May 2011 Issue 101. friend or foe? Getting to the heart of the ABS debate. The Official Journal of Leeds Law Society

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1 May 2011 Issue 101 friend or foe? Getting to the heart of the ABS debate The Official Journal of Leeds Law Society

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3 CONtenTS Leeds Law Society 1 Albion Place Leeds LS1 6JL DX Leeds Tel: EDITORIAL: Editor Steven Bancroft steven.bancroft@barkerbrooks.co.uk Founding Editor Ian McCombie Editorial Assistant Sophie Dilley PRODUCTION: Head of Design Lucy Taylor Junior Designer Jessica Horton PROJECT MANAGER: Kate McKittrick kate.mckittrick@barkerbrooks.co.uk ADVERTISING: Martin Smith martin.smith@barkerbrooks.co.uk Published by Barker Brooks Media Ltd 4 Greengate Cardale Park Harrogate HG3 1GY Tel: Fax: info@barkerbrooks.co.uk PRINT: Acorn Web Offset Ltd 2011 Leeds Law Society & Barker Brooks Media Ltd. All rights in and relating to this publication are expressly reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publishers. The views expressed in Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer are not necessarily those of the Leeds Law Society or the publisher. While the publishers have taken every care in compiling this publication to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, they do not accept liability or responsibility for errors or omissions therein however PEFC/ caused. Views 05 President's column The SRA's long-awaited new Handbook receives a lukewarm welcome, and why a thorough spring clean is more important this year than ever before News 06 Society Looking back at the biggest and best Leeds Annual Legal Dinner to date 08 Achievements Award-winning Education and Enterprise Week from Leeds Legal set to return 11 Yorkshire Legal Conference Make sure you don't miss out on a key oneday conference held in the heart of Leeds 15 Charity Three women take on the challenge of the London Marathon for a very worthy cause 17 Appointments Keep up to date with who's going where in our latest round-up 19 Regulation The latest news and views from across the various regulatory bodies 21 Comment Patrick Walker sets sail for America and likes what he finds across the pond This month in association with: Features 22 Alternative business structures ABS will be here in October so ahead of this landmark change we seek opinion from both sides of the debate 25 Student essay competition Winner Ryan Adams' take on ABS and what it means for the next generation of lawyers 26 Yorkshire pride Law Society President Linda Lee hails from Yorkshire and discusses both local and national issues 29 Life lessons The Honourable Mr Justice Langstaff reveals the unusual route he took to the High Court 31 Evidential information The latest developments in testing for drug and alcohol in family law cases 33 The world is watching The former Director of the Press Complaints Commission discusses law and the media 38 The last word Keeble Hawson's Tony Gregory goes under our microscope Barker Brooks Media offers a full range of creative, marketing and communications services. To discuss how we could help your business, please call Ben Rushton on or ben@barkerbrooks.co.uk creative events management publishing sales & sponsorship Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101 3

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5 Sponsored by: FROM THE PRESIDENT Question marks over new Principles James Haddleton is President of Leeds Law Society and a Partner at DWF in Leeds hilst Moses waited 40 days and W nights on Mount Sinai for the Ten Commandments, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) made us wait a little longer before revealing its tablet of ten mandatory Principles (note the capital P ) in the new SRA Handbook. I still don t quite get it. The Principles are designed to give firms greater flexibility and get away from a rigid set of rules. As the SRA puts it: This is to empower you to implement the right systems and control for your clients and your type of practice. You will have more flexibility in how you achieve the right outcomes for your clients, which will require greater judgement on your part. Therein lies the rub; the exercise of judgement. Like anything that involves judgement there is always a degree of subjectivity and, dare I say it, moral relativism. What is important for one firm (in terms of the risks it identifies and its approach) may vary from another. How clients who deal with firms adopting differing approaches view the situation is an important point. What is lacking with the Principles is the certainty, clarity and transparency which gives confidence to both solicitor and client alike in their dealings. If we are to remain a trusted profession, these points especially confidence matter. If a client thinks it was misinformed but the solicitor believes it has acted broadly within the principle requiring it to keep a client informed, is the profession better off for that uncertainty? Outcomes-Focused Regulation (which underpins the Principles) is what the banks used and it failed because it enabled them to interpret the rules to suit their needs whilst the approach to enforcement of regulation was light touch. We are promised this will be different. But if the purpose of regulation is to give solicitor and client certainty, clarity and transparency and most importantly, confidence then it is highly questionable whether the Principles will achieve it. As an aside, a colleague of mine pointed out that the second Commandment states: Do not have any other Gods before me and wondered whether the SRA was delivering a subliminal message. Time will tell. For more information on the Handbook turn to page 17. Meanwhile, on 19 May Leeds Law Society will be holding its AGM. Full details are on the website. It has been a busy year of change and development with the appointment of two executives giving us the ability to provide more training and events. We would be delighted to welcome any Leeds solicitor from any background or practice who wishes to serve on the committee and help build a strong and relevant local law society. Change is coming so be prepared M Angela Brocklehurst is President of the Yorkshire Union of Law Societies and a Partner at Shipley firm Atkinson & Firth arch and April are spring cleaning months a time to look at what we have, give it a good clean around and prepare for the challenging times to come with everything in order. At the Yorkshire Union we have recently held our Annual General Meeting reviewing our activities for the last year, taking stock and advice for the year to come with all its changes. Not only now as solicitors do we have new systems of regulation, complaint management and uncertainty with the future of public funding work, we also have challenges to come with Tesco Law, the question of alternative business structures and the need to protect robustly our independent conveyancing practice with these changes imminent. At our meeting we were privileged to welcome our national President Linda Lee, who answered questions about these troubling issues for us and pointed us in the right direction. During the next few months the Yorkshire region is hosting a variety of events organised around these areas of change, notably a Question Time session at which our President and Chief Executive, Mr Des Hudson, will hold a forum to debate issues concerning personal injury, civil costs reform and legal aid. Anyone who is wishing to attend this event should get in contact via presidentevents@lawsociety.org.uk. Meanwhile, our Regional Law Society Manager, Fiona Tatton, provides us with a quarterly review of what goes on in Yorkshire, including details of training and information events concerning all of these topics. More details can be found at For the forward thinking amongst us this can be the best of times with opportunities and talents to exploit. However, for those who look back to the good old days, the present can be the worst of times. Personally I have always found that challenges in life can be met and dealt with if suitably prepared. Perhaps it is time for the old scouts and guides amongst us to dust off our old motto and embrace the changes to come. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101 5

6 NEWS: Leeds Annual Legal Dinner 2011 Legal Dinner is a glittering success Over 300 guests came together on 17 March to celebrate the continued success of Leeds as a legal centre at the Leeds Annual Legal Dinner eld for the first time at Leeds H Metropolitan University s Rose Bowl, guests were treated to entertainment in the form of contemporary dance from Phoenix Dance Theatre and live entertainment from Irish band Gypsy Rogues, fitting on what was St Patrick s Day. After a sumptuous four-course meal and wine, Stephen D Smith MBE was the after-dinner speaker at an event where the dignitaries in attendance included The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor James McKenna and The Lady Mayoress, Councillor Andrea McKenna alongside Linda Lee, President of The Law Society of England & Wales. Leeds Law Society President James Haddleton gave a response to toasts from Linda Lee and also Alan M Baker, the Chairman of Leeds Legal, at an event which was kindly supported by headline sponsor Trimega Laboratories Ltd and also AON, Weslyan, UBS, Mills & Reeve, DWF and Leeds Metropolitan University. President James Haddleton toasts the guests A toast from Law Society President Linda Lee It was a splendid evening for the Society and its guests with excellent food and entertainment. Paul Fullerton, Bank of England Guests enjoy food, wine and good company at Leeds Metropolitan University's Rose Bowl Douglas MacSween from Trimega Laboratories with The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor James McKenna 6 Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101

7 NEWS: Leeds Annual Legal Dinner 2011 Training dates Leeds Law Society runs a wide range of high-quality training seminars which are delivered by leading speakers and provide an opportunity to gain your CPD points at favourable rates. Seminars for May and June 2011: Leeds Law Society Committee members Marcus Armstrong, Ian Spafford, Jonathan Watmough, David Barraclough, Philip Jordan, Deborah Green, James Haddleton, Rosemary Edwards and Stuart Turnock Family Law Ancillary relief Thursday 5 May (2 hours CPD) Stress in the workplace Monday 9 May (2 hours CPD) The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor James McKenna and The Lady Mayoress, Councillor Andrea McKenna with Mr James Haddleton and Mrs Claire Haddleton Mills & Reeve with Leeds Law Society Committee member Jonathan Watmough Jane MacGregor and Joanna Dixon, Business Development Managers, Leeds Law Society Phoenix Dance Theatre entertain the guests It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The dancers and the Irish band were excellent. Norman Jones, President, Liverpool Law Society President James Haddleton with VIP guests Kindly sponsored by: Personal injury Ashworth on pain Wednesday 11 May (1.5 hours CPD) Employment Law Equality Act update Thursday 12 May (2 hours CPD) Writing and drafting skills Wednesday 18 May (2 hours CPD) Electronic disclosure A review of the law and a few practical tips Tuesday 24 May (1 hours CPD) FEATURED SEMINAR An overview of the new SRA Handbook Principles and outcomes Thursday 26 May (2 hours CPD) Employment update Wednesday 1 June (2 hours CPD) Contesting and contentious wills and probate Thursday 9 June (2 hours CPD) Civil litigation Thursday 23 June (2 hours CPD) Assured tenancies Wednesday 29 June (2 hours CPD) To secure one of our limited spaces, please contact info@ leedslawsociety. org.uk or call If you have already booked on, we look forward to welcoming you very soon. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101 7

8 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Buying practices and caseloads Solicitors Neil Hudgell Law has launched a new business initiative called as part of their strategy to expand eil Hudgell Law are no win no fee N solicitors specialising in personal injury, medical accident and professional negligence. They are also experts in claims for dental negligence. The firm, which employs more than 50 people, currently has three offices (two in Hull and one in Leeds). It is now looking to grow organically and through the acquisition of other personal injury practices, caseloads or individual cases. Neil Hudgell explains: Our business model has been developed to work with the big changes that are happening right now in the legal profession. That s why we ve launched webuyanyfiles.com. We ve got dynamic plans for our business and we re interested in acquiring other NeilHudgell CM A5 Ad.pdf 1 04/04/ :29 practices outright or in taking on referred cases or caseloads from other solicitors. Hudgell was born and educated in Hull and established his own legal practice in the city in A member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, he has also been the chairman and a main shareholder of Hull Kingston Rovers rugby league club since 2004, overseeing transition from a National League club to an established Super League side. Neil Hudgell Law s plans for growth come as the impact of alternative business structures (ABS) and the implementation of Lord Jackson s report on civil litigation costs is being assessed across the sector. As part of the push for growth, Neil Hudgell Law recently appointed Tony Webster as Business Development Manager. Webster, an experienced business strategist based in Harrogate, has already had talks with legal practices looking to refer caseloads and cases. He said: We re interested in hearing from lawyers who want to retire from practice or to free up working capital. Taking on more cases will also mean we ll need more staff so we re looking to recruit personal injury lawyers who want to further their careers. All enquiries to Neil Hudgell Law from practices looking to refer cases or sell their business are dealt with in strict confidence. For more information visit the website C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

9 Sponsored by: NEWS: Achievements Clarion supports promising young talent Education and Enterprise Week set to return Students from across Leeds Law School have once again taken part in the Clarion Commercial Challenge, which is designed to test their ability to deal with a number of commercial and legal issues affecting a fictitious company. Four pairs of students presented their advice to a panel of judges in the final stage of the competition. The judges comprised Roger Hutton, Senior Partner at Clarion; David Jones, Senior Regional Managing Director of Aldermore Invoice Finance; and Sarah Rushton, Director of Operations Support Services at Cintas Document Management in Leeds. The winning pair was Christopher Myers and Matthew Fisher (pictured above with the judges) who will now enjoy a work placement at Clarion. Customer award for conveyancing firm Arc Property Solicitors is celebrating scooping the Best Customer Focus award at the national Best Business Awards. Based in Harrogate and operating nationally, the firm of conveyancing experts has been recognised for its innovative approach to customer relations, having restructured its business and introduced a dedicated Client Service team in 2010 the first of its kind in the industry. Richard Chan, Managing Director, commented: This award is great recognition for the work we ve done in putting our clients at the centre of the business. The Client Service team has vastly improved customer satisfaction levels and has massively increased efficiency. Following on from the success of its award-winning 2010 project, Leeds Legal will shortly launch Education and Enterprise Week Organised in conjunction with Leeds Ahead, the event will run from October and will once again allow lawyers and others involved in the legal profession to take the world of work into some of the city s schools. It is hoped that around 150 volunteers drawn from many of the city s law firms will get involved in running the sessions that will embrace the World of Work theme, with focused workshops that will cover first-hand accounts of working in a variety of roles within law firms, exploring and creating the right plan to achieve a dream job and demonstrating how the skills taught at school can transfer into the workplace. All activities, held in primary schools around the city, are developed to empower young people to consider and develop their future career ambitions. The launch event for this year s project will take place on Thursday 26 May at 8.30am at the offices of Pinsent Masons. For more information contact Lesley Sharp at Leeds Ahead on or Lesley.Sharp@leedsahead.org.uk Mooting success for group of York students A joint team from The College of Law in York and University of York Law School demonstrated their advocacy skills by winning the Beachcroft Mooting Shield. The team, made up of two students from the College and two from the University of York, triumphed against a team from the College s Manchester centre in the final at Sovereign Chambers in Leeds. College students Katharine Fitzpatrick and Robert Cockburn (pictured) took part in the final showdown while fellow teammates Russell Naglis and Micha Hatfield from York Law School put in winning performances during the group stages of the competition. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101 9

10 NEWS: Achievements Chadwick Lawrence score sporting appointment Leeds Rugby, the company behind Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie, has appointed Chadwick Lawrence as its official legal partner. The deal cements the relationship between the two organisations and will see Chadwick Lawrence working with Leeds Rugby on a day-to-day basis in both a legal and HR advisory role. The firm will enjoy a heightened presence at the Headingley Carnegie site through advertising at the ground and hospitality, which will give clients the opportunity to sample the atmosphere at a game or attend a corporate event. It places us in the heart of Leeds and secures our position as Yorkshire s legal people, commented Neil Wilson of Chadwick Lawrence, who is pictured above second from the left alongside representatives from Leeds Rugby. Stewarts Law hosts Henry Moore private view Guests from across the business and legal community gathered in Leeds at a special event celebrating one of Yorkshire s greatest artistic sons. More than 90 invitees attended a private viewing of the new Henry Moore exhibition at Leeds Art Gallery, hosted by exhibition sponsor Stewarts Law. The exhibition is the first dedicated to the life and work of sculptor Moore, who was born in Castleford, to be held in Leeds. It arrived in the city following stints at the Tate Britain in London and in Toronto, Canada. Daniel Herman (pictured above), Head of Stewarts Law in Leeds, said: Hosting such a major international exhibition is a huge boon for Leeds, all the more so given Henry Moore s local roots. We are delighted to be able to lend our support. The free of charge exhibition will be showing at Leeds Art Gallery until 12 June. Networking Curry Club launches in Leeds Business networking club Networking In The City (NITC) launched its famous Curry Club in Leeds on 6 April. The club, targeted specifically at professionals within the property, construction and finance industries, attracted an impressive turn out at the Leeds city centre Aagrah Restaurant. An hour of informal networking was followed by an Indian feast before the event was finished off with a short informative and entertaining speech from Janice Colley, Partner and Property Solicitor from the event sponsor, Ford & Warren Solicitors. NITC is currently taking bookings for the next Leeds Curry Club which takes place over lunchtime on Wednesday 4 May. Subsequent events will take place on the first Wednesday of every month. To book a place at the event visit or call National shortlist for boutique litigation practice Boutique litigation practice Lake Legal has been shortlisted for the Best Tax Team in a Law Firm award at the 2011 LexisNexis Taxation Awards. Set up in September 2009, the team is headed by Karen Eckstein and specialises in tax related professional indemnity cases, contentious trusts and probate matters and tax litigation. Eckstein said: We are over the moon to have been recognised by the Taxation Awards, particularly when, as a firm, we are still in our infancy. To be shortlisted for a national award alongside teams from firms such as Burges Salmon, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain and Thomas Eggar is a great compliment and a testament to the hard work of my team over the last 19 months since Lake Legal was formed. The ceremony will take place on 26 May at the London Hilton on Park Lane. 10 Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue 101

11 Sponsored by: NEWS: Achievements Change is coming. Book your place at this conference The Legal Services Board, Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority will all have their say on the new legal landscape at the inaugural Yorkshire Legal Conference in May. What does alternative business structures (ABS) mean to you? Will the opening up of the legal services market bring opportunity or added competition to your firm? What does it directly mean for you here in the heart of Yorkshire? The question is therefore can you afford to miss out on a day where all these bodies will be under one roof alongside a collection of eminent speakers and all considering the key issues facing the industry at a pivotal moment in its evolution? Tickets are selling fast for the one-day event on 16 May at Leeds Metropolitan University s Rose Bowl. Robin Smith, Chairman of Leeds Building Society and one of the founding solicitors of DLA Piper, will give the keynote address on the benefits to growth with ABS around the corner. Legal pioneer Kerry Underwood from Law Abroad plc will identify the new opportunities for growth and Quality Solicitors CEO Craig Holt will discuss the remarkable rise of his nationwide operation. A panel session featuring Chris Kenny, CEO of the Legal Services Board, Richard Collins, Head of Standards at the SRA, Ray Gordon, Chairman of Professional Business Structures Ltd (face2face Solicitors) and Leeds Law Society President James Haddleton will carefully guide delegates through the planned changes to the profession. With extensive opportunity for networking during lunch and an afternoon drinks reception, this Leeds-based event will become a key date in the calendar each year. Tickets are priced at 95 + VAT. For booking enquiries or further details visit or contact Paul Bunce at Barker Brooks Media on or paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk Gordons target young apprentices Five bright youngsters who might otherwise find it difficult to enter the legal profession will have the opportunity to become apprentice lawyers thanks to a new annual programme launched by Gordons. From this September, the firm will recruit and train a fresh intake of apprentices each year who have the ability to gain high levels of skills and qualifications without attending university. Gordons will pay the apprentices salaries and also fund their fees to train as legal executives, over a period of four years with the course fees alone representing an investment of over 32,500. The apprenticeships are the idea of Managing Partner Paul Ayre (pictured above), who was inspired to act after seeing the BBC programme Who Gets the Best Jobs? He said: Gordons has always operated as a meritocracy and we pride ourselves on being progressive in everything we do. The apprenticeships are a natural extension of these values. Pair join exclusive panel Two lawyers at Williamsons Solicitors Driffield office have been appointed to the Law Society s Children Panel. Zoe Atkinson and Rebecca Lovel are the only solicitors in Driffield and Bridlington to be accredited to the panel which allows them to directly represent children involved in child-care proceedings and family disputes. Lovel (pictured left) said: Becoming a member of the panel is a natural progression and extension of our daily work. It has been taken a considerable amount of work to gain the accreditation, but the extra qualification will undoubtedly enhance the service we can provide to clients and their children. The lengthy, rigorous accreditation process required a three-day course, a comprehensive application, presentation of a portfolio of case study work, professional referees, extended CRB check and an hour-long independent assessment at the Law Society in London. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue

12 Recourse Legal Solutions A groundbreaking service from ARAG Greater cover than you d expect Extremely competitive rates An on-line application facility providing easy policy issue. All policies fully underwritten by an A rated insurer, providing the best security for your clients. Contingent premiums High limits of indemnity to provide total peace of mind for the more complex cases. Various types of cases underwritten, not just personal injury. Extremely competitive commission rates. A UK management team with a wealth of experience in the legal expenses market. To find out more call us on or visit All with the secure backing of an international group The ARAG Group is one of the world leaders in legal solutions with over 3,300 employees worldwide, and an annual premium income of over 1.4 billion. With over 70 years experience as an insurance services specialist in Germany, ARAG is now a world leader in international growth markets and is active in thirteen European countries. Undisputed market leaders in Spain and Italy, the group is also a leading player in the US legal insurance market. ARAG plc Registered in England number Registered office: 9 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1NN. ARAG plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration number and this can be checked by visiting the FSA website at or by contacting the FSA on

13 NEWS: Business development Fighting for the disabled National charity the Disability Alliance has formed a partnership with disability discrimination specialists Unity Law to provide legal advice and support to anyone who is being discriminated against because of disability. The Disability Alliance and Unity Law are both focused on ensuring that disabled people get fair access to care services. There has already been a drop in the overall numbers of disabled people able to access support in their own home. There is a fear that further cuts and increasing costs will prevent disabled people receiving even a basic level of support. Our focus is on ensuring people have access to the services they need, explained Managing Partner Chris Fry (pictured above). The research conducted by the Disability Alliance shows that the proposed cuts could seriously impact on people s lives, not just on reducing their quality of life but in some cases infringing on their human rights. By working together we can reach out to the many families who are worried or affected by changes in their homecare service. New employment venture for Sheffield solicitor A former senior partner and head of employment at Watson Esam has opened a new niche employment practice in Sheffield. Bhayani Bracewell Employment Law opened for business on Fountain Precinct on 1 April and, after spending 18 years with Watson Esam, which recently merged with Sheffield solicitors Graysons, Jay Bhayani (pictured left) is relishing the new challenge this venture presents. The world is changing, she said. A simple Google search can provide people with a host of information on the law these days but I believe that Bhayani Bracewell can make a real difference to clients. The new firm will concentrate on a full range of services including employment advice and representation, HR outsourcing and insurance backed schemes. In association with Taylor Bracewell in Doncaster, Bhayani Bracewell will offer clients a familiar team as Jay will be joined by her employment law colleagues Katie Beal and Sara Ellison. Demand leads to London opening for local firm Yorkshire-based Rahman Ravelli Solicitors is opening premises in London to cope with its increasing workload. The firm, which specialises in national and international serious fraud and business crime, has traditionally been based at its offices in Halifax. It has now acquired an office in the capital s Fetter Lane to handle the needs of an increasing number of clients in the south of the country. The firm was founded in Yorkshire and will remain here. However, we are in the enjoyable position of gaining more and more international and high-profile instructions and a significant proportion of them are coming from the south, explained Senior Partner Aziz Rahman (pictured). We have always handled cases from all over the UK and other parts of the world. But we recently came to the conclusion that a second base preferably in the heart of London was necessary. Having premises in London will make us more accessible to current and future clients. It will also give our solicitors more flexibility in attending to clients and in case preparation. PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Make your website work more effectively for you Increasing numbers of people requiring a solicitor will now go to the Internet first. Therefore if you don t have an effective website they will find your competitors instead. The problem with most solicitors websites is that they are virtually invisible to Google. Simon Goodlad is a specialist in building websites for law firms and is an expert in search engine optimisation. Simply put, that is the art of getting a website to show up at the top of Google s search results. Most designers focus on making a site look pretty but have little knowledge of how to get a website to rank high on Google. This leads many firms to mistakenly believe that the Internet is not a valuable channel for finding new business. Goodlad has built many websites for solicitors that produce substantial and measurable results. A good website can introduce a new income stream to a firm and replace some of the business from dwindling sources. For more information visit or call Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue

14 OFR... You need to be PDQ! On 6 October 2011, the SRA will radically overhaul its relationship with legal service providers and the way in which it delivers its regulatory objectives. Under the more targeted and risk-based approach of OFR, your firm will need to implement the Principles and mandatory Outcomes contained in the new SRA Handbook, rather than comply with the detailed and prescriptive rules in the SCC You should start your preparations now to ensure that your management team and staff fully understand the risk-based approach to outcomes-focused regulation and the key Principles, Outcomes and Indicative Behaviours in the new SRA Handbook well before the October 2011 deadline. Our practical 3 hour courses focus on the key rule changes and provide comprehensive guidance on how to successfully comply with the new regime. Our courses run from May 2011 onwards - following the publication of the final version of the new SRA Handbook in April New Handbook. New Approach. New Focus. Successful outcomes-focused regulation (public and in-house courses available) You and your new SRA Handbook (in-house courses available at your offices) Bolder healthchecks: developing your business and people to succeed under the Legal Services Act 2007 Successful OFR - Public Courses Wednesday 25th May - Hull Thursday 26th May - Huddersfield Friday 10th June - Leeds Monday 1st August - Kendal Tuesday 2nd August - Manchester Wednesday 3rd August - Doncaster Thursday 4th August - Leeds Courses VAT BOOK NOW 2.00pm pm 2.00pm pm 9.30am pm 2.00pm pm 2.00pm pm 2.00pm pm 9.30am pm Training. Development. Success. For further information on our courses and consultancy services... Please call or us on info@boldersolutions.co.uk or go directly to to book online.

15 Sponsored by: NEWS: Charity Skydive for fearless four Four representatives from Bradford firm Prolegis Solicitors will be taking a leap into the unknown in the name of charity later this year. On 19 June, which is also Father s Day, trainee solicitor Fesar Akhtar and colleagues Naser Ali Akhter, Safdar Awan and Lee Herring will all take part in the 2011 UK Big Jump Skydive. The quartet are hoping to inspire others to take part in the charity jump that aims to raise proceeds for Action for Children. The charity works to combat injustice and deprivation among children and young people through 420 different projects across the country. According to the charity: By skydiving for Action for Children you'll be making a difference long after you land. The tandem jump from 12,000 feet will take place at Cockerham in Lancashire. If you would like further information on joining this daring foursome in their feat contact Fesar Akhtar by ing fesar@prolegissolicitors.co.uk Helping the most vulnerable Simpson Millar has launched a charity campaign to help The Sick Children s Trust, a charity which provides free, high-quality accommodation for families whose children are seriously ill in hospital. The firm has donated 25,000 in sponsorship to three of the seven Homes from Home that the charity runs for parents of sick children staying in nearby hospitals. The accommodation, based at six major paediatric hospitals across the UK, ensures that families can be close to their children who may need to receive treatment far away from their homes. Completely reliant on donations with no Government funding available, the charity offers 102 bedrooms every day of the year, and since its foundation in 1982 it has housed more than 35,000 families. Neil Fearn, Head of Neurotrauma in Leeds at Simpson Millar LLP said: The Sick Children s Trust provides an invaluable service to people at a very vulnerable point in their lives. We are proud to sponsor the houses which will ensure more families are able to receive the support and convenience that the Homes from Home offer. Meanwhile, Simpson Millar has organised an Easter egg collection for Eckersley House. So far staff have donated 70 chocolate eggs for the staff to raffle in the local hospital and raise funds for The Sick Children s Trust. Marathon mission for trio Three Yorkshire ladies donned their running shoes to take part in the recent London Marathon to raise vital funds for Leeds breast cancer support centre The Haven. Legal Director Sarah Ruston, Melissa Askew, a lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University and Jill Woodings, Senior Manager at HSBC (pictured above) set themselves the task of raising 10,000 for the charity by taking part in the gruelling 26-mile event. The Haven provides free support and holistic therapies to help people who are living with or recovering from breast cancer to cope with the physical and emotional side effects of the disease and its treatment. The fundraising undertaken by supporters like Sarah, Jill and Melissa will enable us to continue to support more visitors in the years to come, said The Haven's Yorkshire fundraising manager Clair Challenor-Chadwick. To sign up as part of Team Haven for other fundraising challenges, contact Tom Robertshaw on or tom.robertshaw@thehaven.org.uk Triple charity challenge for team Langleys Langleys has taken up a triple charity challenge in aid of The Wilberforce Trust, the National Autistic Society, Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and St Andrew s Hospice in Grimsby. The three teams across the York and Lincoln offices are set to push themselves to the limit for their chosen charities. Rob Cavill, Jamie Eveleigh, Adrian Lyon and Dan Chard from the Lincoln office will take part in the inaugural Castle to Coast to Castle charity cycle, a 100-mile charity bike ride from Lincoln Castle to Skegness and back. The event is in aid of the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and St Andrew s Hospice in Grimsby. Helen Lickley and Lee Higham from the York office have accepted the Nightrider Charity Challenge in London on 11 June. The event involves cycling 102kms around London taking in 50 of London s famous landmarks at night, including St Paul s Cathedral, London Zoo and Big Ben. Trainee solicitors James Bradley and Sarah Dalton, also from York, will run this year s BUPA Manchester 10k run on Sunday 15 May in aid of The Wilberforce Trust, a charity dedicated to helping those with visual disabilities. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue

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17 In association with Quality Briefs NEWS: Appointments No6_banner.indd 1 21/07/ :05 Andrew Batterton Andrew Batterton has joined the Leeds office of Squire Sanders Hammonds as a senior associate. He has joined the planning team within the real estate practice from Dickinson Dees in York. Previously Batterton was a managing associate at Addleshaw Goddard. His work will cover all aspects of planning, highways and compulsory purchase law. John Dodge Gordons has enhanced its employment law offering with the appointment of HR consultant John Dodge. He is a specialist with some 20 years experience in both the private and public sectors. Andrew Taylor Legal consultancy Inpractice UK has continued its expansion with the appointment of Andrew Taylor as a financial management consultant. He is a former finance director of a number of law firms and has been advising professional service firms for over 20 years. Wendy Scarr Wendy Scarr has joined Winston Solicitors private client department. A STEP qualified solicitor, she is experienced at drafting complex wills, creating trusts and conducting probate work for high net worth individuals. Fiona Marr Clarion has further expanded its commercial team with the appointment of Fiona Marr as associate. She joins from Scottish firm Harper Macleod LLP and will be working on a range of commercial matters, including licensing agreements, supply agreements and tender documentation. Kate Pollock Kate Pollock has joined the Leeds-based commercial litigation team at Stewarts Law. She joins from Walker Morris, where she spent four years and is the third fee earner to be appointed to the team, since it was set up by former Eversheds Head of Commercial Litigation Jonathan Sinclair in October Taylor&Emmet Peter Crawford, Paul Fouad, James Drydale, Nichola Carmichael, Hannah Montague and Fay Bunting have all be appointed associates by Sheffield s Taylor&Emmet. Tony Webster Neil Hudgell Law has appointed Tony Webster as business development manager after 10 months working as a consultant. The role is a new one for the firm, which has offices in Leeds and Hull and specialises in compensation claims for personal injury, medical accident and professional negligence. Helen Upson Yorkshire-born Helen Upson has joined The Byrne Practice of Bawtry as senior employment solicitor. She specialises in providing bespoke advice to employers of any size on everything from day-to-day human resources matters through to complex employment law disputes. Upson, who is returning to her Yorkshire roots, is also a qualified workplace mediator. Myer Wolff Hull s Myer Wolff has appointed Nathalie Stewart, Kerry Barker and Ashley Easterbrook as solicitor partners. Stewart is head of the civil litigation department, Barker is joint head of the family law department while Easterbrook specialises in wills and probate. Ray Hugill Cobbetts has strengthened its financial services team with the appointment of director Ray Hugill. He holds 35 years experience in the financial services sector, having worked for Halifax, Cheltenham & Gloucester and Bradford & Bingley. Most recently, Hugill was a director and joint LPA Receiver with Templeton LPA. Serena Brotherton Serena Brotherton, the current leading lady amateur rider in the United Kingdom who also works as a solicitor, has been appointed the new head of Langleys Equine Law Group. Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue

18 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Making a real difference By giving a gift you can help more children and adults with dyslexia be identified and reach their full potential ne person in every 10 is dyslexic. O That s two to three children in every class and 10 per cent of the workforce. Dyslexia Action is a national charity and the UK s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. We specialise in assessment, teaching and training. Our services are available through our 26 centres and 147 teaching locations around the UK. Over 30,000 people benefit directly from our services every year. However there are many, many more people we simply cannot reach. We are hugely reliant on voluntary funds as a means to help more people with dyslexia across the UK. Our goal is to improve education and opportunity for as many people as possible. There are significant long-term social and economic benefits from dealing with dyslexia early. These include preventing failure at school or work as well as reducing anti-social behaviour, unemployment and even crime. Dyslexia is the most common of the learning difficulties, affecting reading and spelling. Short-term memory, concentration, personal organisation and sequencing may also be affected. Dyslexia need not be a barrier to success if it is properly identified and supported. With specialist teaching, support from teachers, parents, employers or peers, and some practical aids, most dyslexic people are able to achieve at school and in the workplace. You can help us make a lasting difference by leaving a gift in your will. With your support we can help more people to overcome dyslexia and work with more schools and organisations to deliver specialist services in the community. Your gift will help more children and adults with dyslexia to be identified and educated to allow them to reach their full potential. For further information, please contact the Legacy Manager.

19 NEWS: Regulation New Handbook launched The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed a new approach to regulation, based on ten mandatory principles following the publication of its new handbook. According to the SRA, the new guidelines will give lawyers greater freedom over how to achieve the best results for their clients. Outcomes-Focused Regulation (OFR) will free lawyers from box-ticking and form filling and instead give them the freedom to concentrate on the things that really matter to clients like service and results. The SRA s traditional approach, that required lawyers to comply with a myriad of detailed rules and regulations, will now be replaced by ten mandatory principles. However, chief executive Antony Townsend has warned that this new age will not be one of lowering standards. He explained: This is not light-touch regulation, it is a framework that will allow the SRA to regulate firmly and fairly while providers are given the chance to serve their clients in the best possible way. Our primary concern will be to work with firms to improve standards. Only when failures are serious or a firm does not show the will to improve will we consider taking formal action. A full copy of the handbook is now available to download from the SRA website at SRA given ABS green light The Law Society has approved the SRA s application to become a regulator of alternative business structures (ABS). Subject to the application being approved by the Legal Services Board, the SRA is expected to be ready to start taking applications from prospective ABS from 6 August. Charles Plant, Chair of the SRA Board (pictured), has welcomed the decision: The application is the culmination of a determined effort by the SRA, working with consumer groups, the Law Society and other professional organisations, the Legal Services Board, and others to deliver a rigorous regulatory system which enables wider choice for consumers while preserving high professional standards. Will ABS bring opportunities or challenges? Turn to page 22 for two differing points of view in a special investigation Bob Heslett is the Law Society Council Member for Leeds and the Immediate Past President of the National Law Society. This month he begins a regulation-focused column for LYL These are changing times The move to the introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) continues and the date for the first licence application on 6 October 2011 grows ever closer. At the end of March, The Law Society council voted by a clear majority to apply to be a licensor of ABS, which will leave the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as the Law Society s independent regulatory arm that carries out the function. This followed weeks of often tense discussion to find a position where the Law Society was satisfied that the SRA had the competence to adopt this further responsibility when already stretched in regulating the profession and committed to a new rulebook from 6 October as well. The SRA seems coy in accepting that it has had to modify its position on anything, but it has; from providing assurances across its own capabilities, to safeguards on the regulation of ABS, to equality of appellate rights in disciplinary matters. In itself it may not be a heartening prospect for the SRA to be a licensor, but better that than the alternative, which would be the Legal Services Board. At least the SRA is committed to a level playing field between ABS and those who practise within a traditional professional and business model. No political party opposed the introduction of ABS. There can be none who were unaware that their legislation would bring change, perhaps substantial, both in terms of the face of the high street and the availability of legal advice and representation for those who do not shop at the Co- Operative or take advantage of RAC services. It may be the case there will not be a rush to take up ABS licences. If that is so my guess is that there will be an exponential growth in ABS from late So for all those in practice there is a need to look now at the ABS rulebook drawn up by the SRA and ask yourselves a question which will be difficult for some: Is this in fact the way forward? THE YORKSHIRE LEGAL CONFERENCE 2011 The new legal model A bright future? Join us at The Rose Bowl, Leeds on May 16 for an unmissable one-day conference covering ABS, growth, opportunity and the future for the legal scene For the latest information and booking enquiries, contact Paul Bunce at Barker Brooks Media on or paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk YLC_2011.indd 1 14/04/ :59 Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Issue

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