Written resolutions</li><li>Statutory requirements under the Companies Act</li><li>Role of the articles of association</li><li>Quorum and voting thresholds</li><li>Procedures for Passing Resolutions</li><li>Calling and conducting meetings<ul><li>board meetings</li><li>general meetings</li></ul></li><li>Notice requirements and agenda setting</li><li>Recording resolutions<ul><li>minutes</li><li>company registers</li></ul></li><li>Ensuring compliance and avoiding common mistakes</li><li>Electronic meetings and digital resolutions</li><li>Role of directors and company secretary</li></ul>

Agreements for lease

In many cases there is no need for an agreement for lease for a new lease of commercial premise as this may be just another document to hold up the deal getting done. But when should you have one, and what points should you consider?This webinar will consider the following:<ul><li>In what situations should you use an agreement for lease?</li><li>What could constitute an agreement for lease – are Heads of Terms binding?</li><li>What do the Standard Commercial Property Conditions say regarding agreements for lease?</li><li>Superior landlord’s consent issues – what if there are delays or refusals? What can the proposed tenant do – can they walk away?</li><li>Replies to CPSE & misrepresentation issues</li><li>Tenant’s or Landlord’s works issues? Problems with properties in the course of construction and fitting out works</li><li>When is completion of the lease triggered if conditional?</li><li>Passing of risk and insurance issues</li><li>Excluding security of tenure where there is an agreement for lease</li><li>Stamp Duty Land Tax and substantial performance – what do recent decisions tell us?</li></ul>

AML – new amendment regulations 2026

After much gestation the new Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026 No 621 became law on 3 June 2026 and entered into force of 30 June, save for various crypto-asset regulations which will come at a later stage.This webinar will explore the regulations in more detail.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What the new regulations require and amend:<ul><li>New provisions relating to PCAs</li><li>New HRC regulations</li><li>€ limits become £</li><li>Definitions of transactions that should attract Enhanced Due Diligence refined</li><li>Off-the-shelf company purchase is now TCSP</li><li>What do we need to do now?</li></ul></li></ul>

Part 36 and the rewards of getting it right

Cook on Costs 2026 rightly describes Part 36 as the gift that keeps on giving. The reward regime can make a massive difference but do you appreciate the intricacies of it? This webinar is a deep dive into the detail of a section of the CPR that continues to generate a steady stream of High Court rulings, as lawyers continue to find new questions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>When should enhanced interest be awarded at the maximum rate?</li><li>Should the court only award some of the benefits?</li><li>Arguments against granting the rewards at all</li><li>What counts as beating the defendant’s offer?</li><li>Calculating the Jackson uplift</li><li>Indemnity costs and the budgeting order</li><li>How best to ensure your offer counts</li></ul>

Running divorces under the DDSA – core principles and 2026 updates

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act has brought major changes to divorce law, and many practitioners are still navigating the practical implications. What is the purpose of the 20-week period before applying for a Conditional Order, and how does it work day to day? How do defending and disputing a divorce differ in practice, and when can costs be claimed? Should an application be made solely or jointly, and what is the current approach to service outside the jurisdiction?With new functionalities continually added to the online portal, this webinar will guide you through the key developments and help you manage modern divorce cases with confidence.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Key principles of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act – what has changed regarding divorce law and procedure as we knew it?</li><li>Joint applications – how do this work and why is this such an important innovation?</li><li>What should you be doing in the 20-week period?</li><li>Issues over service, time periods, and service outside of jurisdiction</li><li>What is the position with costs under the new law?</li><li>What is the difference between a ‘defended’ divorce and a ‘disputed’ divorce under the act?</li><li>Use of nullity and judicial separation – when are these relevant?</li><li>What is the effect of a ‘non-marriage’?</li><li>Use of the HMCTS portal for alternative service applications</li></ul>

When to update your will? - key life events in private client practice

Set against the backdrop of Free Wills Month and Update Your Will Week (March 2026), this one-hour pre-recorded webinar explores when and why a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney should be reviewed and updated.Drawing on current statistics, trends, and practical experience, the webinar examines the impact of key life events—such as marriage or civil partnership, separation, divorce, remarriage, and having children—on succession and estate planning. It highlights the risks of outdated or inappropriate arrangements, the legal consequences for families and assets on death, and the value of professional advice.Participants will leave better equipped to identify critical review points and to confidently discuss estate planning issues with clients at major life changes.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Current position: on making a will and lasting power of attorney</li><li>Influencing factors</li><li>When should a will (and lasting power of attorney) be updated:<ul><li>Impact of marriage</li><li>During separation and divorce</li><li>On re-marriage</li><li>On having children</li><li>Other key life events?</li></ul></li><li>Impact on death:<ul><li>To minor children</li><li>Other children</li><li>Family home and assets</li></ul></li><li>Considering the differing legal rights afforded between cohabitees and those in a marriage/civil partnership.</li><li>Importance of making a will where cohabiting, step-children, wish to leave a legacy to a charity, complex family structure/dynamics.</li><li>Considerations with homemade wills and/or lasting power of attorneys.</li><li>Practical tips for when clients have made a will or lasting power of attorney.</li><li>Lasting Power of Attorneys and Deputies in the Court of Protection.</li><li>Trends in 2025, 2026, and beyond.</li></ul>

AML Risks for conveyancing trainees, paralegals and support staff

Compliance with the Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML) 2017 is one of the biggest burdens and biggest risks for conveyancing firms. AML compliance is one of the main reasons that regulators fine and sanction law firms. Those who are supporting conveyancing fee earners need to understand the key principles and risks.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is AML?</li><li>Outline of key legislation / regulatory requirements</li><li>What are the consequences to the individual and the firm if something goes wrong?</li><li>How does this relate to you?</li></ul>This webinar is suitable for any support staff, paralegals, secretaries and others who are involved with supporting fee earners.

Updates to the exchange formulae

The Law Society is proposing far-reaching changes to the existing formulae for the exchange of contracts. The changes that are expected to be implemented in 2026 will replace the existing formulae for exchange of contracts with two new protocols, which will be compulsory for CQS firms. The proposals also involve regulating for the first time what is meant by “hold to order” in respect of both deposits and documents.This webinar will look at the proposals and the implications for practitioners.

Terminating commercial leases - intention to redevelop

There has been much litigation over the termination of a commercial lease by landlords under the statutory ground of ‘intention to redevelop’.This webinar will cover the following:<ul><li>The statutory background – s.25 notices and errors in service or content</li><li>What a landlord needs to do</li><li>What they have to be able to prove</li><li>When they have to prove it</li><li>What the case law has taught us</li><li>The position of a tenant faced with this prospect</li><li>What is the statutory compensation and when is it doubled</li><li>What if the landlord lies or changes their mind after gaining possession?</li></ul>

Cryptocurrency – the essential guide for private client practitioners

Unlock the essentials of crypto for private client lawyers. This webinar demystifies what crypto assets actually are, how they’re accessed and controlled, and what happens to them on death. We’ll cover how cryptocurrencies are bought, sold and transferred, practical steps for locating and securing them in estates, how they’re valued and taxed, plus an introduction to NFTs, staking and decentralised finance. Lawyers will come away with the confidence to advise clients, spot risks, and future-proof their practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What are crypto assets?<ul><li>Access to and control of crypto assets in estates</li></ul></li><li>Crypto currencies<ul><li>How are they bought, sold and transferred?</li><li>How are they valued and taxed?</li></ul></li><li>Non-fungible tokens</li><li>Staking and decentralised finance</li></ul>

Costs and funding - the latest developments

Legal costs and funding have been in the spotlight more than ever over the past year, thanks to Civil Justice Council reports on both, and there has also been a a bumper crop of significant decisions on the incidence and recovery of costs as well as how litigation can lawfully be funded.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Percentage Part 36 offers reviewed by the Court of Appeal (Smithstone v Tranmoor)</li><li>Budgeting failures in big claims</li><li>How to identify the winner – new guidance from the courts</li><li>Indemnity costs after Lawrence v Associated Newspapers</li><li>Deductions from damages – judges are watching</li><li>Conduct and CPR 44.11</li><li>Proposals for reform</li></ul>

Supervision and the damages claim portal

With the introduction of the DCP this has introduced more complexities to managing supervision of cases on the system. However, if used correctly the DCP can be a powerful tool for supervisors in ensuring that appropriate file supervision is conducted.Topics covered in this webinar include:<ul><li>General supervision issues with the DCP</li><li>Quick supervision wins</li><li>How best to use the system to improve your supervision systems</li></ul>

An introduction to tax and estate planning

This accessible and comprehensive webinar will equip practitioners with the key tax and estate planning principles needed for effective client advice. Perfect for those starting out or seeking a refresh, it covers core concepts and practical applications in wills, trusts, and lifetime planning.Topics covered include:<ul><li>PETs, GROBs, and the 7-year rule.</li><li>Annual exemptions and Normal Expenditure Out of Income.</li><li>Using BPR and AIM investments effectively.</li><li>Structuring lifetime trusts for maximum benefit.</li></ul>

AML compliance in practice: case studies and application

The Money Laundering Regulations have formed part of the professional landscape for over two decades. Yet, as the regulatory framework continues to evolve in complexity and scope, many firms still face uncertainty when interpreting their precise obligations in practice.For those responsible for AML compliance within law firms, the challenge is not simply understanding the Regulations, but applying them proportionately, consistently, and defensibly — while maintaining client relationships and managing risk.This practical webinar will provide clarity on what compliance requires in real-world scenarios. Through a series of structured case studies and worked examples, the session will examine how the Regulations and accompanying guidance operate in day-to-day practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What it means to be a ‘gatekeeper’: the 3 key questions:<ul><li>Who are you and can you prove it?</li><li>Where do you get your wealth from?</li><li>Where are the transactional funds coming from?</li></ul></li><li>Case studies: what we have to do to comply<ul><li>CDD; e-ID&V</li><li>CRAs</li><li>MRAs</li><li>SoW</li><li>SoF</li></ul></li><li>What do all the acronyms mean in a practical context?</li><li>The crucial importance of Ongoing Monitoring</li></ul>

Rights of way- key points for conveyancers

Rights of way and other easements often raise complex questions in practice, particularly where historic rights interact with modern registration requirements and changing patterns of land use.This webinar will explore key issues that frequently arise in property transactions and disputes, providing practical guidance on how the law is applied and what practitioners should look out for when advising clients.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Abandonment of an Easement</li><li>Impact of the Registration Gap</li><li>Additional Parcels: Extension of a Right</li><li>Intensification & Encroachment</li><li>Limits of a Residential Right of Way</li><li>Land Registry “20 year rule”</li></ul>

Advising high net worth clients - estate planning in practice

This practical webinar provides a structured walkthrough of key estate planning strategies and considerations when advising high net worth clients, using a detailed case study to explore common complexities and planning opportunities.You will develop greater confidence in identifying appropriate estate planning options and applying practical solutions to address inheritance tax exposure, family dynamics, business interests, and cross-border issues when advising HNW individuals.Topics covered include:<ul><li>A large pension coming into the IHT net from April 2027</li><li>Overseas assets – to do a foreign will or not?</li><li>Business Interests</li><li>A Blended family set up and preventing claims post death</li><li>Lifetime trusts in existence and possibility for future trusts</li><li>The case study will also examine gifts with reservation of benefit and his options in this respect and making use of deeds of variation and transferable nil rate band</li></ul>

Exempt Lifetime Transfers

This 30-minute webinar provides a clear introduction to the seven-year rule and the treatment of lifetime gifts for inheritance tax purposes, with a detailed examination of exempt lifetime transfers. It will cover the key exemptions, including the annual exemption, small gifts, gifts on marriage, normal expenditure out of surplus income, and gifts to charities, sporting clubs, political parties and similar bodies, equipping participants with a practical understanding of how exempt gifts operate for IHT.

Avoiding and resolving neighbour disputes

For many practitioners, one of the most complex problem areas – and perhaps most difficult to handle – is that of neighbour disputes. Drawing practical lessons from case law – concerning both commercial and residential neighbours – this webinar considers lessons to be learnt for resolving (and avoiding) some of these disputes.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Nuisance: flying footballs, dusty cars and nosy neighbours</li><li>Boundaries: where are they, can demarcation agreements help and who owns them?</li><li>Overlooking, losing light & drones</li><li>Rights of way – defining them, using them and blocking them – what not to do</li><li>Building works: Help from the Access to Neighbouring Land Act and the Party Wall (Etc) Act?</li></ul>

Life interest trusts – planning for the next generation

With over 633,000 trusts and estates registered on the Trust Registration Service as of August 2023, life interest trusts remain a significant feature of modern estate planning, particularly in the context of remarriages and increasingly complex family structures.This webinar examines the common legal and practical issues that arise when establishing, drafting and administering life interest trusts, including the powers and responsibilities of trustees.The webinar will equip practitioners to advise on the advantages and disadvantages of life interest trusts as part of wider succession planning, and to identify and navigate the disputes and challenges that commonly arise once such trusts are in operation.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Will trusts:<ul><li>Contingent interest trusts</li><li>Discretionary trusts</li><li>Interest in Possession trusts</li></ul></li><li>Interest in Possession or Lifetime Interest or Immediate Post Death Interest Trusts: a brief overview</li><li>Practical considerations:<ul><li>Why use an Interest in possession trust?</li><li>Changing title deeds to the property</li><li>Trust registration</li><li>Tax implications</li><li>Trustees and administration/management</li></ul></li><li>Common issues and disputes:<ul><li>Identity and role of the trustees</li><li>Limited funds in the estate/trust</li><li>Duties and rights of the life tenant</li><li>Appointment of capital to life tenant</li><li>Rights of remaindermen</li><li>Termination of a life interest trust</li><li>Other potential claims and remedies for life tenant against the estate/trust</li></ul></li><li>Specific considerations for charities as remaindermen:<ul><li>Monitoring during the occupation/use by life tenant</li><li>Tax implications</li><li>Disclaiming an asset</li></ul></li></ul>

Chargeable lifetime transfers: IHT treatment of gifts to trusts and impact on estate

This 30-minute webinar provides a practical introduction to chargeable lifetime transfers, explaining how inheritance tax is calculated and paid, when it becomes due, and the effect such transfers have on subsequent gifts and the death estate. Participants will gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of how CLTs operate and their wider IHT implications.

Tax essentials for residential conveyancers – CGT, IHT & SDLT in practice

This practical webinar will give residential conveyancers the confidence to identify and manage key tax issues arising in everyday transactions. Covering the core principles of Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Inheritance Tax (IHT), and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), the webinar will provide clear, real-world guidance on when tax issues arise, how to approach basic calculations, and when to seek specialist input—helping you reduce risk and better support your clients.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An overview of the rules around Capital Gains Tax, how to do the calculations and when the tax is due.</li><li>A look at the rules surrounding inheritance tax for property transfers including when gifts are taxable, gifts with reservation of benefit and gifts to trusts.</li><li>A run through of SDLT by way of a refresher for conveyancers or introduction for those new to the area of law.</li></ul>

SRA Account Rules – The latest news in 2026

The SRA Accounts Rules may be short and familiar, but compliance has never been more uncertain. With limited guidance on complex issues, a tougher enforcement stance, and growing scrutiny around client account interest and financial stability, firms are operating in an increasingly high-risk environment where getting it wrong can have serious consequences.This webinar will cover the following:<ul><li>The rules in their new reduced form – an overview</li><li>What has not changed<ul><li>Use of client account as a banking facility</li><li>Residual balances and how to deal with them</li><li>Suspense ledgers and how to deal with them</li><li>VAT on disbursements – the Brabners latest</li><li>Obligations in relation to client account interest?</li></ul></li><li>The new – and current – position on accountants reports and qualifications</li><li>Checklists for good financial management</li></ul>

Estate planning for blended families

Blended families are an increasingly common aspect of modern life, with around 32% of marriages involving one partner who has remarried and an estimated 1.1 million children living in stepfamily households. Navigating the legal and emotional complexities of separation, divorce, remarriage, or civil partnerships can be particularly challenging when clients have minor or adult children from previous relationships.This webinar aims to help practitioners understand the key considerations when advising clients in these situations, equipping them to provide guidance at critical moments, minimise conflict, and support clients in managing the complexities of step and blended family arrangements.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is a blended family?</li><li>Children and blended families<ul><li>Parental responsibility</li><li>Adoption orders</li><li>Liability for supporting step-children</li><li>Recognition of parents: adoption, foster parents, and other relationships</li></ul></li><li>Finances and blended families</li><li>Inheritance of step-children:<ul><li>Intestacy rules</li><li>Will considerations, such as mirror and mutual wills</li><li>Guardianship of minor children</li><li>Property rights</li><li>Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975</li><li>Grounds to challenge will after death of biological parent</li></ul></li><li>Ensuring assets pass down the ‘family line’ after death:<ul><li>Lifetime trusts</li><li>Declaration of trusts</li><li>Lifetime gifts</li><li>Tenants in common</li><li>Lasting Power of Attorney</li></ul></li></ul>

What can conveyancers expect in 2026?

2026 looks set to be a further year of change in conveyancing. Some changes are already known but there are clear signs that Government intends to press on with reform of the property market.This webinar will look at key issues including:<ul><li>Government consultation on enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates</li><li>Government consultation on creating a single professional services supervisor for AML regulation</li><li>Section 31 Renters Rights Act</li><li>TA6 6th edition</li><li>SDLT tax advisor registration</li><li>Commonhold legislation</li><li>Possible chancel liability reform</li></ul>

Commercial service charges – the impact of the 2025 RICS statement

The complete recoverability of commercial service charges is essential for the landlord, but can prove costly and time consuming.  Landlords who want to “recover as much money as they can” regardless of whether the item falls “properly .. within the service charge” and tenants who resolve “to take every point going, good or bad” can only lead to expensive litigation.How can this be prevented? This practical webinar reviews what the courts have had to say on navigating service costs and on avoiding such disputes:<ul><li>“due proportion” – what does it mean, who decides the proportion and can it be appealed? What happens when fixed proportions are wrong?</li><li>“final certificate” – is it binding as to costs, as to items? And what happens when the parties do not agree what the service charge clauses covers;</li><li>“reasonable and proper costs” – does this mean anything, is it implied and what happens when costs are not “proper”?</li><li>The 2025 RICS Statement Service Charge in Commercial Property (2nd ed) – can it help interpret clauses or prevent disputes? The 8 mandatory requirements and what they mean for landlords, tenants and service charge managers alike.</li></ul>

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025

This primarily applies in England only. It received the Royal Assent on October 27th 2025, the changes to short tenancies will come into force on May 1st, 2026. It is the most important change to security of tenure and obtaining vacant possession in residential leases for a generation.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Abolition of assured shorthold tenancies;</li><li>Tenants notice periods;</li><li>Changes to the grounds for possession;</li><li>Student accommodation and HMO’s;</li><li>Rental bidding wars;</li><li>Transitional provision;</li><li>Maximum duration of assured tenancies;</li><li>Comparison with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016; and</li><li>Discrimination against keeping pets, benefits tenants and children.</li></ul>

When things go wrong - fixing mistakes in Trusts

Everyone makes a mistake on occasion. Sadly trustees and their advisers have many opportunities for error. Can they escape from the consequences of their actions?Sometimes, with the help of the court, they can.This webinar looks at the two remedies of<ul><li>rescission on the basis of mistake (which has replaced the old Hastings-Bass remedy), and</li><li>rectification.</li></ul>It will look at the requirements for the remedies and consider recent cases.

Ethics in focus – navigating today’s regulatory landscape

This webinar will examine recent challenges in upholding professional standards within the profession, the regulatory response—including the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s consideration of mandatory annual ethics discussions—and the practical guidance lawyers should be applying in their day-to-day work.When did you last revisit the Codes of Conduct? For many, it is at the point of qualification, yet relying on memory alone is rarely enough to ensure compliance in practice. I was involved in the consultation at the outset, reflecting growing concern that ethics training should not be a one-off exercise, but something revisited regularly and with purpose.Recent years have seen a number of high-profile failures—such as Axiom Ince, SSB Law, PM Law Group and BLB Solicitors Ltd—where core ethical principles were not upheld, in some cases involving fraud and serious misconduct.Alongside this sits the ongoing fallout from the Post Office scandal, where allegations concerning the conduct of lawyers—including concealment and misleading practices—are only now being fully explored, with potentially far-reaching regulatory consequences.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is the nature and extent of the problem?</li><li>Why is there an Ethics gap?</li><li>Why is trust in lawyers at such a low ebb?</li><li>What are the current Principles and Rules?</li><li>SLAPPs, NDAs & other guidance on In-house lawyers</li><li>What is the SRA proposing in their most recent consultation?</li><li>How can we ensure we ‘do the right thing’?</li></ul>

Lenders requirements for conveyancing trainees, paralegals and support staff

Most trainees and paralegals understand that a conveyancing firm has to comply with the Lender’s Handbook – but where do these obligations come from? And what is the consequence of getting it wrong?This practical webinar will cover:<ul><li>What is the Lender’s Handbook and why is it important?</li><li>What are the main obligations in the Lender’s Handbook?</li><li>What should conveyancers report to lenders?</li><li>How should conveyancers report to lenders?</li><li>Problems when the buyer and lender are both clients</li><li>What is the Building Societies Association (in outline)?</li></ul>This webinar is suitable for any trainees, support staff, paralegals, secretaries and others who are involved with supporting fee earners.

Understanding Law Firm Finances

At the end of this webinar delegates will have a greater understanding of how the finances of a law firm operate, how to enhance profitability, the importance of cash flow and why these are relevant to everyone in the firm.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Product costing</li><li>Law firm costings</li><li>WIP, debtors & lock-up</li><li>Funding and depreciation</li><li>Profit shares</li><li>Profit and loss accounts</li><li>Profitability</li><li>Chargeable hours and billing</li><li>Financial information</li></ul>

The art of clear legal drafting – avoiding ambiguity

In this webinar, we spotlight the seven most common errors that can undermine the clarity and effectiveness of legal drafting, such as over-reliance on the passive voice and inconsistent terminology. Through real-world examples of drafting gone wrong, we illustrate how small slips can lead to significant ambiguity. We then conclude with a practical set of ten “commandments” — essential checks every lawyer should apply before finalising their work — to help ensure your drafting is precise, consistent, and robust.

Understanding the residence nil rate band and downsizing provisions

This webinar provides a practical walkthrough of the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), focusing on how it applies to estates in practice. Through case studies, it places particular emphasis on the downsizing provisions and scenarios where the deceased sold their property shortly before death, equipping participants to confidently guide bereaved families through the RNRB rules and to consider appropriate estate planning options with clients.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An overview of the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) including eligibility criteria considering how the deceased’s will is drafted</li><li>A review of current limits and thresholds and interaction with the standard nil rate band</li><li>Valuing the estate for these purposes and a look at the impact of the impending changes to BPR and APR on the residence nil rate band with planning tips</li><li>An introduction to the rules on downsizing including a review of qualifying former residences and a case study to run through how to do these calculations and advising clients when they are considering downsizing</li></ul>

Residential lease alterations and variations

With residential leases it often transpires that there are things wrong with the lease after the client/tenant has moved in and often these only appear when they come to sell the flat. The mistakes are usually down to bad plans, parts missing or too much included. There may be requests by the tenant to make alterations to the flat – structural or non-structural, or changes to bin stores, parking spaces, garages and so on.This can be fraught with unexpected complexities and costs, and this webinar will outline the main traps and how to avoid them including:<ul><li>Common mistakes</li><li>Increasing or decreasing the extent of the demised premises or facilities used by it</li><li>Getting the landlord’s consent</li><li>Increasing the lease term – the current situation and the outlook for the proposed changes</li><li>Ground rent problems</li><li>Lender consent issues</li><li>Can the landlord agree to vary the lease without the other tenants’ consent?</li><li>How to document the changes</li></ul>

Holiday pay: rolled-up pay, commission, overtime and backpay

At first sight the entitlement to holiday pay appears to be a simple employment right. But in practice, few areas of employment law have proved more complicated. This webinar will examine the various issues which have emerged from the legislation and appellate decisions, including recent developments.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Who is entitled to holiday pay?</li><li>Are the 4 weeks laid down as holiday pay by the European Directive to be treated differently from the additional 1.6 weeks laid down in our domestic provisions?</li><li>What is the position as far as casual and part-time workers are concerned?</li><li>To what extent is “rolled up” holiday pay lawful?</li><li>Should overtime be included in calculating holiday pay: what if it is not compulsory? or not contractual?</li><li>What about commission, bonuses and tips: how do they enter into estimating entitlement?</li><li>In what circumstances can holiday entitlement be carried over from one year to the next?</li><li>What is the current position regarding time limits and back pay?</li><li>What constitutes a “series” of deductions in calculating time limits?</li><li>What is the impact of the two-year limit laid down in s 23(4A) of the Employment Rights Act upon claims for holiday pay?</li></ul>

Negotiating alienation clauses in an hour

Assignment, underletting and sharing possession are important rights for commercial tenants. Flexibility is key…the tenant’s needs may change over time. What if the tenant wants to expand and needs to relocate? What if they contract and need to downsize? What does the landlord need to consider? How much control can they have over future occupants and how can they secure their flow of income?The aim of this webinar is to run through the standard alienation provisions in a commercial lease. What do you need to watch out for when acting for tenants and what should you include when acting for landlords? The current issues arising in practice will all be covered with suggested compromises where appropriate. TTopics covered include:<ul><li>The objectives of landlord and tenant with alienation</li><li>What should the assignment provisions provide?</li><li>What should the underlettings clause include?</li><li>The Lease Code alienation recommendations</li></ul>

Corporate support for real estate lawyers

This webinar is aimed at real estate lawyers and corporate lawyers who provide and require real estate support on corporate transactions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What role does real estate play in a corporate transaction?<ul><li>Real estate as a value driver</li><li>Real estate risk aspects</li><li>Impact on deal structure and pricing</li><li>Timetable considerations</li></ul></li><li>What information does a real estate lawyer typically need on a corporate transaction?</li><li>Key commercial points   – real estate focus – acting for the buyer</li><li>Key commercial points   – real estate focus – acting for the seller</li><li>Reporting for the client</li><li>Post completion matters for real estate</li></ul>

Pre-contract searches explained for conveyancing trainees, paralegals and support staff

Carrying out pre-contract searches is one of the most important elements of the work that a conveyancer does for their buyer client. But it is not just a matter of inputting the property address into an online searches portal.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Why are pre-contract searches important?</li><li>What is the local search and what does it reveal?</li><li>Why is a drainage search needed?</li><li>What is an environmental search?</li><li>What do you report to your client?</li><li>What if the client does not want the searches?</li><li>What to think about when submitting searches</li><li>What are some of the non-standard searches?</li><li>What do the lenders want?</li></ul>This webinar is suitable for any trainees, support staff, paralegals, secretaries and others who are involved with supporting fee earners.

Estate planning strategies – lifetime trusts vs family investment companies

This webinar will explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of Family Investment Companies, including how they operate and how they compare with traditional lifetime trusts as part of a wider estate planning strategy. Participants will gain a practical understanding of when these structures may be appropriate and will be better equipped to provide estate planning advice in relation to Family Investment Companies.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The Key objectives of Estate Planning</li><li>An overview of what is a Family Investment Company (FIC) and why is it useful to consider</li><li>A look at the mechanics of creating an FIC</li><li>A review of circumstances as to when FICs are suitable</li><li>Taxation of FICs</li><li>An overview of Lifetime Trusts</li><li>A Comparison of FICs and Lifetime Trusts</li></ul>

Business property relief

This bitesize webinar provides an overview of the rules governing Business Property Relief for inheritance tax purposes, including when 100% relief is available and when it is restricted to 50%. It will examine what constitutes relevant business property, the ownership requirements, the effect of contracts for sale, and the treatment of excepted assets, equipping participants with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of BPR.

Expert evidence in litigation

This webinar will cover various aspects of obtaining expert evidence, its impact on litigation and its use at trial.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Experts and the CPR</li><li>Selecting an expert</li><li>Instructing an expert</li><li>The expert report</li><li>Pt35 questions</li><li>Joint discussions</li><li>Fundamental Dishonesty / Surveillance and experts</li></ul>In addition to this we will be looking at how case law from the past 24 months shapes the thought process when it comes to expert evidence. This will be a look at the practical steps you can take at each stage to ensure you are mitigating the risks around expert evidence and placing your cases in the best possible position.

Navigating EDI and wellbeing obligations in legal practice

In recent years, the regulatory spotlight on law firms has intensified, with the SRA taking an increasingly robust approach to enforcement and imposing significant financial penalties where firms have failed to meet their regulatory obligations. Alongside this heightened focus on compliance, the profession has also seen a growing emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), together with the wellbeing of both staff and clients.While some view increased regulatory scrutiny as a necessary means of maintaining professional standards and public confidence, others question whether it can create additional pressures for firms already operating in a challenging environment. With changes in leadership at the SRA and a continuing focus on workplace wellbeing, firms are being encouraged to develop cultures that are not only compliant but also supportive, inclusive and sustainable.Against a backdrop of ongoing social, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, this webinar will explore the current EDI and wellbeing landscape, examining both regulatory expectations and practical measures that firms can take to foster positive workplace cultures and reduce risk.Topics covered include:<ul><li>EDI awareness amongst the profession</li><li>The statutory basis – the Equality Act in outline</li><li>The Rules</li><li>Wellbeing steps that all firms should now have in place</li><li>Some recent examples</li></ul>

HMRC tax advisor registration: key issues for conveyancers

Solicitors dealing with SDLT & other taxes are now required to register with HMRC as “Tax Advisors” This webinar will look at:<ul><li>The Legislation requiring registration</li><li>Registration Requirements</li><li>The meaning of “Relevant Individuals”</li><li>Registration Conditions</li><li>Managing risks & expectations</li><li>Outsourcing; key points to consider</li><li>HMRC sanctions.</li></ul>

Asset Protection Trusts – practical and regulatory considerations

Asset Protection Trusts (APTs) continue to generate significant interest among clients seeking to preserve wealth, protect assets and plan for the future. However, they also remain an area of increasing regulatory and industry scrutiny, with concerns surrounding consumer understanding, suitability, potential risks and the way these arrangements are promoted and implemented. Private client practitioners therefore need a clear and balanced understanding of how APTs operate, the circumstances in which they may be considered, and the legal, regulatory and reputational issues that can arise.This webinar will provide a practical overview of Asset Protection Trusts, exploring their structure, common uses and the misconceptions that often surround them. The webinar will also consider current industry developments and provide guidance on how advisers can confidently and appropriately discuss, challenge and approach APT-related conversations with clients.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What Asset Protection Trusts are and how they are typically structured</li><li>Common use cases and why clients consider them</li><li>Key risks, misconceptions and areas of potential consumer harm</li><li>Regulatory, legal and reputational considerations</li><li>Current industry focus, including the cross-sector initiative</li><li>Practical guidance for advisers: how to approach, challenge or discuss APTs with clients</li><li>What good practice looks like going forward</li></ul>

Providing for pets in wills

More than half of households in England and Wales own a pet, and animals are increasingly regarded as integral to family and working life.This webinar examines the legal framework in England and Wales relating to the provision for pets in wills and considers the key issues practitioners should address when advising on testamentary provision for family pets and working animals.The webinar will explore the available mechanisms for ensuring animals are appropriately provided for after death, the limitations of the law in this area, and the importance of effective will-drafting to safeguard their ongoing care.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Background</li><li>Law for pets in England and Wales – property or persons?</li><li>How to provide for pets in a Will<ul><li>Identifying the pet</li><li>Who will look after the pet</li><li>Resources needed to look after the pet</li><li>Particular needs or upkeep required for the pet</li><li>Restrictions on amending the financial provision included in the Will</li></ul></li><li>Options to provide for a pet<ul><li>Leave a legacy on trust for a pet</li><li>Leave the pet along with a cash legacy to a nominated person</li><li>Purpose trust for animals</li><li>Gift to an animal welfare charity</li><li>Deferring the rehoming decision to another person</li><li>Letter of Wishes</li></ul></li><li>What happens when nobody is able and/or willing to care for the pet?</li><li>What happens when there is no Will?</li><li>Examples of inheritance to pets</li><li>Treatment of pets in other jurisdictions</li></ul>

Leasehold dwellings- legislative update and the draft Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Bill

The law as to leaseholds has underdone fundamental changes in recent times and more changes are planned for the future. This webinar explores some of these fundamental changes. In particular, the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill proposes the most fundamental changes in living memory.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Latest on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 including latest on implementation of changes to leasehold extensions and Judicial Review;</li><li>Latest development on the Building Safety Act including problems in deciding the height of buildings and the meaning of a relevant defect;</li><li>The Building Safety (Wales) Bill;</li><li>Latest on implementation of the Renters’ Right Act and obtaining vacant possession after implementation;</li><li>The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill and implementation of Commonhold, banning of new Leaseholds and caps on ground rents.</li></ul>

Real estate development finance transactions – the basics

This webinar will review the underlying commercial principles of a real estate development transaction from the lender and the borrower’s perspective and will then cover how such a transaction is structured, secured and transacted and what happens once the asset is completed.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The commercial principles of real estate finance development lending</li><li>How real estate finance development deals are structured</li><li>Security in real estate finance development deals</li><li>Diligence required in a real estate finance development transactions</li><li>Who does what when in a real estate finance development transaction</li><li>The end of a development facility – the move to a stabilised asset and beyond.</li></ul>

Children, wills and trusts: defining beneficiaries and managing risk

As a common law jurisdiction, England and Wales recognises testamentary freedom, allowing parents to determine how their children are provided for under a Will.This webinar considers the legal and practical issues arising when preparing or interpreting wills and trust documentation involving children, including illegitimate, legitimated, adopted, step and foster children, as well as those born through fertility treatment or surrogacy arrangements.The webinar will examine key estate planning and inheritance considerations, together with an overview of how the courts approach litigation involving children and the control and administration of inherited funds.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Is there a ‘legal’ definition of child?</li><li>Legal age (milestones) in England and Wales</li><li>Intestacy rules in relation to children</li><li>Wills and trusts:<ul><li>Express provisions</li><li>Statutory position and case law</li></ul></li><li>Minor children:<ul><li>Parental responsibility</li><li>Guardians</li><li>Gifts to minors</li><li>Appointment as executors and trustees</li></ul></li><li>Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975</li><li>Other considerations:<ul><li>Impact of IVF, surrogacy, and adoption</li><li>Transitioning children and grandchildren and Gender Recognition</li></ul></li><li>Litigation and minor children:<ul><li>Litigation Friends</li><li>Settlement of claims</li><li>Control of money</li><li>Anonymity orders</li></ul></li></ul>

Pre-emption rights under the 1987 Act – risks and remedies

Owning or disposing of a block of flats or mixed-use building is significantly complicated by residential tenants’ pre-emption rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987—famously described as “ill drafted, complicated and confused”. These rights allow qualifying tenants to step into the shoes of a proposed purchaser, often before terms are finalised. Non-compliance is not only procedurally risky but can amount to a criminal offence and give tenants rights against third-party purchasers.This webinar explores the key problem areas arising in practice and provides practical guidance on navigating them.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Recognising a proposed ‘disposal’ caught by the Act & the problem with commercial leases: Dartmouth Court;</li><li>What is a building and why is it important? The view from the Court of Appeal in FSV Freeholders v SGL;</li><li>What are the ‘principal terms’ the notice must contain? S Franses v Block 6 Ashley Gardens;</li><li>Rights against the purchaser: Green v Westleigh Properties Limited; Maloney v Gosal</li><li>Proposals for reform?</li></ul>

Drainage issues in residential conveyancing

Drainage issues can present challenges for property practitioners, particularly where responsibilities are unclear or regulatory requirements have evolved.This webinar will examine the key rules governing drains, sewers and private drainage systems, helping practitioners understand the legal framework and the issues that may arise when advising clients on property transactions and development.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Responsibility for maintenance of drains and sewers</li><li>Sustainable Urban Drainage</li><li>Build-over and build-near agreements: potential impact of the Transfer of Private Sewers Regulations 2011</li><li>Properties without mains drainage :general binding rules implemented by the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016</li></ul>

Dilapidations in commercial leases- claims, defences and dispute strategy

Dilapidations claims remain a key risk area in commercial property, often giving rise to significant financial exposure and dispute at lease end. This is a focused, disputes-led dilapidations webinar—bridging transactional knowledge and litigation strategy—designed to help practitioners navigate both the legal framework and the practical realities of bringing and defending claims.The webinar covers how claims are assessed, challenged and resolved in practice, including the impact of key statutory provisions such as Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 and the role of valuation and expert evidence in achieving commercial outcomes.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The legal framework What constitutes dilapidations and key lease obligations</li><li>When claims arise Lease expiry vs during the term</li><li>Bringing a claim Schedules of dilapidations, quantifying loss and expert evidence</li><li>Section 18 in practice The diminution in value cap and its strategic use</li><li>The Pre-Action Protocol Key steps, timing and settlement expectations</li><li>Defending a claim Compliance, scope challenges and redevelopment arguments</li><li>Dispute strategy Negotiation, ADR and managing risk</li><li>Key case law Including Cunliffe v Goodman and Sunlife Europe Properties Ltd v Tiger Aspect Holdings Ltd</li><li>Practical takeaways Reducing exposure and achieving commercial outcomes</li></ul>

Transparent pricing in private client practice

Pricing is often the most sensitive part of private client work — particularly in probate and estate administration, where clients are already dealing with stress and uncertainty. This webinar is designed for private client lawyers, practice managers, and business development professionals who want to handle fee conversations with clarity and confidence, while reducing friction and strengthening client relationships.Drawing on the approach used at Circe Law, Jade shares practical, real-world strategies for implementing transparent pricing in probate matters, including the use of tools such as fee calculators to clearly demonstrate costs. Attendees will leave with a proven, practical approach to pricing that builds trust, reduces complaints, and supports sustainable profitability.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Communicating fees confidently and transparently. • Using tools like probate fee calculators to demystify costs. • Structuring fixed fees for profitability without cutting corners. • How clear pricing builds client loyalty and referrals.</li></ul>

Paying dividends from a limited company

This practical webinar provides a concise overview of how dividends can be paid from a limited company, covering the legal framework, key requirements under the Companies Act and Articles of Association, and the process for declaring dividends in cash and in specie. It also touches on different share classes, alternative forms of distribution, and the importance of getting the paperwork right to ensure compliance.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is a dividend?</li><li>What the Companies Act says</li><li>What the Company’s Articles of Association might say</li><li>Declaring a dividend<ul><li>In cash</li><li>In specie</li></ul></li><li>Dividends for different share classes</li><li>Other forms of distribution</li><li>Getting the paperwork right</li></ul>

Small details, big impact - punctuation and capitalisation in professional writing

Clear, consistent writing underpins effective professional communication. Over time, even experienced writers can develop habits that lead to inconsistencies in punctuation and capitalisation.This practical webinar offers a focused refresher on the key rules of punctuation, alongside guidance on when to capitalise in a professional context. It also explores the conventions of business writing, helping you apply these principles with confidence and consistency in your day-to-day work.

Overage and clawback

his webinar provides a practical overview of overage and clawback provisions, an important but often complex area of property law. While commonly used to secure future value in land transactions, these arrangements can give rise to legal and commercial challenges if not carefully drafted and understood.The webinar will examine the key principles, highlight common pitfalls, and offer clear, practical guidance on how to address them. Drawing on relevant case law and real-world scenarios, it will help practitioners structure, interpret and enforce overage provisions effectively while minimising the risk of disputes.Topics covered will include:<ul><li>Interpretation of overage clauses;</li><li>SDLT and LTT and overage;</li><li>Enforceability of overage against third parties;</li><li>Case law on overage; and</li><li>Overage and auctions.</li></ul>

Occupancy rights after death

Issues surrounding the occupation of estate property following death can present significant legal and practical challenges. This webinar examines the key considerations for practitioners when dealing with post-death occupation of estate property, including the duties and risks faced by personal representatives.The webinar will consider how to identify early warning signs, the steps that can be taken to minimise risk to the estate and to personal representatives, and the principal issues that arise when advising on the management and protection of estate assets after death.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Personal representatives: role and duties</li><li>Right of occupancy:<ul><li>Social housing</li><li>Private tenancies</li><li>Family home</li></ul></li><li>Practical considerations:<ul><li>Family member(s) or cohabitants in occupation</li><li>Beneficiaries in occupation</li><li>Vacant properties</li><li>Procedure to obtain vacant possession:<ul><li>Claims against trespassers</li><li>Part 8 claims</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Common issues and disputes:<ul><li>Delays in obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration</li><li>Delays in selling the property</li><li>Occupation rent/mesne profits</li><li>Damage and/or property falling into disrepair</li><li>Disputes over chattels</li></ul></li><li>Potential claims arising on death of property owner:<ul><li>Proprietary estoppel</li><li>Resulting trusts and/or Constructive trusts</li><li>Claims under Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975</li></ul></li></ul>

Commercial Property update (including landlord and tenant) – Summer 2026

This webinar is part of our regular quarterly update series, designed to be an engaging and efficient means of keeping abreast of key developments, and will cover a number of recent cases and other changes on both commercial leases and commercial property generally, including the following topics:<ul><li>Opposing renewal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 – own occupation: Star Pubs v Gunmakers Arms</li><li>Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 – the Court of Appeal defines ‘building’: SGL v FSV Freeholders</li><li>Commercial boundary disputes & post transfer evidence: Handy Cross Developments v Vanni</li><li>Adverse possession – gnomes, horses & mistakes: Dobson v Unsted, Crofts v Welsh; Hayward v Suffolk CC</li><li>More on modifying restrictive covenants – success under (aa): Poppleford v Preston; Crossland v Fritchley</li></ul>

Discretionary trusts – obtaining information and documentation

Discretionary trusts remain a widely used and flexible tool for asset protection, control and tax planning, and their use is expected to increase in light of recent fiscal developments. However, their practical operation often gives rise to uncertainty and disputes, particularly around the rights of beneficiaries and the duties of trustees in relation to information and disclosure.This webinar provides a practical overview of the key legal principles and common areas of contention, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to draft and administer discretionary trusts more effectively, advise trustees and beneficiaries with confidence, and navigate requests for information while minimising the risk of disputes and protecting their clients’ positions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Discretionary trusts: key terms and features</li><li>Trustees: duties and responsibilities</li><li>Law when requesting information and documentation<ul><li>Information trustees must disclose to beneficiaries</li><li>Schmidt v Rosewood Trust Ltd (Isle of Man) [2003] UKPC 26</li></ul></li><li>Requests for information by beneficiaries:<ul><li>Trust documents</li><li>Trust accounts</li><li>Letters of wishes</li><li>Documents showing reasons for trustees’ decisions</li><li>Legal advice obtained by trustees</li></ul></li><li>Trustees’ refusal to disclose information<ul><li>Applications under Public Trustee v Cooper [1999] All ER (D) 1524</li><li>Beddoes orders</li><li>Confidentiality orders</li></ul></li><li>Procedure to request and obtain information from trustees<ul><li>Court applications:<ul><li>Determination of question arising in the execution of a trust</li><li>Directions</li><li>Account and/or inventory</li><li>Pre-action disclosure</li><li>Third party disclosure</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Other considerations<ul><li>Disclosure where potential claim arising under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975</li><li>Disclosure to a beneficiary as a litigant</li><li>Disclosure on a beneficiary’s divorce</li><li>Disclosure under data protection legislation</li><li>Disclosure under legal privilege</li></ul></li><li>Claims against professional advisors<ul><li>Larke v Nugus requests</li><li>Professional negligence</li></ul></li></ul>

Development land – how to prevent loss of value and legal issues

The webinar will aim to look at various ways land may be lost to development and how such land may be protected.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Town and Village Green claims</li><li>The Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013</li><li>Public Open Space</li><li>Rights to Light</li></ul>

Listed buildings - key issues for conveyancers

Acting on the purchase of a listed building imposes additional issues beyond those encountered with other properties. There are key issues about which both the buyer and conveyancer need to take into account. This webinar will look at some of the practical issues and will include:<ul><li>What does “listed” mean</li><li>The categories of listing</li><li>Limitations imposed on listed building owners</li><li>What does or does not need listed building consent?</li><li>EPC & Listing</li></ul>

Understanding pension law – pension schemes, compliance and common pitfalls

Pensions law is a complex and constantly evolving area that can create significant legal and regulatory risks for employers and advisers. Whether dealing with workplace pension obligations, regulatory compliance or corporate transactions, understanding the key legal principles and common pitfalls is essential.This webinar provides a practical overview of the main types of pension arrangements, explores automatic enrolment requirements and the consequences of non-compliance, and examines the pensions issues that commonly arise in the context of corporate transactions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Brief overview of the different types of private and public sector pension arrangements</li><li>Automatic enrolment compliance, breaches and remedies</li><li>Corporate transactions and pensions</li></ul>

Managing difficult conversations

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of professional life, yet they are often the discussions that people dread the most. Whether dealing with demanding clients, addressing concerns about a colleague’s performance, managing workplace conflict, delivering unwelcome news or challenging the views of someone more senior, the ability to handle these conversations effectively is a vital professional skill.This practical webinar will equip legal professionals with the confidence, structure and communication techniques needed to navigate difficult discussions successfully. Focusing on real-life workplace scenarios, it will explore why challenging conversations are often avoided, the consequences of delaying them, and how to approach them in a way that is both assertive and constructive. You will learn how to prepare effectively, communicate their message clearly, manage emotional responses and resistance, and steer conversations towards productive outcomes while maintaining positive professional relationships.

Flexible life interest trusts

This webinar provides a practical introduction to Interest in Possession (IIP) trusts and explores how these trusts can be structured to provide greater flexibility within wills. It will examine the benefits of incorporating flexible provisions, particularly in relation to spouses and civil partners, and consider the circumstances in which a life interest may come to an end. The session will also compare flexible life interest trusts with discretionary trusts, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. By the end of the webinar, practitioners will be better equipped to advise clients on flexible will trusts and determine which provisions are most appropriate to meet their estate planning objectives.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An introduction to Interest in Possession trusts • Making such trusts flexible, particularly in relation to spouses and civil partners • Ending the life interest • Discretionary trust introduction and comparison to an IIP • Pros and cons of each type of trust</li></ul>

Agricultural property relief and woodlands relief

This webinar examines Agricultural Property Relief and Woodlands Relief for inheritance tax purposes, including when relief is available, the relevant ownership conditions, how agricultural value is established, the treatment of farmhouses, successive transfers, qualifying woodlands, and factors that may affect entitlement. Participants will be better equipped to advise farmers and owners of agricultural assets on the availability and practical application of these reliefs.

Real estate finance negotiation essentials

Successful real estate finance transactions depend as much on commercial negotiation as they do on legal drafting. This introductory webinar is designed for trainees through to associates looking to build a solid understanding of the real estate finance landscape, the objectives of key stakeholders, and the typical lifecycle of a transaction. Through an exploration of the principal documents, common negotiation points, and practical techniques, delegates will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to support negotiations effectively and deliver commercially focused advice to clients.This webinar will cover the following:<ul><li>Understanding Stakeholder Objectives – contrasting priorities of lenders vs. borrowers (risk, return, flexibility, control)</li><li>Core Financing Documents – overview of facility agreements, security documents, intercreditor arrangements, and side letters</li><li>Key Negotiation Points (Lender Perspective) – covenants, events of default, security package, pricing, and controls</li><li>Key Negotiation Points (Borrower Perspective) – flexibility in use of funds, covenant headroom, cure rights, and prepayment options</li><li>Risk Allocation and Mitigation – how parties negotiate risk through representations, warranties, undertakings, and conditions precedent</li><li>Commercial vs. Legal Levers – balancing legal drafting with commercial negotiation tactics to achieve client objectives</li><li>Practical Negotiation Techniques – preparation strategies, effective communication, managing concessions, and maintaining leverage</li><li>Common Pitfalls for Junior Lawyers – over-negotiating, missing commercial context, poor issue prioritisation, and drafting traps</li></ul>

Alienation, alteration and user covenants – the problems and solutions

These covenants are a staple for commercial property professionals but present various pitfalls. The course aims to look at some of the problems and solutions.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Obtaining the licence;</li><li>Reasonableness of refusal of consent to alienation;</li><li>Time for giving consent and S.1 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1988;</li><li>User covenants and keep open clauses;</li><li>Alteration and improvements: questioning refusal of consent; and</li><li>Improvements and compensation.</li></ul>

GDPR – the key things you need to know

The GDPR is an extremely important piece of legislation that has a very broad application and failure to comply can lead to large fines and claims for compensation. This webinar is aimed at lawyers and non-lawyers who have little previous experience of the GDPR and provides an overview of the basic concepts together with recommendations as to how they can be applied in practice.Topics covered include:Key Terminology<ul><li>What do the key terms of the UK GDPR and the DPA mean?</li></ul>Principles<ul><li>What are the principles and what do they mean practically for organisations?</li></ul>Data Subjects’ Rights<ul><li>What are the key rights that data subjects have?</li><li>What do organisations need to do if they receive a request from a data subject?</li></ul>Security<ul><li>What are the key areas of risk in respect of security breaches?</li><li>What do organisations need to do if there is a security breach?</li></ul>Enforcement Regime<ul><li>What enforcement options are available to the ICO?</li><li>In what circumstances will the ICO issue a civil monetary penalty?</li></ul>Compensation<ul><li>What can compensation be awarded for? and how much?</li></ul>

Workplace harassment – the evolving law

It is unlawful for an employee to be subjected to harassment which is related to any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. The Employment Rights Act 2025 provides that this protection will apply to harassment by third parties. As a result, employers will be liable for harassment of their employees by clients and others whom they deal with at work.This webinar aims to analyze the various provisions, and summarise recent developments.Topics covered include:<ul><li>To what extent is an employer liable for harassment by third parties, such as clients or suppliers?</li><li>What ‘reasonable steps’ should the employer take to avoid liability?</li><li>The offending action must be carried out in the course of employment, but how is that defined?</li><li>The basis of a harassment claim is unwanted conduct: what if the claimant did not complain or take action for some time?</li><li>To what extent is “banter” permissible?</li><li>In what circumstances can an employer be liable for offensive posts on social media?</li><li>What special provisions apply to sexual harassment?</li><li>What if an employee is subjected to less favourable treatment because of rejection of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature?</li><li>To what extent are complainants protected by whistleblowing legislation?</li><li>In what circumstances are non-disclosure agreements valid for harassment claims?</li></ul>

Social housing – lending work and disposal of social housing assets

The social housing sector presents a unique and highly regulated environment for property finance, where legal, regulatory and commercial considerations intersect. Advisers must navigate a complex landscape involving registered providers, lenders and regulators, while ensuring compliance with evolving standards and protecting lending security.This webinar provides a practical overview of how social housing finance works in practice—from lending structures and security packages through to disposals and portfolio strategy—highlighting key risks, common problem areas and how to manage them effectively.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Introduction to the social housing landscape –<ul><li>Overview of the sector and summary of the key stakeholders (RPs, lenders, regulators) and how they interact</li></ul></li><li>Regulatory framework for social housing finance –<ul><li>Role of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH),</li><li>Governance and financial viability standard</li><li>Key compliance expectations</li></ul></li><li>Common lending structures in social housing –<ul><li>Secured vs non‑secured facilities</li><li>types of loan agreements</li><li>typical covenants.</li></ul></li><li>Security packages for lenders –<ul><li>How social housing assets are charged</li><li>Valuation methodologies</li><li>S106 restrictions</li><li>Title considerations</li></ul></li><li>The due diligence process for charging properties –<ul><li>Legal DD steps</li><li>Property verification</li><li>Stock categorisation</li><li>Common red flags</li></ul></li><li>Disposal of social housing assets: legal framework –<ul><li>Consent requirements (e.g., under the Housing and Regeneration Act),</li><li>Types of disposals</li><li>Regulatory notifications</li></ul></li><li>Stock rationalisation and portfolio strategy –<ul><li>Why RPs buy/sell stock</li><li>strategic fit assessments</li><li>impact on business plans</li></ul></li><li>Disposal mechanisms and transaction structures –<ul><li>Direct sales</li><li>Intra‑group transfers</li><li>Portfolio disposals</li><li>Treatment of secured vs non‑secured units.</li></ul></li><li>Impact of disposals on lending arrangements –<ul><li>Partial releases</li><li>Valuation impacts</li><li>Lender consent obligations</li><li>Covenant compliance</li></ul></li><li>Current market trends and practical tips for advisers –<ul><li>Lender expectations</li><li>Viability pressures</li><li>Risk mitigation</li><li>Best‑practice guidance for smooth transactions</li></ul></li></ul>

Valuing estate assets

This webinar covers valuation principles applicable for inheritance tax purposes, covering residential property, interests in possession, shares and dividends, and other assets. It will also examine the rules relating to related parties, jointly held property, and post-death decreases in value of shares or residential property, giving participants a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of asset valuation in estate administration.

Adverse Possession and other boundary issues

Adverse possession is a topic which affects all areas of property law and a knowledge of it is essential to all property law professionals.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The meaning of adverse possession;</li><li>Factual possession and case of Dobson v Umsted (2026);</li><li>Intention to possess;</li><li>Adverse possession in registered land and the Supreme Court decision in Brown v Ridley (2025);</li><li>Encroachment and Mcgee v Longterm Reversions (2025);</li><li>Adverse possession and general boundaries ad the case of Clapham v Narga (2024);</li><li>Determining the boundary; and</li><li>Boundary agreements and the case of White v Alder (2025).</li></ul>

Unfair dismissal – how much is the claim worth?

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will abolish the statutory cap on compensation for unfair dismissal. This will mean that awards made by employment tribunals may increase dramatically in the case of claimants who are high earners, or who face difficulty in the labour market because of age or disability. It will also place greater emphasis on the valuation of occupational pensions and the rules relating to grossing up of awards to reflect taxation.This webinar aims to deal with these changes within a framework which looks at the rules relating to compensation for unfair dismissal as a whole. It will be of value to those representing employers and employees.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Mitigation</li><li>Polkey and contributory fault reductions</li><li>Uplift for Acas Code of Practice breaches</li><li>Career long loss</li><li>Pension loss</li><li>Recoupment and its effect on negotiation</li><li>Grossing up and taxation</li></ul>

Administration of cross-border estates – key principles and practical issues

Cross-border estates can present a wide range of complex legal, practical and tax issues for practitioners, particularly where multiple jurisdictions, foreign assets and differing succession regimes are involved. A clear understanding of how the laws of England and Wales interact with overseas succession laws is essential in order to advise clients effectively, minimise the risk of disputes and ensure the efficient administration of estates with international elements.This webinar will provide practitioners with a practical overview of succession law and estate administration where there are cross-border considerations, including conflicts of laws, domicile and residency issues, foreign assets, inheritance tax implications and estate planning considerations. The webinar will also examine the impact of the significant changes to the UK inheritance tax regime from 6 April 2025 and the practical challenges that can arise when administering estates involving overseas assets, executors or beneficiaries.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Death occurs overseas:<ul><li>Deaths at sea and offshore</li><li>Other deaths abroad</li><li>Repatriating body to England and Wales</li><li>Presumption of Death or leave to swear death</li><li>Deaths in disasters</li></ul></li><li>Inheritance tax:<ul><li>Domicile rules prior to 6 April 2025</li><li>Residency based system and long-term residency test</li><li>Spouse exemption and election</li><li>Determination of residency status</li></ul></li><li>Succession laws: common law, civil law, and forced heirship</li><li>Succession law and estate administration in England and Wales<ul><li>Continuing significance of domicile</li><li>Conflicts of laws</li><li>Connecting factors</li><li>Other considerations</li></ul></li><li>Estate administration in England and Wales: Will vs intestacy rules</li><li>Multiple worldwide Wills</li><li>Personal representatives’ duties in relation to foreign assets</li><li>Other considerations:<ul><li>Determining which assets fall into the estate</li><li>Executors are overseas</li><li>Preserving value of foreign assets</li><li>Minors inheriting foreign assets</li><li>Deed of Variation for foreign assets</li></ul></li><li>Tax in relation to foreign assets</li></ul>

Introduction to financial literacy in real estate finance

Understanding the financial drivers behind a transaction is essential for any lawyer involved in property finance. This webinar will demystify the key financial concepts that shape lending decisions and negotiations, helping you to better understand the commercial priorities of both lenders and borrowers. By developing confidence with financial metrics, valuations, cash flow and covenant structures, you will be better equipped to negotiate effectively, anticipate issues, and add greater value to your clients.This webinar will cover the following:<ul><li>Key Financial Metrics in Property Finance – loan-to-value (LTV), debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), interest cover ratio (ICR), and yield</li><li>Understanding Valuations and Cash Flow – how property value and rental income drive lending decisions and risk appetite</li><li>Pricing the Deal – margins, fees, and how lenders assess risk-based pricing vs. borrower cost sensitivity</li><li>Covenants and Financial Testing – how covenants are structured, tested, and reset (LTV, ICR/DSCR), and why they matter</li><li>Interpreting Financial Models – reading basic financial models and stress testing assumptions used by lenders and borrowers</li><li>What Drives Each Party’s Position – lender focus on downside protection vs. borrower focus on flexibility and growth</li><li>Negotiating Financial Terms (Lender Perspective) – tightening covenants, preserving triggers, and protecting enforcement rights</li><li>Negotiating Financial Terms (Borrower Perspective) – covenant headroom, cure rights (equity cures), holidays, and flexibility</li></ul>

Discretionary trusts – challenging and/or overturning decisions

Discretionary trusts remain one of the most widely used trust structures, offering flexibility, asset protection, control over the distribution of capital and income, and potential tax planning benefits. With recent changes announced in the Autumn Budget, their use is expected to increase further. However, these trusts are often misunderstood and can give rise to disputes and challenges for both trustees and beneficiaries.This webinar will explore the most common areas of contention, provide practical guidance on drafting and administering discretionary trusts to minimise the risk of disputes, and equip practitioners with the knowledge needed to advise clients effectively and protect their interests when issues arise.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Discretionary trusts: key terms and features</li><li>Trustees: duties and responsibilities</li><li>Trustee Decisions<ul><li>Procedure</li><li>Relevant considerations</li><li>Momentous decisions: Public Trustee v Cooper [1999] All ER (D) 1524</li></ul></li><li>Challenging trustee decisions:<ul><li>Challenging on technical grounds<ul><li>Lack of consent</li><li>Breach of duty to act impartially</li><li>Failure to comply with formalities inn trust or by law</li><li>Excessive execution</li><li>Power exercised late or out of time</li></ul></li><li>Challenges on substantive grounds:<ul><li>Irrelevant considerations</li><li>Conflict of interest</li><li>Duress, undue influence, or misrepresentation</li><li>Acting in mistake or misapprehension</li><li>Fraud on the power</li><li>Breach of duty of care in exercise of investment powers</li></ul></li><li>Procedural steps<ul><li>Seeking an account</li><li>Seeking directions that trustees take or refrain from actions</li><li>Application for removal and appointment of trustees</li><li>Beddoes Orders</li><li>Unwinding and/or setting aside decisions: Hastings-Bass v Inland Revenue Commissioners [1975] Ch 25</li><li>Other considerations</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Claims against professional advisors</li><li>Trustee costs and costs in litigation</li></ul>

An introduction to The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954

This webinar provides a practical introduction to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, focusing on security of tenure, lease renewal and termination procedures. It will examine when the Act applies, how business tenancies are renewed or brought to an end, and the principal grounds on which landlords can oppose renewal. The webinar will also highlight the key risks, timing considerations and strategic issues that commonly arise in practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Understand when the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 applies to business tenancies.</li><li>Explain the concept of security of tenure and its practical implications.</li><li>Identify the procedures for lease renewal and termination, including notices under sections 25 and 26.</li><li>Recognise the statutory grounds on which a landlord may oppose renewal.</li><li>Appreciate the key practical and strategic considerations that arise in disputes under the Act.</li></ul>

Certificates of title in commercial property – a practical guide

Certificates of title have become a standard feature of modern commercial property transactions, whether acting for lenders, investors, buyers or corporate occupiers. Yet many practitioners are asked to draft, review or rely on certificates without fully understanding the scope of the assurances being given or the potential risks involved.This practical webinar provides a clear overview of commercial property certificates of title, explaining their purpose, key provisions and how they differ from a traditional report on title. Using the industry-standard CLLS form as a framework, the session will highlight common pitfalls and the issues practitioners should consider before signing, negotiating or relying upon a certificate.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An overview of the CLLS certificate;</li><li>How the certificate differs from a report on title;</li><li>The points to watch out for when drafting the certificate;</li><li>The points to look out for when reviewing the certificate.</li></ul>

What to do when the SRA comes knocking?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is a regulator widely feared and misunderstood by solicitors and law firms. It publishes materials to help law firms stay compliant and make decisions when things have gone awry, but it can be difficult to know where to focus your law firm’s resources.In this myth-busting webinar, regulator Solicitor Paul Bennett outlines how to plan for the SRA to take an interest in your firm and how to show your firm in the best light.The SRA conducts audits, investigations and enforcement actions. Do you understand the risks of each type of interaction? You will do by the end of this webinar.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is the difference between: Audit, Investigation and Enforcement?</li><li>The SRA’s three core functions: authorisation, supervision, and enforcement.</li><li>What the SRA enforces!</li><li>Who is subject to enforcement: firms, individuals, managers, employees, and non-authorised persons.</li><li>Enforcement triggers: reports from the public, courts, other regulators, or the SRA’s own supervision.</li><li>Why does developing robust compliance systems and controls protect your reputation?</li><li>Documenting all communications and actions taken.</li><li>Seek legal advice where appropriate.</li></ul>

Executing documents using electronic signatures

The usage of electronic signatures is increasingly common but there remains a great deal of confusion as to the validity of such signatures and whether they satisfy specific requirements in certain types of contract.Guidance is available from publications produced by the Law Commission and from the eIDAS Regulation and there is also an increasing body of case law that addresses these issues.This webinar will review the content of the existing law and will examine a series of practical issues that need to be borne in mind.Topics will include:<ul><li>Review of guidance and reports produced by the Law Commission</li><li>Overview of different types of electronic signatures that can be used</li><li>Key points from relevant case law – Reid-Roberts v Mei Lin [2026] EWHC 49 (Ch)</li><li>Key provisions of the eIDAS Regulation</li><li>Summary of latest HM Land Registry rules</li><li>Summary of proposed changes to the execution of wills</li><li>Risk management and practical steps to take</li></ul>

AML for private client practitioners

Amid the growing furore surrounding both current and forthcoming AML requirements, private client practitioners—like most professionals in the sector—must ensure that they are fully compliant in their dealings with clients and client monies. From straightforward will drafting to estate administration, the creation and management of trusts, and the provision of tax advice, the issues involved are anything but simple.Moreover, with the SRA making clear that its “offensive will continue”, private client practitioners must be confident that their house is in order in the face of ever-increasing regulatory burdens and expectations.What do those burdens require?Topics covered include:<ul><li>What it means to be a ‘gatekeeper’</li><li>SRA position & FCA regulation</li><li>The range of work covered</li><li>What do we have to do to comply in:<ul><li>Simple wills cases</li><li>Estates administrations when acting as or for executors</li><li>Trust cases</li><li>When must we identify & verify beneficiaries?</li></ul></li><li>Client and matter risk assessments</li><li>Sources of wealth and sources of funds</li><li>The crucial importance of ongoing monitoring</li></ul>

Risk management and the CQS practice management standards

Effective risk management is at the heart of the CQS Practice Management Standards, requiring firms to implement clear systems, controls and oversight to ensure compliance and maintain high standards of practice. This webinar will explore the practical steps firms can take to meet these requirements, helping practitioners understand how to manage risk effectively while embedding robust procedures across their practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Practice Management standards terminology</li><li>Compliance Plans</li><li>Risk Registers</li><li>Key Dates</li><li>Declining work</li><li>Training & File Reviews</li><li>General Issues</li></ul>

Preparing a company for sale

At the end of this webinar delegates will have a greater understanding of what makes a company easier to sell, ensures less price cutting and an easier sale.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What a buyer wants</li><li>The due diligence process and how to prepare for it ahead of time</li><li>Being honest about issues</li><li>Common problems and how to prepare for them</li></ul>

Fundamental dishonesty: practical case management strategies

Fundamental dishonesty remains a significant issue within the courts for both Claimant and Defendants alike. All parties have their own obligations to prevent fraudulent claims, but all litigators will have experienced an increase in allegations of fundamental dishonesty in cases that ultimately settle and where the allegation is used as a “weapon” to add risk to the case.This webinar is designed to look at the practical steps claimant litigators can take from a start of a case to minimise the risk of fundamental dishonesty being raised.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Pre-action</li><li>Disclosure</li><li>Social Media</li><li>Statements</li><li>Expert Evidence</li><li>Surveillance</li><li>What to do when fundamental dishonesty is raised</li><li>Pt36</li><li>What can Claimant’s do when fundamental dishonesty is inappropriately raised?</li></ul>The webinar will be touch on appropriate case law but this will be a session primarily focused on the steps you can take throughout a case to minimise the risk of fundamental dishonesty being raised and, where appropriate, how to spot a fraudulent claim/dishonest claimant at an early stage to minimise WIP write off.

Landlords consent: untangling the process

Most leases require landlord’s consent to assignment or sub-letting as well as to the carrying out of alterations and change of use. Obtaining that consent, however, can be fraught with delay and pre-conditions; landlords can often seem unwilling to allow a change in the status quo. So, what can be done to speed the process up and what sort of conditions might a landlord reasonably seek to protect its interests?This practical webinar offers tips for avoiding and resolving some of the knottier problems that arise, whether acting for landlord or tenant, in handling these applications:<ul><li>Preparing the application: tips for the tenant to smooth the process;</li><li>Anticipating & handling landlord’s conditions: the tricky concept of ‘reasonableness’;</li><li>Saying ‘no’ – when should the landlord consider this, and how?</li><li>How long should it take? How much will it cost?</li><li>What to do if either landlord or tenant breaches its obligations</li></ul>

Unexpected trusts

Clients are often unaware that a trust exists. While this is a broad and complex area, this webinar will focus on:Creating express trusts<ul><li>The three certainties</li><li>Wagstaff v HMRC</li><li>Morgan v Morgan</li></ul>Resulting trusts<ul><li>Purchase of property in name of another</li><li>Failure to dispose of whole beneficial interest</li><li>Quistclose trusts</li></ul>Constructive trusts<ul><li>Common intention constructive trust</li><li>Detrimental reliance required</li><li>Archibald v Alexander</li><li>Hudson v Hathway</li></ul>Acquisition constructive trust<ul><li>Khan v Khan</li></ul>Cohabitation cases<ul><li>Stack v Dowden</li><li>Jones v Kernott</li><li>Marr v Collie</li></ul>

Charging your client and deductions from damages

The extension of fixed costs has meant that, in order to make ends meet, you will almost certainly want to bill your own client on top of the recovery made from the opposition. This is a fraught area and problems abound, leading to an uptick in solicitor-own client costs disputes, as well as complaints to the Legal Ombudsman.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What you must tell your client in fixed costs cases, including on the Intermediate Track</li><li>Important guidance from the Legal Ombudsman</li><li>What limits are there on how much you charge the client?</li><li>Why you must always send your client a full, final bill</li><li>The profound difference between your client’s consent and informed consent to your charging regime</li><li>The statutory presumptions</li><li>What your retainer must provide for</li><li>The forthcoming Court of Appeal hearing in Turner v Coupland Cavendish on part 18 requests in Solicitors Act assessments</li></ul>

Conflicts of Interest – what law firm leaders need to know

The issue of a Conflict of Interest for Law Firms is of considerable importance, and, under the Standards and Regulations 2019, as a Partner or the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), you are expected to manage the risk of conflicts in your team and firm.What should you be thinking of in terms of systems and control, knowing when your firm can and cannot act and understanding the safeguards that should be in place?This webinar will cover the following topics:<ul><li>Your conflict of interest duties as a Partner (and as COLP)</li><li>The systems and controls in practice</li><li>The SRA’s regulatory framework on conflicts, including:<ul><li>SRA Principles 1, 2, 5 & 7</li><li>SRA Code of Conduct – Section 6</li><li>Code of Conduct for Firms – Paragraphs 6.1 – 6.2</li></ul></li><li>When you can and cannot act, and exceptions under SRA rules</li><li>A detailed understanding of the SRA’s Rules in relation to client conflicts of interest, own interest conflicts and commercial conflicts</li><li>The importance of confidentiality and disclosure risks as adjuncts to the conflict of interest issues</li><li>Some key takeaways to test your current systems and enhance your firm’s approach</li></ul>

Children and family law - essential updates for spring 2026

Keeping pace with rapid developments in children and family law is essential for every practitioner, with new legislation, case law and guidance reshaping practice at an ever-increasing rate.This webinar provides a comprehensive update on the latest changes in law, procedure and practical guidance, highlighting the key developments affecting day-to-day practice.Topics covered include:Children and domestic abuse matters<ul><li>Developments surrounding domestic abuse</li><li>Enforcing contact/ child arrangements</li><li>Developments in issues over parental responsibility</li><li>Use of the pathfinder courts for private children law proceedings and its development</li><li>Public children law cases – developments</li><li>Family procedure rule developments</li><li>Case and statute law update</li></ul>Finances, divorce and cohabitation<ul><li>Divorce and dissolution – developments in Procedure</li><li>Financial remedy matters – case law developments and procedural changes</li><li>Financial remedy cases – conduct, costs and developments in nuptial agreements</li><li>Cohabitation – current thinking and developments</li><li>Ongoing applications of Standish v Standish</li><li>Family procedure rule developments</li><li>Case and statute law update</li></ul>

Commercial property update (including landlord and tenant) – Spring 2026

The court’s case management powers in practice

The case management powers of the court are legion and there is evidence that they are being used more. This webinar will identify those that are most important and how the judiciary has applied them.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Should an adjournment be granted?</li><li>The various ways of taking evidence</li><li>Split trials</li><li>Excluding issues and evidence</li><li>Conditional orders</li><li>Security for costs</li><li>Allocation to track</li></ul>

Placement orders, adoption and associated contact- key legal issues for 2026

In public children law proceedings, adoption often arises as part of parallel planning, making a clear understanding of the legal framework essential for practitioners.This webinar explores the distinction between revocation of a placement order and applications for leave to oppose an adoption order, with reference to recent case law. It will also consider judicial approaches to contact during placement and post-adoption contact under s.51A, alongside how placement orders differ from other permanency options, the transfer of parental responsibility, and key processes such as Adoption Panels, the role of the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), and matching.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Parallel planning and permanency options</li><li>Placement and adoption orders</li><li>Criteria for granting a placement order and processes</li><li>Adoption agencies regulations and their application in practice</li><li>Adoption panels and processes – approving, matching and recommending</li><li>Revocation of placement orders – when would this be relevant and what the criteria?</li><li>Leave to oppose making of adoption orders – what is the correct position with these applications?</li><li>When will the court grant permission to oppose and adoption application?</li><li>Child’s permanence report (written report)</li><li>Interrelationship between s.26 ACA 2022 and S.51A ACA 2002.</li><li>Consideration of case law developments</li><li>Views of the President of the Family Division and adoption contact, together with the Public Law Working Group recommendation for best practice in adoption</li></ul>

Internal investigations – a guide for partners and compliance officers

Internal investigations are part of running a modern law firm, but handling them incorrectly can create significant regulatory, legal and reputational risk.This practical  webinar provides partners and compliance professionals with clear, confident guidance on managing investigations effectively, fairly and in line with regulatory expectations.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What is expected of Partners and Compliance Officers for Legal Practice</li><li>The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s guidance on internal investigations</li><li>Investigations and credibility — what you should do and why</li><li>Investigations and fairness — ensuring a balanced and defensible process</li><li>How to investigate — practical tips and best-practice approaches</li></ul>

Contract drafting pitfalls for conveyancing trainees, paralegals and support staff

The contract of sale is one of the key documents required in the conveyancing process. But it is not ‘just another form’. It creates a binding obligation to sell land, and it sets out the matters agreed between seller and buyer. A firm can be negligent if they get it wrong.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What are the standard conditions of sale?</li><li>How to complete a straightforward contract</li><li>How to draft some common special conditions of sale</li><li>Why it is important to get the contract right</li><li>What if it needs to be amended after exchange?</li></ul>This webinar is suitable for any trainees, support staff, paralegals, secretaries and others who are involved with supporting fee earners.

Surveillance and evidence acquired in dubious circumstances

Video surveillance evidence is used in all sorts of civil litigation disputes. The first segment of this webinar will consider the law applicable to acquiring and deploying such evidence. The remainder will look specifically at issues arising from surveillance in personal injury claims, where a finding of fundamental dishonesty will wipe out qualified one-way costs shifting and open up a costs liability.Topics covered include:<ul><li>When should evidence be disclosed?</li><li>Editing and surveillance logs</li><li>Unlawfully acquired material</li><li>What experts must do if their opinion is at odds with video evidence</li><li>Lessons from the Atunaya v MoD case (2026), where the claimant was found fundamentally dishonest even after discontinuing their case</li><li>Surveillance evidence as an ambush? Middleton v Carnival (2026) considered</li><li>Evidence in employment litigation</li></ul>

Domestic abuse law - what you need to know in 2026

This webinar provides a clear, practical overview of the latest changes in domestic abuse law, what they mean in day-to-day practice, and how they impact family and children law proceedings.The webinar will explore how the Act continues to reshape legal practice across family law, including divorce, finances and children matters. It will address new offences, procedural developments, and the practical implications of recent guidance, including the President’s Guidance and Family Justice Council Guidance of January 2026.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Domestic Abuse Act 2021 – key provisions</li><li>Statutory definition of domestic abuse – how does this work in practice?</li><li>Cross-Examination – position with qualified legal representatives.</li><li>Participation directions – why this is so essential</li><li>Domestic abuse protection notices and orders – what provisions are provided for how will matters change going forward?</li><li>Impact of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to the way in which non-molestation and occupation orders are run.</li><li>Electronic monitoring – how will this change things?</li><li>Economic abuse – application in children and injunction proceedings</li><li>Criminal offences linked to domestic abuse, including non-fatal strangulation and suffocation, disclosure of intimate photographs, and offences committed outside the UK.</li><li>President’s Guidance and Family Justice Council Guidance of January 2026</li><li>Standard and simplified orders since January 2026</li></ul>

Data protection complaints procedure - time to act

With effect from 19 June 2026, all controllers will be required to have a procedure in place for handling data protection complaints. This is a completely new requirement which needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency.In particular, controllers will need to give data subjects a way to complain directly and will need to have procedures in place about how they will investigate and respond to any such complaint.This 30-minute webinar will review the guidance note produced by the ICO and will set out a series of practical steps that can be taken to ensure compliance.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Ways in which complaints can be made</li><li>Content of complaints procedure</li><li>Acknowledgement of complaints</li><li>Investigation of complaints</li><li>Provision of outcomes to the data subject</li><li>Records to be kept</li></ul>

Exercising break lease clauses

Break clauses and other termination options can offer a vital exit strategy—but only if exercised correctly. This webinar will equip you with the practical insight needed to navigate common pitfalls, ensure compliance with strict conditions, and protect your client’s position when bringing a commercial lease to an end.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Conditions precedent and breaks</li><li>The time for exercising the break</li><li>Right of entry</li><li>Tenant’s notice to quit</li><li>Surrender of leases</li></ul>

Preventing solicitor–client disputes - a practical guide to costs and compliance

Disputes between solicitor and client are depressingly common and continue to trouble the courts. In April, a senior district judge warned PI solicitors who ensure their base costs are always high enough to hit the 25% cap on deductions from damages risk referral to the SRA.Substantial amounts of time and non-chargeable time may be required to resolve problems. The purpose of this webinar is to identify the common causes of disputes and how these can be avoided in the first place.– The invaluable guidance from the Legal Ombudsman– What you must tell the client when they first approach you– Costs information and when updates are obligatory– Section 70 challenges– How the Ombudsman operates– The impact of Herbert (2019) and Belsner (2022) .– Guidance from Dr Mark Friston on client information– Civil Justice Council proposals for radical reform of part III the Solicitors Act 1974

Good faith, termination and boilerplate clauses

he courts continue to see a steady stream of contract law disputes ranging from good faith to termination and boilerplate clauses. This webinar summarises all the key developments in these areas and sets out a series of practical steps to take.Topics covered include:Good faith<ul><li>Meaning of good faith</li><li>Express duties of good faith</li><li>Matiere v ABM [2025] EWHC 1434 (TCC)</li><li>Implied duties of good faith</li><li>Ellis v Benson [2025] EWHC 2096 (KB)</li></ul>Termination<ul><li>Perpetual contract v contract of indefinite duration</li><li>Zaha Hadid Ltd v Zaha Hadid Foundation [2026] EWCA Civ 192</li><li>Conditional right to terminate</li><li>Providence Building Services v Hexagon Housing Association [2026] UKSC 1</li></ul>Notices<ul><li>Meaning of ‘any notice or other communication’</li><li>Hughes v CSC [2025] EWHC 302 (Comm)</li><li>Meaning of ‘notify in writing’ and ‘any written notification’</li><li>Inspired Education v Crombie [2025] EWHC 1236 (Ch)</li></ul>Waiver<ul><li>Delay and awareness issues</li><li>URE Energy v Notting Hill Genesis [2025] EWCA Civ 1407</li></ul>

Cohabitation law for family lawyers - practical guidance for 2026

Disputes involving unmarried couples and family members over property are an increasingly common—and often complex—part of modern family practice. Yet many family lawyers feel less confident navigating this area, where civil procedure intersects with family law principles.This practical webinar provides a clear, structured update on cohabitation law in 2026, equipping you with the legal knowledge and procedural insight needed to handle these matters with confidence. From ownership disputes to evolving case law and reform proposals, you’ll gain a firm grounding in the key principles that underpin this challenging but essential area of practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The significance of the concept of a ‘common law wife and husband’?</li><li>Joint tenancies and tenancies in common</li><li>Use of cohabitation contracts or agreements</li><li>Does the court start with an equal divide when deciding on the assets?</li><li>What is ‘common intention’ and what needs to be established to show ‘detriment’?</li><li>Consideration of leading cases, including Lee Hudson v Jayne Hathway 2022 EWHC 631 (QB)</li><li>Informal discussions and impact of decision in Nilsson v Cynberg [2024] EWHC 2164 (Ch)</li><li>Proposals for reform in 2026</li><li>Use of proprietary estoppel and Schedule 1 CA 1989</li><li>Equitable accounting and occupation rent – how does this work?</li><li>How are the procedural elements different in the CPR from the FPR?</li><li>How does Schedule 1 CA 1989 fit into Trusts of Land disputes?</li><li>Costs and offers</li></ul>

"No win, no fee” and other fee arrangements in high volume consumer claims

Managing regulatory and reputational risk is a growing priority for firms operating in the consumer and volume claims sector. With increased scrutiny from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, firms must ensure their funding models, processes and decision-making align with regulatory expectations while protecting the wider reputation of the profession.This webinar provides a practical overview of the key risk areas and how to evidence compliance in an increasingly challenging landscape.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What are the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s expectations of you and your Firm?</li><li>How should you be funding your cases in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s view</li><li>The common risks of the volume claim sector</li><li>Evidencing compliance with the regulatory regime</li><li>Why the reputation of the profession should be key to you and your firm</li></ul>

Professional Indemnity Insurance – compliance for law firms

Professional indemnity insurance (PII) is not simply a cost of doing business; it is a condition of doing business as a law firm.The SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules require every authorised body to take out and maintain qualifying insurance with a participating insurer, and they set out what must happen, and how quickly, when a firm cannot do so.For partners, the difficulty is rarely the premium. It is the judgement that sits around it:<ul><li>whether the cover purchased is “adequate and appropriate” for the work the firm actually does;</li><li>whether the proposal form enables a good law firm to show its quality;</li><li>when a difficult file becomes a circumstance that must be notified; and</li><li>whether fee earners will raise a concern early enough to manage the risks before a claim?</li></ul>Recent renewals have favoured firms, with more participating insurers and longer policy periods now common. A soft market is an opportunity to improve terms. It is also a period in which firms grow complacent about disclosure, about aggregation, and about the risk management they have promised their insurer they carry out.This webinar is delivered by Paul Bennett, partner at Bennett Briegal LLP and a risk and compliance solicitor acting for law firms in England and Wales. It is practical rather than theoretical, and is aimed at those who have to make these decisions and then defend them.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What qualifying insurance means under the SRA’s Minimum Terms and Conditions, and what the Indemnity Insurance Rules require of the firm and of each partner individually</li><li>What the obligation to have “adequate and appropriate” insurance means in practice, including but not limited to your practice area exposure, your largest individual matter values and your excess</li><li>How the aggregation provisions in the Minimum Terms and Conditions operate, and why a firm holding a fully compliant policy can still be underinsured once related errors are treated as a single claim</li><li>What you can and cannot exclude or cap in your retainer, and the points at which the Minimum Terms and Conditions override your own terms of business</li><li>How to make your firm attractive to insurers: what underwriters are asking now, what a well-prepared proposal looks like, and the disclosure risk in answering badly</li><li>When a matter becomes a circumstance, how to notify it, and why late or partial notification frequently causes more damage than the error being notified</li><li>Your obligation to disclose your insurance details to a potential claimant on request, and how to handle that request sensibly</li><li>What your fee earners and support staff need to understand about the firm’s insurance, and how to build the internal reporting culture that underwriters and the SRA both expect to see</li></ul>

Recognition of overseas divorces

Advising on the recognition of overseas divorces is an increasingly common—and often decisive—issue in practice. Whether a foreign divorce is recognised in England and Wales can have significant consequences, and the rules are not always straightforward. This session provides a clear, practical overview of the key principles under the Family Law Act 1986 and the 1970 Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations, including how to approach different types of divorce and cross-border scenarios.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Why do I need to know anything about the recognition of overseas divorces?</li><li>What is the law?<ul><li>1970 Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations</li><li>Family Law Act 1986 s45-54</li></ul></li><li>The starting point – s46 FLA 1986</li><li>What is a divorce “by means of proceedings”?</li><li>What is a divorce “otherwise than by means of proceedings”?</li><li>Cross border divorces</li></ul>

Exit and principal charges – a practical guide

The taxation of relevant property trusts remains a complex area for many practitioners, particularly when calculating exit charges and ten-year principal (anniversary) charges. Errors can lead to unexpected tax liabilities, reporting issues and poor client outcomes.This practical webinar provides a step-by-step guide to understanding when these charges arise, how they are calculated and the reporting obligations that follow. Through worked examples and practical guidance, delegates will gain the confidence to undertake these calculations accurately and advise clients on the potential tax consequences of establishing and administering trusts.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An introduction to the relevant property regime</li><li>A guided example on calculating an exit charge in the first ten years of the trust</li><li>A guided example on calculating the principal or anniversary charge</li><li>A guided example on calculating later exit charges</li><li>A run through on how to report these charges to HMRC</li></ul>

Nuptial agreements and inheritance- key issues for financial remedy cases

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements are now a central feature of financial remedy work, particularly where wealth protection and inheritance planning are in focus. Yet questions remain around their enforceability, strategic use, and how they interact with the court’s approach to needs and fairness.This practical webinar explores the evolving legal framework surrounding nuptial agreements, with a particular focus on inheritance and the treatment of non-marital assets. You’ll gain clarity on when these agreements carry weight, how the courts approach them in practice, and how to advise clients confidently—whether dealing with high-net-worth individuals or more typical asset profiles.Topics covered include:<ul><li>When may prenuptial agreement be relevant?</li><li>What is the impact of Radmacher v. Granatino [2010] UKSC 42? What principles emerge from this case?</li><li>Are pre-nuptial agreements binding, and what are the benefits of such agreements?</li><li>Nuptial agreements and meeting needs – consideration of Ipekci v McConnell 2019 EWFC 19 and Robson v. Robson 2010 EWCA Civ 1171</li><li>Distinction between marital and non-marital property – WX v HX (Treatment of matrimonial and non-matrimonial property) 2021 EWHC 241 (Fam)</li><li>Non-material disclosure in negotiating the pre-nuptial agreement.</li><li>What about future inheritance? Can this be taken into account? Consideration of Alireza v Radwan and Others 2017 EWCA Civ 1545</li><li>Continuing use of Pre- nuptial Agreements – consideration of Helliwell v Entwistle 2024 EWHC 740 (Fam)</li><li>Deceit and material non–disclosure</li><li> Consideration of Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1055 and [2025] EWCA Civ 1071</li><li>Future of pre and post nuptial agreements</li></ul>

CPR Update - 2026

The Civil Procedure Rules are subject to constant scrutiny by the Rule Committee, with longer-term input from the Civil Justice Council. This webinar will address recent developments of note, as well as an enormous raft of reforms that are in the offing.Topic covered include:<ul><li>Costs budgeting lite</li><li>Witness statements</li><li>Rules of service</li><li>New guideline hourly rates</li><li>Disclosure under PD  57AD</li><li>Part III of the Solicitors Act 1974</li><li>Access to court documents</li><li>Upper Tribunal judicial review claim forms</li></ul>

Threshold criteria in public child care cases – key principles

Children law practitioners need a clear and practical understanding of how the Threshold Criteria operates within public child care proceedings. This webinar will provide an overview of the key legal principles, procedural requirements and recent judicial developments relating to threshold, helping practitioners become more confident in both drafting and responding to threshold documents.The webinar will explore leading authorities, practical considerations and current judicial approaches, including recent developments concerning the ‘deemed acceptance’ of threshold criteria and the relationship between threshold, welfare and care planning.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Threshold Criteria – What is it and why is it so important?</li><li>Difference between s.38(2) and s.31(2) CA 1989 in practice.</li><li>Threshold statements and responses</li><li>Linking the facts with showing harm and/or likelihood of harm – implications of Re A (A Child) [2015] EWFC 11</li><li>Consideration of Re BR (Proof of Facts) [2015] EWFC 41</li><li>Does threshold need to be established in all cases? Effect of WBC v. A [2016] EWFC B70</li><li>Threshold involving children in the same set of proceedings – consideration of Re L- K (Children) [2015] EWCA Civ 830</li><li>Threshold, welfare, contact/family time, and the care plan – how are these connected?</li><li>Threshold met on actions/inaction pre-birth – implications of Re W (A Minor) (Death of Mother Before Birth of Child: Threshold Criteria) [2024] EWFC 350</li></ul>

Client account interest – compliance, risk and proposed reforms

Rising interest rates have created significant income for law firms. In 2023, client account interest income rose by over 1,000% compared to 2022. For some firms, this income now represents more than 10% of turnover.High interest rates have also triggered regulatory and political scrutiny. This session covers the current rules, where the SRA and Government are heading, and your responsibilities.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The current rule: What Rule 7 of the SRA Accounts Rules requires and how “fair and reasonable” interest is interpreted.</li><li>The interest landscape: How rising rates have changed the financial picture for firms and created regulatory concern.</li><li>The outside risks from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Government.</li><li>Your compliance risks: What the SRA expects from you now and how to prepare for possible change.</li><li>The rules on client account interest are in flux. This is a state-of-play review to enable you to plan for the various risks ahead.</li></ul>

Provision of a banking facility – what is it and why does it matter?

Solicitors Accounts Rule 3.3 requires that you must not use a client account to provide banking facilities to clients or third parties. Yet breaches persist, and the SRA’s enforcement action is intense.Over the past decade, significant disciplinary cases have exposed how easy it is to drift into providing banking facilities without recognising it.This 30-minute webinar examines what the rule really means in practice, using real cases to illustrate the risks and the consequences of getting it wrong.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The rule itself: What SRA Rule 3.3 says and why courts have found breaches so serious.</li><li>Proper connection: Why you need a real connection between the funds and the regulated service you are providing.</li><li>When it goes wrong: the landmark cases to understand.</li><li>Red flags to watch: Practical indicators that you may be drifting into providing a banking facility.</li><li>Money laundering risk: Why this breach often goes hand-in-hand with financial crime vulnerabilities.</li><li>What the SRA expects: How to justify your decisions and avoid disciplinary action.</li><li>Every payment into and out of your client account must connect to the regulated work you are actually doing. Without that connection, it is a breach of Rule 3.3. You must be prepared to justify every decision to hold or move client money.</li></ul>

Financial remedy proceedings - understanding conduct arguments

Conduct arguments can arise in financial remedy proceedings and, where established, may have a significant impact on the division of financial assets and the court’s exercise of discretion under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. It is therefore essential for practitioners to understand when conduct can properly be raised, the types of behaviour that may be relevant, and the procedural considerations involved.This webinar will provide a practical overview of conduct issues in financial remedy cases, including conduct during the marriage or civil partnership, litigation conduct, material non-disclosure and costs consequences under Part 28 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010. The webinar will also examine recent developments in the case law and the courts’ evolving approach to conduct allegations in financial remedy proceedings.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Material non-disclosure and conduct issues – how does this impact upon the outcome?</li><li>Growing case law surrounding material non-disclosure</li><li>Litigation conduct and its application to Part 28 FPR 2010</li><li>Economic abuse, conduct and financial remedy matters – consideration of DP v EP [2023] EWFC 6</li><li>Manipulating documents and adjourning of capital claims due to conduct</li><li>Pleading conduct in financial remedy cases – consideration of the principles set out within Tsyetkoy v Khayrova [2023] EWFC 230 and Tsyetkoy v Khayrova [2023] EWFC 131</li><li>Continuing developments in conduct issues – consideration of O v O [2023] EWFC 161</li><li>Paternity Fraud and Conduct – FRB v DCA (No.2) [2020] EWHC 754 (Fam)</li><li>Costs in relation to deceit for pre-nuptial agreement – application of Helliwell v Helliwell [2025] EWCA Civ 1071</li><li>Deceit during the marriage – implications of LP and MP [2025] EWFC 473</li></ul>

The most common trust errors

Trusts are an essential part of the private client practitioner’s toolbox but it is surprising how often mistakes are made. This practical webinar will look at some of the common mistakes and how to avoid them.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Not setting up the trust correctly</li><li>Choosing the wrong sort of trust</li><li>Not reading the trust deed</li><li>Overlooking the rule against self-dealing</li><li>Mistakes exercising powers<ul><li>Formalities</li><li>Inadequate deliberation</li><li>Improper purpose</li><li>Overlooking IHT and CGT consequences</li></ul></li><li>Mis-managing appointments and retirements of trustees</li></ul>

Introduction to family law and practice - key principles

This webinar is aimed at those new to practicing family law, as well as for those who want to refresh their knowledge of the foundations of family law and practice.There have been many changes and developments in family law over the years and this webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of key areas of family law.The webinar will cover both theory and practice and topics covered include:<ul><li>Family law and practice -rules, documents and procedure</li><li>Funding of family services</li><li>Divorce and dissolution – key Steps and principles</li><li>Non-court dispute resolution</li><li>Domestic abuse and steps to take – remedies and steps to take</li><li>Financial aspects following relationship breakdown</li><li>Financial disputes affecting married parties and civil partners</li><li>Private children law matters</li><li>Local authority involvement and care cases</li></ul>

Quick guide to SRA compliance pitfalls

Legal practice is demanding and high-pressure. From AI tools that can both empower and endanger your work to the ever-present threat of money laundering or a mistaken judgment with the SRA seemingly waiting to pounce.Some compliance pitfalls are obvious. Others are easy to slip into without realising the risk. This webinar identifies five of the most common pitfalls and shows you how to avoid them.This practical webinar will help improve your understanding of risk and your ethical judgment.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Overreliance on artificial intelligence: Why AI support is not a substitute for your professional judgment.</li><li>Anti-money laundering checks: How to spot red flags and ask the right questions at the outset.</li><li>Aggressive and misleading communication: Why proportionate, legally sound correspondence protects you and your firm.</li><li>Covering up mistakes: Why transparency and prompt disclosure are always better than attempting to hide errors.</li><li>Own interests conflicts: Understanding what they are and how to identify and manage them.</li></ul>

Wills and LPAs in the digital age: AI, legal tech and what’s next

Technology in private client practice is moving at extraordinary speed. Developments that were largely theoretical only a short time ago — from sophisticated generative AI to increasingly digital estate planning processes — are rapidly becoming part of the day-to-day reality for lawyers and their clients.The webinar will explore the growing role of AI in legal practice, moving beyond the question of whether lawyers should use AI to consider how it can be used safely, effectively and ethically. It will examine practical applications across the client and matter lifecycle, while considering the professional obligations, confidentiality, accuracy and supervision issues that accompany them.The webinar will also revisit the continuing digitisation of wills and LPAs, including developments in the legislative and regulatory landscape, and consider what increasingly digital processes could mean for capacity, undue influence, fraud, identity verification and safeguarding vulnerable clients.Alongside the opportunities, Jade will explore an increasingly important asset for modern law firms: data. As legal technology becomes more sophisticated, the quality, structure and accessibility of a firm’s data will increasingly determine how effectively it can adopt new technology and AI.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What’s changed? A brief update on the technological and legal developments affecting private client practice since 2025</li><li>AI in 2026: how generative AI and legal-specific AI tools have evolved and what this means for solicitors</li><li>From experimentation to implementation: practical uses of AI for drafting, summarising, file review, knowledge management, client intake and administrative workflows</li><li>AI as an assistant, not a lawyer: maintaining human judgement, professional responsibility and appropriate supervision</li><li>Risk, ethics and regulation: confidentiality, data protection, hallucinations, bias, transparency and the professional obligations surrounding AI use</li><li>The continuing digitisation of LPAs: where we are now and what digital processes mean for practitioners and clients</li><li>The future of wills: developments around electronic and digital wills and the practical consequences for execution, evidence and probate</li><li>Safeguarding in a digital world: capacity, undue influence, identity verification, fraud and recognising red flags when traditional face-to-face safeguards are reduced</li><li>Your firm’s data matters: why clean, structured and accessible data is becoming increasingly important for automation, AI and future legal technology</li><li>Preparing for what comes next: practical steps private client firms can take now without chasing every new piece of technology</li></ul>

Public sector pensions and divorce

Pensions are frequently among the most valuable assets within a marriage but can be misunderstood or overlooked. Public sector pensions, in particular, can represent significant value in financial remedy proceedings while presenting complex issues for family law practitioners.This complexity stems from the different statutory schemes governing NHS, Teachers’, Police, Firefighters’, Armed Forces, Civil Service and Local Government pensions, as well as the valuation, implementation and retirement features that distinguish defined benefit schemes from private pension arrangements. The introduction of the McCloud remedy and subsequent restructuring of many public sector schemes have added further complexity.This webinar provides a practical analysis of public sector pensions in financial remedy proceedings, covering the relevant legal principles, procedural requirements, valuation methods and strategic considerations. It will consider the court’s discretionary powers under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, PAG and PAG2 guidance, the role of Pension on Divorce Experts (PODEs), and practical issues when implementing pension-related orders across different public sector schemes.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Public Sector Pension Schemes – Structure and Characteristics<ul><li>The principal public sector pension schemes (NHS, Teachers’, Police, Firefighters’, Armed Forces, Civil Service and Local Government)</li><li>Defined benefit structures and why public sector pensions differ fundamentally from defined contribution pensions</li></ul></li><li>Disclosure and Valuation<ul><li>Full and frank disclosure obligations in complex pension cases</li><li>The importance and pitfalls of CETVs for public sector schemes</li></ul></li><li>The McCloud Remedy and Public Sector Pension Reform<ul><li>Overview of the McCloud judgment and subsequent legislative reforms</li><li>The impact of the McCloud judgement</li><li>Practical implications for financial remedy negotiations and pension sharing</li></ul></li><li>Application of Section 25<ul><li>Sharing versus needs-based approaches in long and short marriages</li><li>Equalisation of income versus equalisation of capital</li><li>Treatment of pre-marital pension accrual</li><li>Post-separation accrual and arguments for departure from equality</li><li>Age differences and differing retirement expectations</li></ul></li><li>PAG and PAG2 Guidance<ul><li>The status and significance of the Pension Advisory Group reports</li><li>Key recommendations for practitioners</li></ul></li><li>PODE Reports and Expert Evidence<ul><li>When a Pension on Divorce Expert should be instructed</li><li>Part 25 applications and obtaining permission for expert evidence</li><li>Joint instruction, selecting an appropriate expert and drafting effective letters of instruction</li></ul></li><li>Offsetting Public Sector Pensions<ul><li>Why simple pound-for-pound offsetting is rarely appropriate</li><li>Utility arguments and income versus capital comparisons</li><li>Risks of over- or under-valuing defined benefit pension rights</li></ul></li><li>Pension Sharing Orders<ul><li>Scheme-specific implementation issues</li><li>Timing, implementation periods and administrative requirements</li><li>Drafting orders and annexes correctly</li></ul></li><li>Pension Attachment Orders<ul><li>When attachment orders may still be appropriate</li><li>Limitations of attachment orders in public sector pension cases</li><li>Interaction with retirement choices and survivor benefits</li></ul></li><li>Implementation and Post-Order Issues<ul><li>Obtaining implementation information from public sector pension administrators</li><li>Common administrative delays and how to manage them</li><li>Enforcement and variation issues</li><li>Practical checklists for practitioners</li></ul></li></ul>

Pensions and divorce – a guide for family practitioners

Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets within a marriage and can have a significant impact on achieving a fair financial settlement on divorce. Despite their importance, pensions are often misunderstood or overlooked, particularly where values appear modest or where there are complex public sector or private pension arrangements involved. Family law practitioners must therefore have a sound understanding of how pensions are treated within financial remedy proceedings, the different orders available to the court, and when expert evidence may be required.This webinar will provide a practical overview of the law, procedure and guidance relating to pensions on divorce, including disclosure obligations, valuation issues, the application of the section 25 factors, and the role of expert evidence and PAG/PAG2 guidance. The webinar will also consider the different approaches the court may take when dealing with pension assets and the practical issues that arise when implementing pension-related orders.Topics covered include:<ul><li>What pensions are and why they are important in financial remedy proceedings</li><li>Full & frank disclosure obligations, including where pension values are nominal or substantial</li><li>Application of the section 25 factors</li><li>Importance of the PAG/PAG2 reports and related guidance</li><li>Position for unmarried couples/cohabitees and pension rights</li><li>Different Types of Pensions<ul><li>State pensions and private pensions</li><li>Defined benefit pensions (NHS, police, teachers etc), including the effect of the McCloud judgment on public sector pensions</li><li>Defined contribution pensions</li></ul></li><li>Valuing Pensions<ul><li>Requesting CETVs for all pensions and including them within disclosure</li><li>Importance of obtaining up-to-date CETVs, particularly where proceedings are delayed</li></ul></li><li>PODE Reports and Expert Evidence<ul><li>Benefits of obtaining a PODE report</li><li>Part 25 applications for expert evidence, including timing and court permission</li><li>Joint instruction of experts</li><li>Costs, selecting an expert, letters of instruction, and the court’s approach to expert evidence</li></ul></li><li>How the Court Deals with Pensions<ul><li>Offsetting</li><li>Pension Sharing Orders</li><li>Pension Attachment Orders</li><li>Court Orders and Implementation</li></ul></li></ul>

Governance in employee-owned law firms

This practical webinar provides a clear, technical overview of how law firms can successfully transition to and operate under an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure. Designed for partners, directors, and legal advisers, it explores the key governance, regulatory, and tax requirements that underpin a compliant and effective employee-owned law firm.Aimed at law firm partners and owners considering succession options, firms already transitioning to employee ownership, and the legal and financial advisers supporting EOT transactions, the webinar equips attendees with a thorough understanding of the technical and governance framework needed to establish and maintain a compliant EOT structure within a regulated legal practice.Topics covered include:<ul><li>How EOT structures work in a legal practice environment</li><li>Navigating Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rules on ownership, control, and management</li><li>The core legal requirements for a qualifying EOT, including:<ul><li>Controlling interest</li><li>All-employee benefit principles</li></ul></li><li>Trustee roles, independence, and governance best practice</li><li>The interaction between trustees, the board, and employees</li><li>Common structuring pitfalls and regulatory risks</li><li>Practical insights into implementation and ongoing compliance</li></ul>

Inheritance disputes involving family businesses, farming families, and landowners

The inheritance tax changes affecting farming and family businesses continue to generate significant uncertainty for business owners, families and their advisers. As clients increasingly seek advice on succession planning and wealth preservation, practitioners must understand both the tax implications and the wider legal issues that arise when a key stakeholder dies.This webinar will examine what happens on the death of a partner, LLP member or company shareholder, and the practical impact this can have on the business, the estate and the next generation. It will explore the importance of written agreements, the role of personal representatives and beneficiaries, and the common disputes that can arise if planning has not been undertaken in advance.Combining legal, practical and strategic considerations, the webinar will help practitioners identify risks, protect estate value, maximise available reliefs and advise clients on effective succession planning for farming and family businesses.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Corporate structures: partnerships, LLP’s and private limited companies</li><li>Impact of death on corporate structures<ul><li>Partnerships and death<ul><li>Partnership Act 1890</li><li>Partnership agreement</li><li>Morton v Morton [2023] EWCA Civ 700</li></ul></li><li>LLP’s and death</li><li>Private limited companies<ul><li>Death of sole director or shareholder</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Common areas where disputes arise:<ul><li>Partnership property and assets</li><li>Calculating value at death</li><li>Partnership or company accounts</li><li>Debts and LLPs</li><li>Clawback of debts</li><li>Making decisions about the business</li></ul></li><li>Can a member/partner’s share be gifted?</li><li>Sums due to an estate and devolution of title</li><li>Estate’s liability for business losses</li><li>Relevant relief for inheritance tax: APR and BPR</li><li>Lifetime and estate planning:<ul><li>Losing capacity</li><li>Lifetime gifts</li><li>Diversification of assets and income</li><li>Other potential claims</li><li>Changes arising under the Autumn Budget in 2024 and 2025</li></ul></li></ul>

Private children law – key principles and 2026 updates

Private children law has seen a number of important developments throughout 2026, making it essential for family law practitioners to stay up to date with the latest changes.This webinar provides a practical and concise update on the key developments in private children law, including enforcement of child arrangements orders, domestic abuse, costs orders, and the continued rollout of the Child-Focused Courts (Pathfinder) pilot scheme.Drawing on recent case law and developments in practice, the webinar will leave viewers with a clear understanding of the issues most relevant to practitioners and the implications for day-to-day case management.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Developments surrounding parental responsibility – consideration of the case of Re J (Loss of Parental Responsibility) [2026] EWCA Civ 344 and its wider implications</li><li>Practice direction updates</li><li>MIAM’s and use of NCDR</li><li>Child focused courts/ pathfinder pilots – current developments</li><li>Cases involving alienating behaviours – Effect of Re Y</li><li>Use of child impact report</li><li>Domestic abuse fact-finding hearings in private children law cases – changes to PD12J in 2026</li><li>Use of QLR and private children law cases</li><li>Position with costs in private children law cases</li><li>Developments surrounding contact/ child arrangements</li><li>Key case law developments in 2026</li></ul>

Pets and divorce – what you need to know

The legal treatment of pets in the context of divorce and separation remains a developing area, with the law in England and Wales continuing to classify animals as property. This webinar will provide an overview of the current legal landscape, examine the case for reform, and consider comparative approaches adopted in jurisdictions such as Australia and Canada.We will also outline proposed models for change and discuss the anticipated 2026 government consultation on reforms relating to both divorce and cohabitation. This session is intended for professionals seeking a clear and structured analysis of the issues and potential future developments in this area of law.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The current state of the law on divorce and on separation</li><li>Why the UK including England and Wales needs to change their laws</li><li>How other countries have changed their laws</li><li>Proposed reforms – the Australian and Canadian models</li><li>Next steps – the proposed consultation on reform for both divorce and cohabitation in 2026</li></ul>

Understanding special guardianship and child arrangements orders

When determining a child’s long-term living arrangements, practitioners must carefully consider the range of orders available and their practical implications.This webinar examines two of the most commonly used options – Special Guardianship Orders and Child Arrangements Orders. It will explore how these orders operate, their key similarities and differences, and the factors that may make one more appropriate than the other in a particular case.The webinar will also consider the legal tests for varying, revoking and discharging these orders, together with the available options for enforcing Child Arrangements Orders.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Child arrangements orders – How do they operate?</li><li>Enforcement of child arrangements orders – What options are available?</li><li>Enforcement under the child focused courts/ pathfinder pilots</li><li>Alienating behaviour cases and enforcement – consideration of the Family Justice Council Guidance</li><li>Special guardianship Orders – practical effect of these orders</li><li>Consideration of both orders – effect of MGP and M [2025] EWFC 402 (B)</li><li>Care orders and SG orders – consideration of Re F and G (discharge of special guardianship order) 2021 EWCA Civ 622</li><li>Special guardianship regulations – position in England Wales</li><li>Assessments and provision of support</li><li>Discharge of special guardianship orders</li><li>Effect of public law working group – recommendations to achieve best practice in the child protection and family justice systems: special guardianship orders</li></ul>

Costs and conduct – key decisions in 2026

The failed claim by Prince Harry and others against the Daily Mail has put legal costs on the front pages, the decision of Mr Justice Nicklin fundamentally driven by multiple findings of misconduct. This led to an award of indemnity costs for the entirety of the litigation. But it is by no means the only high-profile case just this summer to see indemnity costs awards, with both the father of Amy Winehouse and a failed bidder for the National Lottery also on the receiving end.The judiciary today is not slow to penalise misconduct, whether it is in the form of aggressive correspondence, failure to abide by rules and orders or otherwise failing to act reasonably at every turn. The result is reflected in stinging costs sanctions.Topics covered in this webinar include:<ul><li>Lessons from the Prince Harry, Winehouse and National Lottery actions</li><li>The duty to grant reasonable requests</li><li>The Denton guidance on secondary sanctions</li><li>The scope of CPR 44.11</li><li>Abuse of process and striking out</li><li>How to avoid trouble</li></ul>

Managing trusts: from instruction to distribution

Managing a trust involves a wide range of legal, tax and practical considerations, from the initial instruction and creation of the trust through to its ongoing administration and eventual distribution.This practical one-hour webinar provides a concise overview of the trust management process, highlighting the key issues practitioners need to consider at each stage, including recent tax and compliance changes, trustee responsibilities, administration, meetings, investments and taxation, before turning to the finalisation of the trust. It is designed to give advisers to trustees and professional trustees a clear and practical overview of the trust lifecycle and the issues they need to address along the way.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An overview of recent tax and compliance changes impacting trusts and trust registration</li><li>An overview of the law of trusts;</li><li>A review of factors to consider on creation of trusts,</li><li>A review of factors to consider during the trust administration period, trustee meetings, minutes, investment advice, inspections, income tax returns, capital gains tax issues, exit and anniversary charges;</li><li>A review of what to consider when finalising trusts.</li></ul>

Fall in value relief

This webinar provides an overview of the inheritance tax rules relating to lifetime gifts that have fallen in value before death, examining how such assets are treated and valued for estate administration purposes. Participants will gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of how to approach gifts that have decreased in value when administering an estate.

Court of Protection: mental capacity and cross border

With increasing cross-border mobility, practitioners are increasingly required to advise on the management of assets, finances, health and welfare where individuals have connections to more than one jurisdiction. This webinar will explore the recognition and enforcement of private mandates and protective measures, including powers of attorney and court orders, both in England and Wales and overseas. It will consider the key issues arising where an individual loses capacity, including planning for property and financial affairs, health and welfare, estate planning and the management of foreign assets, as well as available alternatives and potential future reforms.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Hague Convention XXXV of the International Protection on Vulnerable Adults</li><li>Legal framework in England and Wales</li><li>Private mandates</li><li>Protective measures</li><li>Recognition of representative powers in England and Wales in foreign jurisdictions</li><li>Recognition of foreign representative powers in England and Wales</li><li>Relocating incapacitated individual to a foreign jurisdiction</li><li>Alternatives to applications for recognition and/or enforcement of private mandates and protective measures</li><li>Other considerations:<ul><li>Role of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities</li><li>Potential for conflict between Schedule 3 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and 2000 Hague Convention on the International Protection of Adults</li><li>European Commission’s Public Consultation on the Initiative of Cross Border Protection of Vulnerable Adults</li><li>Proposed Regulation on Protection of Adults in Cross Border Situations</li></ul></li><li>Practical examples</li></ul>

Conveyancing update – Autumn 2026

There is so much going on in the conveyancing world at the moment, it is hard to keep up. This one-hour webinar will cover issues that are in force and facing conveyancers today.Topics covered include: *<ul><li>Update on AML issues</li><li>Key leasehold reforms</li><li>Regulatory matters from the CLC and SRA</li><li>New build warranties</li><li>Key updates to HMLR Practice Guides</li><li>Recent cases</li></ul>This webinar is suitable for anyone working in a conveyancing role*This is an update webinar, so content may be subject to change at short notice

Public children law and adoption: key developments in 2026

A practical update on the key developments in public children law and adoption during 2026, including significant recent decisions from the senior courts.This webinar will cover key issues including the use and instruction of experts, assessment of risk, deprivation of liberty, placement options and placement orders, as well as post-adoption contact and contact following placement orders.Designed for practitioners who want a concise overview of the latest principles, case law and developments, with a particular focus on changes during 2026.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Practice direction updates in 2026</li><li>Interim care orders and position with separation – Effect of Re C (A child) (Interim Separation: Residential Care) 2025 EWCA Civ 1618</li><li>Use of psychological assessments – Re H (Children: Expertise of Witness)</li><li>[2026] EWCA Civ 249</li><li>Deemed threshold and IRH – consideration of Re H (Final Care Orders at IRH) [2025] EWCA Civ 1342</li><li>Balancing of options – adoption versus fostering   – consideration of Re S (Foster Care or Placement for Adoption) [2026] EWCA Civ 47</li><li>Compelling reason for making a s.51A Order – consideration of Re C, D, E and F (ACA s51A: contact order after adoption) [2025] EWFC 436 (B)</li><li>Modern view of adoption – consideration of Re B-A (Placement Order and Contact Order) [2026] EWCA Civ 356</li><li>Relinquished baby cases – Re S (A Child) (Relinquished Baby: Notification to the Father) [2025] EWFC 463</li><li>Case law update</li></ul>

Reading balance sheets for lawyers

This webinar provides a practical introduction to reading and interpreting company balance sheets, explaining the significance of key balance sheet items in corporate transactions and commercial advice. It will explore common financial warning signs and areas that may require further investigation, helping lawyers build confidence when reviewing financial information as part of due diligence and wider advisory work.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Purpose and function of a balance sheet</li><li>Relationship between the balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash flow statement</li><li>Fundamental accounting equation<ul><li>Assets</li><li>Liabilities</li><li>Shareholders’ funds</li></ul></li><li>Understanding current and non-current assets</li><li>Understanding current and non-current liabilities</li><li>Fixed assets<ul><li>Tangible assets</li><li>Intangible assets</li></ul></li><li>Debtors and creditors</li><li>Cash and working capital</li><li>Loans and other borrowings</li><li>Share capital and reserves</li><li>Directors’ loan accounts</li><li>Net assets and net liabilities</li><li>Signs of financial strength</li><li>Financial warning signs and red flags<ul><li>Insolvency indicators</li><li>Negative net assets</li><li>Excessive debtor balances</li></ul></li><li>Reading balance sheets in transactions<ul><li>Share sales</li><li>Asset sales</li><li>Investments</li></ul></li><li>Practical examples and common mistakes</li></ul>

Commercial property update (including landlord and tenant) – Autumn 2026

This webinar is part of our regular quarterly update series, designed to be an engaging and efficient means of keeping abreast of key developments, and will cover a number of recent cases and other changes on both commercial leases and commercial property generally, including the following topics:<ul><li>The Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 – the Court of Appeal on options to renew: Caterpillar Property v Park Cakes</li><li>Who is the landlord – problems on sale of the landlord’s interest: Bennets Courtyard v Bennets Airspace</li><li>Repair<ul><li>Cladding & commercial buildings: Essendi v London Property;</li><li>Landlord’s choice of repair & covenant for quiet enjoyment: MSA Properties Ltd v The Drapery Northampton Ltd [2026] EWHC 1420</li><li>MEES Reform & commercial buildings</li></ul></li><li>Landlord’s consent – and the buyer of leasehold land: Mulberry Home v Scoto</li><li>Boundary disputes – the court’s approach in today’s world: Todd v Marsh; Cunningham v Holehouse</li><li>Restrictive covenants – changing landscapes & practical benefits: Briant v Baldacchino (No 3); Butler v Flagship Housing</li></ul>

Refinancing and financial distress – covenants, waivers and lender negotiations

This practical webinar provides a practical guide to advising lenders and borrowers when a financing begins to show signs of stress or enters a pre-distressed phase, covering the development of issues from early warning signs and covenant pressure through to waivers, amendments, standstill arrangements, refinancing and potential enforcement. The webinar covers understanding the wider commercial context, identifying key legal and documentary issues, supporting negotiations effectively and protecting the client’s position throughout.Topics covered include:Recognising Early Warning Signs of Distress<ul><li>Financial and operational indicators</li><li>Covenant headroom, missed payments and funding pressures</li><li>Refinancing difficulties and delayed reporting</li></ul>Understanding Finance Documents & Capital Structure<ul><li>Facility agreements, security and guarantees</li><li>Intercreditor arrangements, rights and priorities</li></ul>Financial Covenant Stress & Breaches<ul><li>Covenant testing and key terminology</li><li>Anticipated breaches, defaults and events of default</li><li>Cure rights, equity cures and recalculation</li></ul>Responding to Potential or Actual Defaults<ul><li>Notifications, information gathering and escalation</li><li>Default interest, drawstops and representations</li><li>Documenting the position appropriately</li></ul>Waivers, Amendments & Reservations of Rights<ul><li>Scope and conditions of waivers</li><li>Fees, repeated requests and avoiding inadvertent waiver</li><li>Reservation-of-rights letters</li></ul>Standstill Arrangements<ul><li>Purpose and key provisions</li><li>Milestones, lender rights and enforcement restrictions</li></ul>Refinancing & Restructuring Strategies<ul><li>Extensions, covenant resets and new money</li><li>Equity injections, debt rescheduling and asset sales</li><li>Assessing whether proposals are credible and deliverable</li></ul>Negotiation Strategy: Lender & Borrower Perspectives<ul><li>Objectives, leverage and commercial pressures</li><li>Balancing flexibility, control, protection and value</li></ul>Strengthening & Protecting the Lender’s Position<ul><li>Enhanced reporting, cash controls and additional security</li><li>Revised covenants, reviews, valuations and adviser appointments</li><li>Restructuring milestones and restrictions on disposals or distributions</li></ul>

Financial remedies, cohabitation and marital breakdown – Autumn update 2026

A practical update on the latest developments in financial remedies, cohabitation and marital breakdown, covering recent case law, statutory provisions and proposed reforms.The webinar will consider developments in divorce and dissolution, financial remedies and cohabitation, including the continuing application of the post-divorce law changes and answers to some of the questions that remained following their introduction.Topics covered include:<ul><li>Developments in divorce and dissolution</li><li>Position surrounding the ‘20 week’ period</li><li>Applying for a final order for divorce after 12 months</li><li>Pre-nuptial agreement and drafting</li><li>Support from elderly parent – Consideration of A v N [2025] EWFC 371 (B)</li><li>Express financial remedy pilot: PD36ZH – continuation of the pilot</li><li>Business interests, discounts and add- – back – Consideration of BY v GC (No. 2) [2025] EWFC 397</li><li>Financial remedies guidance 2026</li><li>Developments surrounding cohabitation cases</li><li>Open consultation – ‘A fairer end to relationships: consultation document’ 2026</li><li>Proposed reforms to cohabitation disputes</li><li>Key case law updates</li></ul>

Cybercrime 2026 – AI, fraud and cybersecurity risks for lawyers

AI, fraud and cybercrime present ever-evolving risks for lawyers and their firms. Increasingly flexible working practices, sophisticated scams and AI-generated content create new challenges around security, confidentiality and the protection of client information.While firms have strengthened their systems and procedures, fraudsters continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Are your systems and staff sufficiently protected? Can you recognise an AI-generated communication or identify when someone is not who they claim to be?This webinar will consider the key cybercrime and fraud risks facing lawyers in 2026, the warning signs to look out for and the practical steps firms can take to protect their systems, staff and clients.Topics covered include:<ul><li>An outline of the more typical frauds and scams</li><li>Key factors to consider in internet-based frauds & the use of AI generated content</li><li>Recent examples of breaches</li><li>Cyber Essentials & other measures as a remedy</li><li>Personal ID fraud – the latest</li><li>CQS, and other measures to offset it</li><li>GDPR implications</li><li>What to do if you fall victim</li><li>Do as I say…</li></ul>

The end of upwards only rent reviews – immediate impact and future changes

The abolition of upwards‑only rent reviews (UORR) represents one of the most consequential shifts in commercial leasing practice in decades. With implementation now on the horizon, landlords, tenants, lenders, and investors are already seriously considering their positions — and lawyers advising them must be ahead of the curve.This one‑hour webinar delivers a clear, practical analysis of the legal, commercial, and drafting consequences of the ban, equipping you with the insight and strategies needed to advise in both current and future transactions.<ul><li>The background to reform;</li><li>What is changing? How the ban operates and what will no longer be permitted.</li><li>The impact on existing leases and agreements for lease.</li><li>The retrospective element and its immediate impact.</li><li>Which rent review mechanisms will survive the ban?</li><li>Underleases and the impact on alienation provisions.</li><li>Immediate action points</li></ul>

Resisting lease renewal – landlord grounds of opposition under the 1954 Act

This session provides a practical guide to the grounds on which a landlord can oppose renewal of a business tenancy under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, with particular focus on ground (f) and recent case law. It will help practitioners assess the prospects of opposing or defending renewal, identify the evidence and strategy required, and advise clients on the risks, costs and timescales involved.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The seven grounds of opposition under s.30(1), including the mandatory and discretionary grounds</li><li>Ground (f): demolition and reconstruction – the statutory test, firm and settled intention and evidential requirements</li><li>Recent case law on ground (f) and its practical implications</li><li>The s.31A defence and its impact on renewal disputes</li><li>Landlord and tenant tactics – evidence, strategy, negotiation and settlement</li><li>Litigation risks – costs, timescales and managing client expectations</li></ul>

Decision making for lawyers – impact of AI

This is a practical webinar on making better decisions as a lawyer.Every day, we make decisions about clients, risk, ethics, supervision, settlement, staffing, technology and business strategy. Some decisions are routine; others carry serious regulatory, financial, reputational or human consequences.The webinar explores how lawyers make decisions and develop sound professional judgement, from relying on experience and pattern recognition to recognising when a case differs from the familiar. It considers the challenges of developing junior lawyers’ judgement in the age of AI, effective supervision and the responsibilities of those managing others, alongside the SRA’s increasing focus on ethical decision-making and continuing competence. Delivered by Paul Bennett, partner at Bennett Briegal LLP and a risk and compliance solicitor, it focuses on practical approaches for those who make decisions, oversee others and are ultimately accountable for the outcomes.Topics covered include<ul><li>Recognise decision-making as a core legal risk, Judgment and leadership issue.</li><li>Identify common pressures and biases that affect professional Judgment.</li><li>Apply established decision-making frameworks to legal, supervisory and business problems.</li><li>Improve supervision by helping others develop better Judgment and developing good escalation habits.</li><li>Build practical systems that reduce avoidable risk and support better leadership decisions.</li></ul>

The importance of getting it right before the FCA

With the Government’s announcement in November 2025 that AML supervision of solicitors will move to the FCA, as well as the SRA continuing to fine firms for noncompliance, now is the time to review your policies, controls and procedures (PCPs) and make sure they are up to date. The pace of change is significant, and it is a real challenge to keep up to date;<ul><li>The Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) guidance was revised on 23 April 2025</li><li>The SRA issued its revised Sectoral Risk Assessment on 31 July 2025</li><li>Changes to the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) came into force on 30 June 2026</li><li>LSAG is drafting changes to the guidance</li><li>FATF’s High Risk Countries list changed on 19 June 2026</li><li>FATF Mutual Evaluation Report take place in 2027</li></ul>This webinar by our expert speaker, Alison Matthews, will update you on the changes including the key areas of risk identified by the SRA in the Annual Report 2024-2025.Topics covered include:<ul><li>The changes to the LSAG guidance</li><li>SRA’s Sectoral Risk Assessment</li><li>MLR changes</li><li>Findings from the SRA’s Annual Report</li><li>Key compliance challenges</li><li>Updating your Firm Wide Risk assessment</li><li>Policies, controls and procedures<ul><li>are they effective</li><li>how can you improve them</li></ul></li><li>Key takeaways</li></ul>

Impact of Renters Rights Act 2026 on buy to let conveyancing

The Renters Rights Act 2026 which came into effect on 1st May 2026 introduced major changes impacting on the private rented sector. As a result, buy-to-let buyers purchasing tenanted properties now face significantly more complex legal issues.This webinar will look at the key issues including:<ul><li>Renters Rights Act 2026: what has actually changed?</li><li>How does the Renters Rights Act 2026 affect buy-to-let conveyancing?</li><li>What are the key legal risks for buy-to-let buyers in 2026?</li><li>What should buy-to-let buyers check before exchanging contracts?</li><li>Impact on rents on long leases</li></ul>

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	Item	Net Price	Tax Rate	Gross Price	Quantity	Net Subtotal	Gross Subtotal
Total						£0.00	£0.00