SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL
Courts wrestle with changes
themselves is sometimes putting those who opt for legal representation at a disadvantage, according to family law experts at Shakespeares’ Birmingham office. Legal aid was withdrawn in April 2013 for divorce and family law cases in England and Wales and since then there has been a marked increase in the number of people choosing to go to court without legal representation. While this is obviously a decision driven by cost, it can result in unfair prejudice for the other party if they have a solicitor acting for them. For example, the judge usually feels obliged to spend a
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disproportionate amount of time explaining court procedure to the unrepresented litigant, which can cause the proceedings to take much longer and can feel like preferential treatment. The represented party can also be landed with a bill for the preparation of indexed documentation in situations where it wouldn’t normally be their responsibility, simply because they are the only party to have a solicitor in court. Christine Patterson, head of family law and partner at Shakespeares’ Birmingham office, said: “It is understandable that judges want to take extra care to ensure that unrepresented litigants understand courtroom procedure but it is not fair that this happens at the expense of the other party with legal representation. “We also find that
Christine Patterson
unrepresented litigants are sometimes given too much leeway by the judge to make statements and bring issues to bear that would otherwise not be aired. This is frustrating and jeopardises the possibility of securing a sensible deal for both parties swiftly and efficiently.”
Growth plan funded
National law firm Irwin Mitchell, which has offices in Birmingham, has secured a £60m four-year finance package with three major UK banks to fund its strategic plan to grow its business. The package, which includes a
£30m ‘accordion’ facility for further finance if required, has been agreed with HSBC’s Yorkshire Corporate team as the lead provider, along with Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and Royal Bank of Scotland. Group chief executive John
Pickering (pictured) described the deal as a clear show of support from its banking partners and a demonstration of Irwin Mitchell’s strong financial position. He added: “The fact that we
have been able to agree this facility
Social media, digital devices, the internet: Optimising Opportunities & Managing Risk
Technology is all around us. We love it, hate it, get exasperated by it, but ultimately we can’t operate without it. Social media, digital devices, the internet, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), all of them bring boundless opportunity to expand our organisational global reach, to keep in touch with distant friends and family. But how do we optimise these opportunities and how do we protect ourselves in the process?
Sad to say the very things that create opportunity can also bring with it real risk, compromising the security of your identity, your organisation and even those closest to you.
Deborah Leary, OBE, FRSA CEO Forensic Pathways/ClarityIntel
www.forensic-pathways.com
Whilst the individual may say that they ‘don’t do social media’ and therefore are not at risk, it is most likely that their employees, their family members and their friends do, and it is through these links that criminals are able to socially engineer their way into an organisation or manipulate a person’s identity.
As with all things, a balanced response is key, continuing to embrace opportunity but at the same time following some key rules of ‘digital engagement’.
with our banks at a time when the legal sector faces some real challenges demonstrates the strength of our business financially. We have a clear plan in place to build on the impressive growth we have delivered in recent years. Passing the £200m mark was a real milestone for us but our plans are to grow the business significantly.”
As global forensic, investigative and technology experts we recognise the need to help organisations and individuals optimise their opportunities through social media and digital marketing and to be comfortable with ‘Bring your own device’ (BYOD) to work policies, whilst at the same time being aware of the risks, and having the skill and knowledge to prevent any threat. Ask yourself – how secure is your website? How much of your personal data is being harvested by apps?
Forensic Pathways run a range of half day seminars helping individuals and organisations develop an online strategy that optimises their digital profile whilst at the same time protecting them from cyber threat.
Optimising opportunity – Managing Risk
To register for the next half day event, contact 01827 255170 and speak to a member of the Forensic Pathways team.
MAY 2014 CHAMBERLINK 37
ourtroom dynamics have changed for the worse since the withdrawal of legal aid last year and the growing number of individuals who choose to represent
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