UK legal news on the business of law: firms, deals, people, regulation, courts and legal technology.https://www.lawweek.co.uk/en-gbMon, 02 Nov 2026 15:40:23 GMTeditor@lawweek.co.uk (Law Week)editor@lawweek.co.uk (Law Week)Copyright 2026 Law Week60https://www.lawweek.co.uk/images/lawweek-logo.pnghttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mcdermott-will-and-schulte-hires-structured-finance-partner-from-fried-frank/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mcdermott-will-and-schulte-hires-structured-finance-partner-from-fried-frank/McDermott Will & Schulte has added Cameron Mitcham as a partner in its London Finance Practice Group, as the firm continues a run of strategic hires across Europe.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:40:23 GMTLaw WeekPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-recruits-two-insurance-coverage-partners-from-rpc/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-recruits-two-insurance-coverage-partners-from-rpc/DAC Beachcroft said in an announcement on its website on 2 November 2026 that Toby Savage and Will Jones had joined the firm as partners to strengthen its global Marine & Energy Insurance practice.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:50:22 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-3-sra-decisions-26-october-to-1-november-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-3-sra-decisions-26-october-to-1-november-2026/Law Week's regulation stories of the past seven days, plus the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, SRA, Legal Services Board and Legal Ombudsman notices published from 26 October to 1 November 2026, each with a link.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 07:58:34 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/horwich-farrelly-introduces-hempsons-by-hf-brand/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/horwich-farrelly-introduces-hempsons-by-hf-brand/Horwich Farrelly said in an announcement on its website on 29 October 2026 that it has launched a new brand identity, Hempsons by HF, for the health and social care law firm following its acquisition in May.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:28 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/womble-bond-dickinson-advises-piper-on-investment-in-reeve-the-baker/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/womble-bond-dickinson-advises-piper-on-investment-in-reeve-the-baker/Womble Bond Dickinson said on its website on 29 October 2026 that it had advised Piper on an investment involving Reeve the Baker.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:25 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/milbank-advises-north-star-on-63bn-financing-to-back-anthropic-ai-compute-capaci/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/milbank-advises-north-star-on-63bn-financing-to-back-anthropic-ai-compute-capaci/Milbank said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it advised Northstar Compute LLC on a $63 billion debt and equity raise arranged by Bank of America, Blackstone, Citi and Morgan Stanley to fund AI compute capacity built on Broadcom technology for Anthropic.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:23 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/reed-smith-advises-colefax-group-plc-on-5-million-share-buyback-tender-offer/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/reed-smith-advises-colefax-group-plc-on-5-million-share-buyback-tender-offer/Reed Smith said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that it advised Colefax Group plc on a £5 million share buyback tender offer.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:20 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashtons-legal-advises-euston-ventures-on-united-silicones-acquisition/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashtons-legal-advises-euston-ventures-on-united-silicones-acquisition/Ashtons Legal said it advised Bordon Industries, part of Euston Ventures, on completion of its purchase of United Silicones Limited on 6 May 2026.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:18 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-announces-latham-and-watkins-collaboration-and-fedramp-certification/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-announces-latham-and-watkins-collaboration-and-fedramp-certification/Harvey has set out a collaboration with Latham & Watkins on fund formation capabilities and said separately that it has achieved FedRAMP Class D Certification, according to the company.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:11 GMTSam AllcockLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-advises-aspect-group-holdings-shareholders-on-sale-to-cardo-group/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-advises-aspect-group-holdings-shareholders-on-sale-to-cardo-group/Birketts LLP has acted for the shareholders of Aspect Group Holdings Limited on the sale of Aspect Group Services to Cardo Group, the firm said in a press release.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:57:01 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/bar-council-welcomes-new-legal-advice-service-for-sexual-violence-survivors/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/bar-council-welcomes-new-legal-advice-service-for-sexual-violence-survivors/The first national Independent Legal Advice service for adult survivors of sexual violence has launched, funded by the Ministry of Justice, with the Bar Council calling for wider support across the justice process.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:58 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-acquires-aida-in-fifth-deal-of-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-acquires-aida-in-fifth-deal-of-2026/Harvey has announced the acquisition of Aida, an AI-native sales execution platform, saying the deal will help law firms build their own ontologies.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:48 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/moves-and-deals-of-the-week-22-stories-23-to-29-october-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/moves-and-deals-of-the-week-22-stories-23-to-29-october-2026/Every firm, deal and people story Law Week published from 23 to 29 October 2026, one line each.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:46 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashurst-perkins-coie-advises-hsbc-innovation-bank-on-gan-integrity-financing/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashurst-perkins-coie-advises-hsbc-innovation-bank-on-gan-integrity-financing/Ashurst said in an announcement on its website that its Ashurst Perkins Coie practice advised HSBC Innovation Bank on a Term Loan, RCF and Banking Facilities provided to Gan Integrity, an Apax Partners portfolio company.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:43 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-advises-aml-analytics-on-investment-from-covalent-equity-partner/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-advises-aml-analytics-on-investment-from-covalent-equity-partner/Mills & Reeve said in an announcement on its website that its corporate team advised AML Analytics on a growth investment from Covalent Equity Partners, published on 29 October 2026.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:41 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/antonia-power-joins-clarke-willmott-s-taunton-office-as-corporate-partner/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/antonia-power-joins-clarke-willmott-s-taunton-office-as-corporate-partner/Clarke Willmott said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that Antonia Power had joined its Taunton office as a partner in the corporate team.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:38 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mastercard-and-visa-face-cat-claims-over-uk-card-fees/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mastercard-and-visa-face-cat-claims-over-uk-card-fees/Hausfeld said in an announcement on its website on 20 October 2026 that collective claims alleging unlawful Mastercard and Visa consumer card fees had been filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of eligible UK businesses.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:36 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/stephenson-harwood-to-take-on-dla-piper-s-bangkok-office/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/stephenson-harwood-to-take-on-dla-piper-s-bangkok-office/Stephenson Harwood said it has agreed to acquire DLA Piper's Bangkok office, launching a new office in Thailand with more than 40 staff including four partners.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:33 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/tribunal-refuses-to-revoke-2006-restriction-order-against-unadmitted-man/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/tribunal-refuses-to-revoke-2006-restriction-order-against-unadmitted-man/The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has dismissed an application by Kevin Edwin Francis Gregory to review or revoke a section 43 order made against him in 2006, and ordered him to pay costs.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:31 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/high-court-dismisses-jurisdiction-challenge-in-injury-claims-by-australian-resid/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/high-court-dismisses-jurisdiction-challenge-in-injury-claims-by-australian-resid/Stewarts said in an announcement on its website that the High Court has thrown out a defendant's attempt to have personal injury proceedings moved to Australia, ruling that the case belongs in England and Wales.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:28 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-opens-first-dubai-office-with-three-partner-hires/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-opens-first-dubai-office-with-three-partner-hires/DAC Beachcroft said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it had opened its first Middle East office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, bringing in three partners from Clyde & Co.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:56:26 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/bevan-brittan-reappointed-to-hala-legal-panel/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/bevan-brittan-reappointed-to-hala-legal-panel/Bevan Brittan said in an announcement on its website on 29 October 2026 that it had been reappointed to the HALA legal panel.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:55:53 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-appointed-to-allica-bank-legal-panel/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-appointed-to-allica-bank-legal-panel/Birketts said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that it has joined Allica Bank's legal panel to act on commercial property transactions.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:55:51 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/bevan-brittan-says-it-has-secured-place-on-public-service-legal-panel/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/bevan-brittan-says-it-has-secured-place-on-public-service-legal-panel/Bevan Brittan said in an announcement on its website, published on 20 October 2026, that it had won a place on a legal services panel for public service bodies in the UK.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:55:48 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/legal-ombudsman-reports-sharp-rise-in-complaints-as-it-reforms-caseload-reporting/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/legal-ombudsman-reports-sharp-rise-in-complaints-as-it-reforms-caseload-reporting/LeO and the Office for Legal Complaints say demand is growing faster than the scheme can resolve cases, as they prepare to consult on a new 2027-2030 strategy.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:55:46 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/legaltech-venture-siey-s-pitches-pre-launch-briefing-on-nationality-research-tool/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/legaltech-venture-siey-s-pitches-pre-launch-briefing-on-nationality-research-tool/Christopher Jackson, co-founder of a venture called Sieyès, has asked Law Week to consider an independent briefing before the company's planned release of a research platform for citizenship by descent cases.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:55:31 GMTSam AllcockLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-fined-10-500-over-accounts-and-anti-money-laundering-failures/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-fined-10-500-over-accounts-and-anti-money-laundering-failures/The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found Musa Audu breached the Accounts Rules and anti-money laundering regulations but cleared him of dishonesty and of disclosing information to a client against police instructions.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:02 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/peters-and-peters-reports-mozambique-attorney-general-s-success-in-safa-family-a/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/peters-and-peters-reports-mozambique-attorney-general-s-success-in-safa-family-a/Peters & Peters said in an announcement on its website on 21 October 2026 that the Attorney General of Mozambique had succeeded in a Safa family appeal, though the firm gave no further detail of the case.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:48 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/blandy-and-blandy-reports-costs-ruling-in-faz-v-maz-family-case/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/blandy-and-blandy-reports-costs-ruling-in-faz-v-maz-family-case/Blandy & Blandy said in an announcement on its website that a costs judgment handed down on 19 October 2026 followed its earlier success for a father in a private law children case.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:16 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/leigh-day-says-tesco-loses-bid-for-supreme-court-appeal-in-equal-pay-case/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/leigh-day-says-tesco-loses-bid-for-supreme-court-appeal-in-equal-pay-case/Leigh Day said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that the Supreme Court has refused Tesco permission to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling in the equal pay litigation.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:14 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-advises-olive-catering-founders-on-sale-to-sodexo/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-advises-olive-catering-founders-on-sale-to-sodexo/Mills & Reeve said in an announcement on its website on 16 October 2026 that it had advised the founders of Olive Catering Services on the sale of the business to Sodexo.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:11 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/wedlake-bell-advises-management-team-on-mbo-of-reeve-the-baker/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/wedlake-bell-advises-management-team-on-mbo-of-reeve-the-baker/Wedlake Bell said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it advised the management team on the management buyout of Reeve the Baker.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:09 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/lord-chancellor-rebukes-shadow-justice-secretary-over-judge-criticism/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/lord-chancellor-rebukes-shadow-justice-secretary-over-judge-criticism/Alex Norris MP has written to Nick Timothy MP defending judicial independence after criticism of the Deputy Chief Magistrate, warning that personalised attacks on judges risk undermining public confidence.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:13:06 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/hfw-says-it-helped-antam-end-emerald-star-high-court-claims/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/hfw-says-it-helped-antam-end-emerald-star-high-court-claims/Holman Fenwick Willan said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that it had helped Indonesian state-owned miner PT ANTAM Tbk bring English High Court proceedings over the sinking of the M/V Emerald Star to a close.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:12:34 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/osborne-clarke-partner-reacts-to-entrepreneur-tax-relief-changes-in-autumn-budget/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/osborne-clarke-partner-reacts-to-entrepreneur-tax-relief-changes-in-autumn-budget/Michael Carter of Osborne Clarke has commented on cuts to Business Asset Disposal Relief and the introduction of a new Founders Relief announced in the Autumn Budget.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:12:19 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashtons-legal-settles-1-35-million-brain-injury-claim-for-work-placement-student/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashtons-legal-settles-1-35-million-brain-injury-claim-for-work-placement-student/Ashtons Legal said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that personal injury specialist Roger Loomes had settled a £1.35 million claim for a client left disabled by a brain injury sustained in a workplace warehouse incident.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:12:17 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/exeter-inquest-jury-finds-wholesale-failures-contributed-to-deaths-of-payne-and/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/exeter-inquest-jury-finds-wholesale-failures-contributed-to-deaths-of-payne-and/Deighton Pierce Glynn said a Coroner's jury in Exeter concluded that failures by police, council, NHS and G4S probably contributed to the deaths of three elderly men killed by Alex Lewis-Ranwell in 2019.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:11:44 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-names-peter-mayhew-as-vc-partner-from-shakespeare-martineau/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mills-and-reeve-names-peter-mayhew-as-vc-partner-from-shakespeare-martineau/Mills & Reeve announced on 20 October 2026 that corporate lawyer Peter Mayhew has joined its venture capital team as a partner from Shakespeare Martineau.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:11:41 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-advises-yfm-equity-partners-on-investment-in-two-services/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/birketts-advises-yfm-equity-partners-on-investment-in-two-services/Birketts said in an announcement on its website on 22 October 2026 that it had advised YFM Equity Partners on a deal to invest in the company behind commercial kitchen specialist TWO Services.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:11:38 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-raises-550m-at-15-5bn-valuation/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/harvey-raises-550m-at-15-5bn-valuation/Harvey, whose AI platform is used by law firms and in-house legal teams, announced on 9 September 2026 that it had raised $550m at a $15.5bn valuation, in a round co-led by Diffusion and Lightspeed Venture Partners.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:05:02 GMTSam AllcockLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/brabners-appoints-david-cole-as-real-estate-partner-in-leeds/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/brabners-appoints-david-cole-as-real-estate-partner-in-leeds/Brabners said in an announcement on its website on 21 October 2026 that David Cole has joined its Leeds office as a real estate partner.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:51:02 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/hfw-hires-nelson-wang-as-insurance-partner-in-london-expands-china-offering/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/hfw-hires-nelson-wang-as-insurance-partner-in-london-expands-china-offering/Holman Fenwick Willan said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it has hired Nelson Wang as a partner in London to strengthen its global insurance and reinsurance practice and its Greater China capabilities.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:50:59 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/hodge-jones-and-allen-appoints-serious-injury-lawyer-daryl-robinson/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/hodge-jones-and-allen-appoints-serious-injury-lawyer-daryl-robinson/Hodge Jones & Allen said in an announcement on its website that it had appointed serious injury lawyer Daryl Robinson from Moore Barlow on 26 October 2026.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:50:57 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/clyde-and-co-recruits-aviation-partners-dave-pflieger-and-tannie-kwong/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/clyde-and-co-recruits-aviation-partners-dave-pflieger-and-tannie-kwong/Clyde & Co said on 26 October 2026 that it had added two partners, Dave Pflieger and Tannie Kwong, to its global aviation practice.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:50:55 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/schofield-sweeney-advises-on-sale-of-yorkshire-drinks-wholesaler-tate-smith/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/schofield-sweeney-advises-on-sale-of-yorkshire-drinks-wholesaler-tate-smith/Schofield Sweeney said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that its corporate team had advised the shareholders of Tate-Smith Limited on the sale of the business to Deckers Hospitality Group Ltd.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:50:52 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-appoints-clare-dewar-as-scottish-real-estate-partner/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/dac-beachcroft-appoints-clare-dewar-as-scottish-real-estate-partner/DAC Beachcroft said in an announcement on its website that it has appointed Clare Dewar as a partner in its Real Estate team in Scotland, joining from Brodies.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:50:49 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/cygnet-law-launches-neurodiversity-aware-legal-service-after-daisy-chain-training/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/cygnet-law-launches-neurodiversity-aware-legal-service-after-daisy-chain-training/Teesside firm Cygnet Law has launched a dedicated service for neurodivergent clients across its family, conveyancing and wills departments, after staff trained with the local autism charity Daisy Chain.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:49:32 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-intervenes-into-bruffell-williams-solicitors/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-intervenes-into-bruffell-williams-solicitors/The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into the remainder of Bruffell Williams Solicitors, a recognised body based in Guildford, saying the move was necessary to protect former clients.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:33:32 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/milbank-advises-bookrunners-on-titan-global-finance-tap-bond-offering/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/milbank-advises-bookrunners-on-titan-global-finance-tap-bond-offering/Milbank said in an announcement on its website that it advised the bookrunners on a tap bond offering by Titan Global Finance Plc, published on 27 October 2026.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:33:30 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/schofield-sweeney-advises-freixenet-copestick-on-sale-of-jascots-wine-merchants/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/schofield-sweeney-advises-freixenet-copestick-on-sale-of-jascots-wine-merchants/Schofield Sweeney said in an announcement on its website on 27 October 2026 that its corporate team had advised Freixenet Copestick on the sale of Jascots Wine Merchants to Italian company Compagnia del Gusto Holding.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:33:28 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/clifford-chance-advises-cicc-on-completed-three-way-merger-with-dongxing-and-cin/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/clifford-chance-advises-cicc-on-completed-three-way-merger-with-dongxing-and-cin/Clifford Chance said in an announcement on its website that it advised China International Capital Corporation Limited on a three-way merger with Dongxing Securities and Cinda Securities, completed on 26 October 2026.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:33:25 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashurst-perkins-coie-advises-ashtead-technology-on-505m-takeover-by-ember-infras/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/ashurst-perkins-coie-advises-ashtead-technology-on-505m-takeover-by-ember-infras/Ashurst Perkins Coie said on 21 October 2026 that it is acting for Ashtead Technology Holdings plc on a recommended £505 million takeover by a vehicle backed by Ember Infrastructure Management.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:33:23 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-reprimanded-over-unauthorised-client-account-payment/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-reprimanded-over-unauthorised-client-account-payment/The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has reprimanded former Freeths LLP partner Peter Albany Baker after he admitted authorising a payment from the wrong client's account, following an agreed outcome with the SRA.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:00:02 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/hogan-lovells-cadwalader-adopts-harvey-ai/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/hogan-lovells-cadwalader-adopts-harvey-ai/Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has adopted the legal AI platform Harvey in its Corporate and Finance, Litigation and Arbitration, and Regulatory and IP practices, Harvey announced on 16 October 2026.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:10:14 GMTSam AllcockLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/laytons-etl-names-kathryn-beasley-head-of-corporate/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/laytons-etl-names-kathryn-beasley-head-of-corporate/Laytons ETL said in an announcement on its website that Kathryn Beasley has been promoted to Head of Corporate, a move it said reflects the progress made by the corporate team under her direction.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:10:11 GMTSam AllcockPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/leathes-prior-takes-new-norwich-premises-at-seebohm-house-in-150th-year/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/leathes-prior-takes-new-norwich-premises-at-seebohm-house-in-150th-year/Leathes Prior said in an announcement on its website that it has taken on new office space at Seebohm House in Norwich, in the year it marks 150 years since its founding.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:48:12 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/wfw-advises-rabobank-on-finnish-battery-storage-project-financing/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/wfw-advises-rabobank-on-finnish-battery-storage-project-financing/Watson Farley & Williams said in an announcement on its website, published on 26 October 2026, that it had advised Rabobank on the financing of a battery energy storage system project in Finland.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:48:10 GMTSam AllcockDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/administrators-appointed-to-rahman-ravelli-solicitors-ltd/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/administrators-appointed-to-rahman-ravelli-solicitors-ltd/Andrew Hosking and Jamie Taylor of BTG Begbies Traynor have been appointed administrators of Rahman Ravelli Solicitors Ltd, according to a notice filed with the High Court.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:48:07 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/stone-king-acquires-technology-and-media-boutique-tacit-legal/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/stone-king-acquires-technology-and-media-boutique-tacit-legal/Stone King said in an announcement on its website that it had acquired Tacit Legal, bringing three partners into its commercial team to strengthen its technology, media and AI expertise.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:47:34 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-rebuked-over-drink-driving-conviction-and-late-reporting-to-sra/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-rebuked-over-drink-driving-conviction-and-late-reporting-to-sra/Enyinda Chinda has agreed a regulatory settlement with the SRA after a conviction for driving with excess alcohol and a delay in reporting it.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:03 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-10-sra-decisions-19-to-25-october-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-10-sra-decisions-19-to-25-october-2026/Law Week's regulation stories of the past seven days, plus the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, SRA, Legal Services Board and Legal Ombudsman notices published from 19 to 25 October 2026, each with a link.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:15:00 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mercury-legal-llp-enters-creditors-voluntary-liquidation/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mercury-legal-llp-enters-creditors-voluntary-liquidation/The Chester-based law firm passed resolutions to wind up voluntarily on 15 October 2026, with a liquidator appointed from Marshall Peters.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:14:41 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-referred-to-tribunal-after-stalking-conviction-allegations-unproven-before-sdt/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-referred-to-tribunal-after-stalking-conviction-allegations-unproven-before-sdt/The SRA has referred Andrew Jonathan Milne to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which has certified a case to answer on allegations that include his conviction for stalking. The allegations are unproven, and Mr Milne is appealing the conviction.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:23 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/mother-ordered-to-pay-father-27-109-75-in-costs-over-unproven-abuse-claims/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/mother-ordered-to-pay-father-27-109-75-in-costs-over-unproven-abuse-claims/Mr Justice Poole found a mother acted unreasonably in pursuing sexual abuse allegations against the father that were not proved, and ordered her to pay a quarter of his assessed costs of the fact finding hearing.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:21 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/report-calls-for-holistic-overhaul-of-justice-system-including-single-legal-regulator/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/report-calls-for-holistic-overhaul-of-justice-system-including-single-legal-regulator/A report by Christopher Hodges OBE, commissioned by the Nuffield Foundation, sets out proposals to restructure civil and administrative justice around prevention and learning, including replacing the existing eight frontline legal regulators with one body.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:17 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/judge-rebukes-mod-over-repeated-missed-deadlines-in-afghan-relocation-cases/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/judge-rebukes-mod-over-repeated-missed-deadlines-in-afghan-relocation-cases/Mr Justice Chamberlain ordered the Secretary of State for Defence to pay costs on the indemnity basis, if not agreed, after a late application to extend time, the latest in a series, led to the adjournment of the substantive hearing in three linked judicial reviews.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:14 GMTSam AllcockCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/duty-solicitor-numbers-rise-to-3-944-still-25-below-2017/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/duty-solicitor-numbers-rise-to-3-944-still-25-below-2017/Legal Aid Agency figures published on 24 September 2026 count 2,012 contracted legal aid providers and 3,944 duty solicitors, against 5,240 duty solicitors in October 2017.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:12 GMTSam AllcockFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/cms-report-names-uk-among-top-class-action-risk-jurisdictions-in-europe/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/cms-report-names-uk-among-top-class-action-risk-jurisdictions-in-europe/The sixth annual CMS European Class Action Report flags the UK, Netherlands and Portugal as the highest-risk jurisdictions for collective claims, with Spain one to watch.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:31:20 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/bar-council-joins-call-for-withdrawal-of-us-sanctions-on-icc/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/bar-council-joins-call-for-withdrawal-of-us-sanctions-on-icc/The Bar Council of England and Wales has signed a joint statement with other bar and law associations urging the US administration to withdraw sanctions against the International Criminal Court and its personnel.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:29:36 GMTSam AllcockRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/administrators-appointed-to-riverside-legal-services-trading-as-msr-solicitors/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/administrators-appointed-to-riverside-legal-services-trading-as-msr-solicitors/Sandra Fender of Sanderlings LLP has been appointed administrator of the company, which trades as MSR Solicitors from an address on New Bridge Street, London.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:23:44 GMTLaw WeekFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-pauses-rules-on-separating-compliance-and-firm-leadership-roles/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-pauses-rules-on-separating-compliance-and-firm-leadership-roles/The regulator says it will not roll out planned rules requiring separation of compliance and unilateral roles in firms as scheduled in January, after feedback on potential unintended consequences for smaller firms.Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:00:03 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-bars-apprentice-solicitor-over-dishonesty-about-arrest/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-bars-apprentice-solicitor-over-dishonesty-about-arrest/Owen Goodhand was made subject to a section 43 order after he lied to his firm about being arrested and later admitted the dishonesty to its compliance officer.Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:00:01 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-intervenes-into-preston-firm-gowlings-solicitors/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-intervenes-into-preston-firm-gowlings-solicitors/The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into Gowlings Solicitors Limited, appointing an intervening agent to protect clients' interests.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:00:03 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-5-sra-decisions-12-to-18-october-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/this-week-in-regulation-0-strike-offs-and-5-sra-decisions-12-to-18-october-2026/Law Week's regulation stories of the past seven days, plus the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, SRA, Legal Services Board and Legal Ombudsman notices published from 12 to 18 October 2026, each with a link.Mon, 19 Oct 2026 07:58:19 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/judge-issued-formal-warning-over-year-long-delay-in-tribunal-case/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/judge-issued-formal-warning-over-year-long-delay-in-tribunal-case/Her Honour Judge Lynn Griffin has received a formal warning after a nominated judge found she failed to progress proceedings with due diligence, delaying judgment for over a year.Mon, 19 Oct 2026 07:00:01 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/lawcare-joins-new-solicitor-wellbeing-alliance-for-england-and-wales/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/lawcare-joins-new-solicitor-wellbeing-alliance-for-england-and-wales/LawCare, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Solicitors' Charity and the Mindful Business Charter have launched a joint alliance to coordinate support for solicitors' mental health and wellbeing.Mon, 19 Oct 2026 07:00:01 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/axiom-ince-executive-enters-further-not-guilty-plea-over-document-destruction-charge/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/axiom-ince-executive-enters-further-not-guilty-plea-over-document-destruction-charge/Muhammad Ali has pleaded not guilty to a further count of conspiracy to destroy documents in the SFO's ongoing prosecution over the collapse of Axiom Ince.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:23:14 GMTLaw WeekCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/moves-and-deals-of-the-week-3-stories-9-to-15-october-2026/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/moves-and-deals-of-the-week-3-stories-9-to-15-october-2026/Every firm, deal and people story Law Week published from 9 to 15 October 2026, one line each.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:58:03 GMTLaw WeekDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/hillingdon-law-centre-shuts-for-good-after-funding-shortfall/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/hillingdon-law-centre-shuts-for-good-after-funding-shortfall/The west London law centre, which had served the area for more than 40 years, has permanently closed after an earlier temporary suspension, the Law Centres Network has confirmed.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:00:02 GMTLaw WeekFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/barrister-disbarred-after-legal-aid-fraud-conviction/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/barrister-disbarred-after-legal-aid-fraud-conviction/An independent disciplinary tribunal ordered Rasib Ghaffar to be disbarred following his conviction for conspiracy to defraud the legal aid fund, the Bar Standards Board has said.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:00:02 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-names-caroline-corby-as-new-board-chair/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-names-caroline-corby-as-new-board-chair/The Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed Caroline Corby will take over as Chair of its Board from 23 November 2026, succeeding Anna Bradley.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:00:02 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/dmh-stallard-merges-with-godalming-firm-gbh-law/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/dmh-stallard-merges-with-godalming-firm-gbh-law/Southeast law firm DMH Stallard has announced a merger with GBH Law, a Godalming-based legal practice.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:45:56 GMTLaw WeekDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-appoints-shrin-honap-and-ben-allgrove-to-its-board/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-appoints-shrin-honap-and-ben-allgrove-to-its-board/The Solicitors Regulation Authority has named two new Board members who will join in January, replacing Liz Smart and Rob McWilliam.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:00:02 GMTLaw WeekPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-firm-numbers-fall-to-8-923-as-sole-practices-shrink/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-firm-numbers-fall-to-8-923-as-sole-practices-shrink/SRA figures for August 2026 count 8,923 regulated law firms, down 110 on a year earlier, while the number of practising solicitors rose by 4,917 to 179,054.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:43:48 GMTLaw WeekFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/children-cases-between-separated-parents-took-52-7-weeks-in-london-against-14-5-in-wales/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/children-cases-between-separated-parents-took-52-7-weeks-in-london-against-14-5-in-wales/Private law children cases in England and Wales took 33.5 weeks on average to conclude in April to June 2026, Ministry of Justice figures show, and neither party had a lawyer in 51% of them.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:43:47 GMTLaw WeekCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/civil-claims-took-69-1-weeks-to-reach-trial-with-oxford-the-slowest-of-the-busier-county-courts/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/civil-claims-took-69-1-weeks-to-reach-trial-with-oxford-the-slowest-of-the-busier-county-courts/Ministry of Justice figures for April to June 2026 show fast, multi and intermediate track claims took an average of 69.1 weeks from issue to trial. At Oxford the average was 90.4 weeks.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:43:47 GMTLaw WeekCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-consults-on-changes-to-solicitor-competence-framework/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-consults-on-changes-to-solicitor-competence-framework/Regulator seeks views on updates to the Statement of Solicitor Competence and functioning legal knowledge, with changes due to take effect from September.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:00:02 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-struck-off-for-practising-without-insurance-and-misleading-sra/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-struck-off-for-practising-without-insurance-and-misleading-sra/Andrew Lee, former sole director of Prometheus Law, has been struck off the Roll after the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found he acted dishonestly over three years.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:41:41 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-struck-off-over-misleading-evidence-on-service-of-proceedings/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/solicitor-struck-off-over-misleading-evidence-on-service-of-proceedings/Gabriel Awosika missed the deadline to serve a clinical negligence claim on an NHS trust, then told a judge he had served it on time and produced a letter the court found was backdated. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found him dishonest and struck him off.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:41:41 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/binance-group-action-grows-to-2700-claimants-kp-law/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/binance-group-action-grows-to-2700-claimants-kp-law/More than 1,000 retail investors in England and Wales have joined the High Court claim over crypto derivatives allegedly sold without FCA authorisation, days before the regulator opens its new crypto authorisation gateway.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:30:00 GMTLaw WeekCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/what-should-legal-automation-actually-replace/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/what-should-legal-automation-actually-replace/The debate keeps asking how much of the solicitor can be automated away. Dan Yeo argues that is the wrong question, and that the real opportunity is removing the process that surrounds their expertise rather than the expertise itself.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMTDan YeoOpinionhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/legal-fee-finance-platform-lawyerclientconnect-reports-850-fee-earners-signed-up/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/legal-fee-finance-platform-lawyerclientconnect-reports-850-fee-earners-signed-up/LawyerClientConnect, an FCA-regulated credit broker offering finance for legal clients and fee earners, says around 850 fee earners are now represented on its platform six months after launch, and is preparing to launch a fee-advance product for lawyers.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:30:02 GMTLaw WeekLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/express-solicitors-reports-record-117-2m-turnover/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/express-solicitors-reports-record-117-2m-turnover/Manchester-based Express Solicitors says it has recorded turnover of £117.2m, according to a statement issued by the firm.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:30:01 GMTLaw WeekFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/the-commoditisation-of-legal-drafting-an-opinion/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/the-commoditisation-of-legal-drafting-an-opinion/If machines can produce a competent first draft of almost anything, what is a lawyer actually being paid for? An argument about where the value now sits.Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:30:02 GMTLaw WeekOpinionhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/firms-move-generative-ai-from-pilot-to-everyday-practice/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/firms-move-generative-ai-from-pilot-to-everyday-practice/Adoption of generative AI tools is spreading from innovation teams to fee-earners, prompting fresh guidance on supervision, confidentiality and professional competence.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:25:00 GMTLaw WeekLegal Techhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/litigation-funders-await-clarity-as-market-reform-nears/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/litigation-funders-await-clarity-as-market-reform-nears/The sector is bracing for the Civil Justice Council's recommendations on third-party funding, two years after the Supreme Court's PACCAR ruling upended standard agreements.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMTLaw WeekCourtshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/reputation-is-the-last-moat-in-an-age-of-commoditised-drafting/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/reputation-is-the-last-moat-in-an-age-of-commoditised-drafting/As machines commoditise the mechanics of legal work, trust, brand and named authority become the only differentiators a firm cannot be undercut on.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:05:00 GMTSam AllcockOpinionhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/companies-house-identity-checks-become-mandatory/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/companies-house-identity-checks-become-mandatory/New rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act require directors and people with significant control to verify their identity, reshaping day-to-day incorporation work.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:45:00 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/partner-hiring-market-stays-competitive-into-autumn/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/partner-hiring-market-stays-competitive-into-autumn/Firms continue to pay up for laterals in disputes, restructuring and energy, even as some practices quietly trim less profitable teams to protect partner profits.Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:15:00 GMTLaw WeekPeople & Moveshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/city-firms-post-another-year-of-revenue-growth/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/city-firms-post-another-year-of-revenue-growth/The latest reporting season points to a resilient top line across the largest UK practices, though partners warn that rising costs are steadily squeezing margins.Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMTLaw WeekFirmshttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/the-billable-hour-isnt-dying-but-the-firms-clinging-to-it-are/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/the-billable-hour-isnt-dying-but-the-firms-clinging-to-it-are/AI is collapsing the time it takes to do legal work, and firms that still sell time by the hour are quietly pricing themselves out of their own efficiency.Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:40:00 GMTSam AllcockOpinionhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/deal-lawyers-see-ma-pipeline-rebuild-as-rate-cuts-loom/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/deal-lawyers-see-ma-pipeline-rebuild-as-rate-cuts-loom/Corporate teams report a steadier flow of mid-market mandates after a subdued couple of years, with private capital driving much of the renewed activity.Sun, 23 Aug 2026 08:35:00 GMTLaw WeekDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/most-law-firms-still-market-like-its-2005/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/most-law-firms-still-market-like-its-2005/The brochure-and-directory playbook still dominates legal marketing, yet the firms winning the best work have swapped it for something closer to publishing.Sun, 23 Aug 2026 08:15:00 GMTSam AllcockOpinionhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-widens-anti-money-laundering-crackdown-on-law-firms/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/sra-widens-anti-money-laundering-crackdown-on-law-firms/The regulator has signalled tougher enforcement and more thematic inspections as it presses firms to close persistent gaps in client due diligence and source-of-funds checks.Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:20:00 GMTLaw WeekRegulationhttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/private-equity-deepens-push-into-legal-services/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/private-equity-deepens-push-into-legal-services/Investors are stepping up acquisitions of consumer-facing firms through alternative business structures, testing how far outside capital can reshape the profession.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:05:00 GMTLaw WeekDeals & M&Ahttps://www.lawweek.co.uk/restructuring-teams-stay-busy-as-insolvencies-hold-high/https://www.lawweek.co.uk/restructuring-teams-stay-busy-as-insolvencies-hold-high/Elevated company failures and a steady stream of director disqualifications are keeping insolvency and restructuring lawyers among the busiest in the market.Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:40:00 GMTLaw WeekFirms