Law Tech Lessons for Small and Growing Firms When people think of “Big Law,” they often imagine sprawling offices in the City, billable hours stacked like bricks, and armies of junior lawyers in tailored suits. For SMEs—especially those working with lean budgets and agile teams—it can feel like a world apart. But as someone who works closely with small businesses and keeps a sharp eye on how larger firms are using technology, I can tell you this: there’s a lot we can learn from big law firms—without copying their mistakes. This post kicks off my Law Tech series with one clear message: technology is a great leveller, and there’s never been a better time for SMEs to borrow smartly from the strategies of larger legal players. 1. Invest in Systems Early Big law firms invest heavily in infrastructure—practice management software, secure client portals, digital knowledge bases—and they do it because they understand the long-term value of operational efficiency. As an SME, you might not need

As we enter a new month, it’s essential for legal professionals, businesses, and engaged citizens to take stock of the evolving legislative landscape. March 2025 was a month of vigorous parliamentary activity, featuring key developments with significant implications for the legal system and society in England and Wales. This post provides a concise but in-depth review of the month’s major legal policy shifts and previews what’s expected on the legislative agenda in April. March Legislative Highlights 1. Sentencing Council Guidelines Suspended March opened with considerable debate surrounding the Sentencing Council’s proposed new guidelines, which suggested that mitigating factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity be considered in sentencing decisions. Critics, including senior judiciary and MPs, warned that such proposals risked introducing inconsistency and inequality into the criminal justice system. The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced that emergency legislation would be

The legal system of England and Wales is admired for its long-standing history, deep-rooted principles of common law, and global influence. But for those navigating the system—whether as a litigant, legal professional, or interested observer—it’s vital to understand how the courts are structured and how they interact. In this blog post, I break down the court hierarchy, explain the roles of different courts, and show how justice is administered across civil, criminal, and appellate matters. The Basics: A Hierarchical Court System The courts in England and Wales operate in a hierarchical structure. At the base are courts of first instance, where cases begin. Above these are appellate courts, which hear appeals on law or procedure. The structure broadly separates into civil and criminal branches, although some courts have jurisdiction in both. Let’s explore them from the ground up. Magistrates’ Courts (Criminal and Limited Civil) Role: Entry point for almost all criminal cases. Jurisdict

March 2025 has delivered a series of substantive legal decisions that further illuminate the direction of contemporary English and Welsh jurisprudence, alongside significant developments from the UK Supreme Court. This month’s roundup offers an analytical examination of notable decisions across public law, criminal justice, planning, employment rights, and human rights. We also explore key matters scheduled for judicial consideration in April, with a focus on their legal, procedural, and societal implications. I. MARCH 2025 – KEY JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS 1. R (Palmer) v HM Coroner for the County of Nottinghamshire [2025] UKSC 12 – The Expanding Procedural Duty under Article 2 ECHR The Supreme Court’s unanimous judgment in Palmer further consolidates the jurisprudential expansion of Article 2’s procedural dimension in the context of inquests involving state responsibility. The case concerned the death of a vulnerable adult in supported accommodation, where systemic failures were alleged.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has rapidly shifted from futuristic concept to tangible reality. From streamlining administrative tasks to supporting diagnostic decisions and predicting disease outbreaks, AI is changing how healthcare is delivered. But as with all powerful tools, its use—especially when involving patient-identifiable data—comes with serious legal, ethical, and regulatory implications. The Rise of AI in the NHS NHS England (I mention NHS England in full knowledge it won't exist in the coming weeks, but in the knowledge its functions and policies will transfer into the Department of Health and Social Care, instead of being so called "arms length" policies) has embraced AI as a potential force multiplier in tackling systemic challenges: long waiting lists, stretched workforce, and early disease detection. AI has been deployed in radiology (e.g. lung cancer screening), pathology, ophthalmology, and even hospital workflow optimisation. NHS AI Lab, crea

Because crime doesn’t pay (enough). Commercial law wasn’t always the obvious choice—but as my experience grew, so did my realisation that this area of law offers a unique intersection of strategy, structure, and real-world impact. It’s about more than just contracts and compliance (though I do love a good indemnity clause); it’s about helping businesses grow, adapt, and succeed in an increasingly complex world. A World in Motion From my early career to my work to my "bridging" career in clinical and governance teams, I’ve always been drawn to fast-paced, high-stakes environments. In commercial law, the “battlefield” may be a boardroom rather than a war zone, but the stakes are still high—deals to be won, risks to be managed, futures to be secured. The decisions made behind the scenes shape entire industries. That blend of intellectual challenge and tangible consequence is what pulls me in. Strategy Meets Law Commercial law isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about knowing how to us