Brexit & Article 50 - what we know so far by Sponsor Barclays

Brexit & Article 50 - what we know so far by Sponsor Barclays Brexit & Article 50 – what we know so far The proverbial starting gun has been fired on Brexit with Prime Minister Theresa May formally giving notice of the intention to withdraw from the European Union on 29 March 2017. There are many key questions that British businesses will be keen to see answered over the coming years. Where possible, as your financial partner, we are here to help keep on top of these questions. Here’s what we know so far. The single market The PM has already said that she does not intend to remain a member of the EU’s single market. In her speech, setting out...

Client due diligence by SPONSOR Aon

Client due diligence by SPONSOR Aon The way that a firm handles new matters is absolutely key to the long-term success and viability of the firm. Client Due Diligence (CDD) is one important aspect of handling new instructions. If you don’t meet all your compliance obligations, it is likely that there will be shortcomings in other areas of your service. Poor practices will be replicated across the firm. If corners are cut, claims and complaints may result. Sometimes corners are cut with the intention of filling in the gaps later but that rarely happens. If such practices are picked up by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), then there may also be regulat...

Introducing the new Committee of the Junior Lawyers' Division, Devon & Somerset

Introducing the new Committee of the Junior Lawyers' Division, Devon & Somerset...

Court Mediation is back to stay?

Court Mediation is back to stay? Jeremy Ferguson Many will recall that in 2002 we were involved in running a small claims mediation scheme for the Exeter Group of Courts that then expanded to include a main court mediation scheme carrying fees for the mediators. The main court scheme ran for about 18 months and the Society’s mediators achieved settlement rates in excess of 75% for the main court scheme and 60% for the small claims scheme.   Lord Justice Briggs has now recommended in his final report that our scheme should be reinstated on a private basis. The Exeter Judges have responded enthusiastically and the new schemes will start mid July in Exeter a...

Here today, gone tomorrow? by Sponsor Aon

Here today, gone tomorrow? By Sponsor Aon       Some smaller firms still hold the mistaken belief that business continuity is only relevant when you die. Of course, if you have no succession plan in place, then dying will pose a serious business continuity issue for whoever you have lined up to handle your affairs but the vast majority of business continuity risks don’t involve death.   Business continuity is defined in ISO 22301.2012 as the “capability of a business to continue delivery of its services at acceptable predefined levels following a disruptive incident”. The standard is very comprehensive. After all, the standard is recognised in al...

President's Letter

President of Bristol Law Society, Becky Moyce at their Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony Since my last review, the shops are full of ghoulish masks, fireworks and Christmas cards. It is difficult to believe that I am now over halfway through my year as your President.   Business has certainly picked up a fast pace since the summer break and over the last few weeks the focus has been very much on the promotion of our 2018 Dinner and Legal Awards. We held our launch event at Somerset County Cricket Club which was attended by sponsors, and potential sponsors, nominators and nominees and our media partners Trinity Mirror South West. Mark Ollier, Partne...