Paradise News

Tag: United Kingdom

  • The language of love… and litigation

    The lawyerly skills that go hand in hand with romance

    They say love is all about communication, and who better to navigate the highs and lows of a relationship than someone trained in the fine art of persuasion, negotiation, and conflict resolution?

    They might spend their days advocating for clients, but when it comes to love, their skill set is surprisingly well-suited for romance — provided you don’t mind the occasional cross-examination.

    What’s your love language? I bet any lawyer has it on lock.

    Negotiation skills

    Every relationship requires compromise, whether it’s deciding whose turn it is to pick the restaurant or how to split never-ending household labour (I, for one, will never be taking the bins out). Fortunately, (or unfortunately) lawyers are expert negotiators. They instinctively know how to find a solution that benefits both sides, ensuring fairness and balance. Yes, they may be strategic in getting what they want, but that also means they’ll make sure your needs are met too — because, for them, a happy partnership is the best kind of settlement.

    Persuasive advocacy

    Lawyers are trained to be convincing, and in relationships, this means they’ll champion your dreams, back you up in an argument, and hype you up before the big moments. Whether you’re asking for a promotion or picking out the perfect outfit, they’ll be right there with a compelling case for why you deserve the best. Sure, they can also talk you into watching a four-hour historical documentary when you were hoping for a romcom, but at least their reasoning will be watertight.

    Attention to detail

    No anniversary, birthday, or coffee order is too small to remember for a lawyer. Their meticulous nature means they pick up on details others might miss — like the way you take your tea, your favourite book, or that offhand comment about wanting to visit Rome. This same trait makes them formidable in their work. But in love, it means they show they care in ways that truly count. However make sure you’re also prepared for them to notice every minor inconsistency in your stories — because they will!

    Conflict resolution

    No couple is immune to disagreements, but with a lawyer, conflicts don’t have to spiral out of control (we like to think). They’re trained to defuse tense situations, listen to both sides, and find fair solutions. Rather than shouting over each other, they’ll take a methodical approach, ensuring every concern is heard and addressed. Of course, they may still insist on summarising your argument before responding, but hey, at least you’ll know they’ve actually been listening.

    Time management & prioritisation

    Balancing a demanding job with a personal life is no easy task, but lawyers are pros at prioritising what’s important. They may have packed schedules, but they understand that meaningful relationships require dedicated time and effort. So, when they do carve out time for you, you can be sure you have their full attention. And if your date night is neatly scheduled into their calendar? Consider it a legally binding commitment.

    Active listening

    Lawyers aren’t just waiting for their turn to speak — they truly listen, absorbing every detail and responding thoughtfully. In relationships, this means they’ll remember things you said weeks ago and bring them up in the most unexpected yet delightful ways (we hope).

    Emotional resilience

    Lawyers are used to high-pressure environments and emotional intensity, which means they won’t crumble at the first sign of an argument. Most are talented in remaining calm, composed, and rational, even when emotions are running high. If you’re hoping for an over-the-top romcom-style meltdown, you might be waiting a while.

    Confidence under pressure

    Meeting your family for the first time? Walking into an intimidating social setting? A lawyer won’t just survive these moments — they’ll thrive. A lawyer’s natural confidence is a force of nature, meaning that they can charm their way through any situation, making a great impression while keeping their cool. They might also enjoy a good debate over dinner (even if your Dad brings up politics), but at least you’ll have a partner who can hold their own at any table.

    Clear & concise communication

    One of the biggest challenges in relationships is miscommunication, but lawyers value clarity. They say what they mean and mean what they say — so no cryptic texts or guessing games (a huge win). If they care about you, they’ll make it clear. Of course, sometimes their messages might sound a little too polished (do you really need “for the avoidance of doubt” in a love letter?), but at least you’ll always know where you stand.

    Knowing when to rest your case

    A good lawyer knows that winning every argument isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, maintaining harmony is more important (think arbitration and mediation). The best partners recognise when to let things go, and lawyers, despite their love for a debate, understand that relationships aren’t about being “right” all the time. When they choose to step back rather than push their point, it’s their way of showing love. So, if they ever say, “You’re right, let’s do it your way”, cherish the moment.

    The post The language of love… and litigation appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Ukraine is on ‘irreversible path to Nato’, Keir Starmer tells Zelenskyy

    Ukraine is still on an “irreversible path to Nato”, Keir Starmer has told Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    In an apparent rebuke of the position taken by the US administration, the prime minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine joining Nato, “as agreed by allies at the Washington Summit last year”, a Downing Street statement said.

    “He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine”, it added.

    Starmer made the remarks in a phone call with Zelenskyy as global leaders gathered in Munich for a major security conference.

    The prime minister’s stance contradicts the message that came out of Washington earlier this week, following comments by the US defence secretary.

    Pete Hegseth told Ukraine’s allies on Wednesday that the US does not see Nato membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the ongoing war. In comments delivered on Wednesday, Hegseth also said it is “unrealistic” for Ukraine’s borders to return to what it was like before Russia invaded Crimea in 2014. 

    ***Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.***

    Trump, who endorsed Hegseth’s comments, held a a 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin this week, in which it was purportedly agreed that talks to end the war in Ukraine should start “immediately”.

    “We each talked about the strengths of our respective nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together”, Trump said in a social media post. “But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”

    Zelenskyy has also had an hour-long phone call with Trump this week. Commenting after, the Ukraine president said they “agreed to maintain further contact and plan upcoming meetings”.

    The full No 10 statement on the UK PM’s call with Zelenskyy reads: “The prime minister spoke to the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.

    “The prime minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.

    “He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    “Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

    “The prime minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.

    “Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

    “The leaders also reflected on the prime minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the president updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.

    “They agreed to stay in close contact.”

    A statement on Zelenskyy’s social media said: “I informed prime minister Starmer about my discussion with president Trump and contacts with the American side. The Ukrainian and American teams must work together with Europeans and all our global partners to achieve concrete results.

    “The security of each nation depends on strengthening our collective security. It is crucial that every new week brings tangible results that will ensure a lasting and reliable peace.

    “We also discussed an action plan for the near future to shape a common strategy on security, economic cooperation, and political partnership.”

    Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.

    Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.

    Source: Politics

  • Ban for law firm consultant who glassed pub-goer

    Convicted of GBH and criminal damage

    A law firm consultant has been barred from working in the legal profession after throwing a glass at the head of a pub-goer, leaving him with a scar.

    Saul Oyefeso, who was employed as a consultant in the personal injury department of Hawkins Law for periods in 2019 and 2020, became aggressive when a group of drinkers at a pub in Preston told him to “leave them alone”. Oyefeso repeatedly interrupted their conversations and, according to local newspaper reports, even offered them legal advice. He then followed the group out of the pub, carrying a glass and a bottle.

    After some exchanges with the group, Oyefeso threw the bottle at one pub-goer but instead hit the window of a nearby takeaway, resulting in £500 worth of damage. He then launched the glass at his target, causing “a laceration which bled profusely”. The man did not receive hospital treatment but was left with a scar across the back of his head.

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    Charged with grievous bodily harm without intent and criminal damage, Oyefeso pleaded guilty and was sentenced with 16 months imprisonment.

    The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has now issued a section 43 order against Oyefeso, preventing him from being employed in any regulated firm without its prior approval.

    The SRA determined that the incident cast doubt over Oyefeso’s “integrity and compliance with law abiding behaviour”. It was decided that his employment “would diminish public trust and confidence in the legal profession and in the delivery of legal services”, especially as he was employed in a public-facing role at his firm.

    Oyefeso has been ordered to pay £600 in costs.

    The post Ban for law firm consultant who glassed pub-goer appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • UK defence secretary’s message to Trump: ‘No negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine’

    There can be no negotiation on ending the war in Ukraine “without Ukraine”, the UK defence secretary has declared. 

    The comments come after US president Donald Trump said he and Russian premier Vladimir Putin had agreed to start negotiations on ending the war “immediately”.

    Responding to Trump’s comments on Wednesday, John Healey described Nato’s job as to “put Ukraine in strongest possible position for any talks.”

    Speaking to reporters, Healey said: “We’ve seen the calls from president Trump overnight and we all want to see a durable peace and no return to conflict and aggression.

    “And let’s not forget, Russia remains a threat well beyond Ukraine.”

    Donald Trump had a 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, leading to a series of major announcements. After the discussion, the US president said he and Putin agreed that talks to end the war in Ukraine should start “immediately”.

    “We each talked about the strengths of our respective nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together”, Trump said in a social media post. “But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”

    ***Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.***

    Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky also had an hour-long phone call with Trump. Zelensky said they “agreed to maintain further contact and plan upcoming meetings”.

    In comments delivered earlier on Wednesday, the new US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, said it is “unrealistic” for Ukraine’s borders to return to what it was like before Russia invaded Crimea in 2014. Trump later endorsed Hegseth’s comments. 

    Hegseth also said the US would no longer “tolerate an imbalanced relationship” with its allies and called on Nato members to spend much more on defence.

    “Safeguarding European security must be an imperative for European members of Nato,” the US defence secretary said. “Europe must provide the overwhelming share of future lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine.”

    Healey insisted the UK had “heard a clear message from the US about stepping up and we are”, pointing to a new £150 million package of military aid including drones, tanks and air defence systems for Ukraine.

    The comments come as Nato defence ministers gather in Brussels for the first day of a summit.

    Healey told reporters ahead of the meeting that “my message… will be that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine and Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks.”

    “The Ukrainians are fighting bravely”, he said. “It’s our jobs as defence ministers here at Nato to put them in the best position to secure a lasting peace through strength.”

    Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.

    Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.

    Source: Politics

  • Trainee solicitor barred from profession over ‘inappropriate’ behaviour at firm social

    Lasting impact on female colleague

    A former trainee solicitor has been barred from working in the legal profession after engaging in “inappropriate” conduct towards a colleague during a work social event.

    James Chisholm, whose last known address was in Redcar, North Yorkshire, was employed at Newcastle outfit KK & Co Solicitors between March 2021 and October 2023.

    At a firm-funded event organised by staff in October 2022, he was found to have “touched a colleague in an inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated manner without consent, causing them distress”.

    The SRA found that his behaviour has had “a lasting impact” on the colleague.

    Following an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Chisholm was issued a section 43 order, restricting him from working in an SRA-regulated law firm without prior approval from the regulator.

    The regulator concluded that it was undesirable for him to be involved in legal practice, citing the need to maintain trust in the profession.

    The former trainee has also been ordered to pay £1,350 towards the SRA’s investigation costs.

    Chisholm should not be confused with another solicitor of the same name who qualified nearly 30 years ago and is unrelated to this regulatory finding.

    The post Trainee solicitor barred from profession over ‘inappropriate’ behaviour at firm social appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Rachel Reeves vows not to accept an ‘economy that has failed working people’

    The chancellor has vowed not to accept an “economy that has failed working people” following unexpected growth of 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2024. 

    The Office for National Statistics reported a 0.1 per cent rise in gross domestic product (GDP) during the fourth quarter, with a recovery for growth in services and manufacturing during December coming to the government’s rescue.

    The ONS estimated that the economy expanded by 0.4 per cent in December, which is better than most analysts expected, and marked a pick up following a 0.1 per cent rise in November and a 0.1 per cent fall in October.

    The wider ONS figures showed that across 2024 as a whole, total GDP grew by 0.9 per cent.

    Reacting to the latest GDP estimates, Rachel Reeves vowed not to accept an “economy that has failed working people”.

    ***Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.***

    She said: “For too long, politicians have accepted an economy that has failed working people. I won’t.

    “After 14 years of flatlining living standards, we are going further and faster through our Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.

    “That is why we are taking on the blockers to get Britain building again, investing in our roads, rail and energy infrastructure, and removing the barriers that get in the way of businesses who want to expand.”

    Shadow chancellor Mel Stride responded that working people and businesses are “already paying” for the government’s choices made at the autumn budget.

    He said in a statement: “The chancellor promised the fastest growing economy in the G7, but her budget is killing growth.

    “Working people and businesses are already paying for her choices with ever rocketing taxes, hundreds of thousands of job cuts and business confidence plummeting.

    “It does not need to be this way. Under new leadership, the Conservative Party will continue to oppose Labour’s disastrous decisions and stand up for businesses and working people up and down our country.”

    Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: “The chancellor’s budget has resulted in pitiful economic growth. Her complete pigs ear of a jobs tax will hammer small businesses, the backbone of our economy.

    “Alongside the government’s baffling refusal to negotiate a bespoke UK-EU Customs Union which would boost British business, the government’s red lines have done nothing but stall our economy.

    “Growth is the only way to rescue our public services and protect family finances. These woeful figures and the chancellor’s misguided policies will only prolong the misery.”

    Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.

    Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.

    Source: Politics

  • Hill Dickinson restricts AI tool access after ‘significant’ usage surge

    Firm wants to ensure ‘safe and proper’ use

    Hill Dickinson has restricted general access to several AI tools after an upsurge in usage by its lawyers and staff.

    The new rules have come in place following a “significant increase in usage”, much of which was not in line with the firm’s AI policy, according to an email seen by BBC News.

    A senior director at the outfit is said to have issued a warning about the use of AI tools, with staff now only allowed to access the tools after a request process.

    In the same email Hill Dickinson’s chief technology officer stated that the firm had detected more than 32,000 ChatGPT hits, 3,000 DeepSeek hits, and 50,000 Grammarly searches in a single week between January and February.

    It is not clear, however, how many of the firm’s staff have accessed the tools, or on how many separate occasions. Each time a user visits the site they could register multiple hits.

    The email, sent to staff, reportedly said: “We have been monitoring usage of Al tools, particularly publicly available generative Al solutions, and have noticed a significant increase in usage of, and uploading of files to, such tools.”

    In a statement to LegaL Cheek, a firm spokesperson said: “Like many law firms, we are aiming to positively embrace the use of AI tools to enhance our capabilities while always ensuring safe and proper use by our people and for our clients. AI can have many benefits for how we work, but we are mindful of the risks it carries and must ensure there is human oversight throughout.”

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    “Last week, we sent an update to our colleagues regarding our AI policy, which was launched in September 2024,” they continued. “This policy does not discourage the use of AI, but simply ensures that our colleagues use such tools safely and responsibly — including having an approved case for using AI platforms, prohibiting the uploading of client information and validating the accuracy of responses provided by large language models.”

    “We are confident that, in line with this policy and the additional training and tools we are providing around AI, its usage will remain safe, secure and effective,” the spokesperson added.

    News of the restriction comes less than a week after the Master of the Rolls said that lawyers and judges have “no real choice” but to embrace AI, albeit “cautiously and responsibly”.

    The post Hill Dickinson restricts AI tool access after ‘significant’ usage surge appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Why the Liberal Democrats are taking on Trump and Musk

    Political activists in the United States watch on in anguish as the liberal Democratic Party struggles to rediscover a sense of urgency, and self, after its bruising defeat at the hands of Donald Trump last November. The Democratic leadership in congress is accused of mounting a feeble defence of political norms and institutional memory — as MAGA lackeys work overtime to decommission them.

    An emboldened Trump is making good on his threats. He is “flooding the zone” with a deluge of executive decrees, outlandish cabinet nominations and White House proclamations. His opponents merely tread water as the new order of things sweeps them away.

    In this regard, across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom, the big “L” Liberal Democrats may well be showing their unofficial sister party how it’s done.

    ***This content first appeared in Politics.co.uk’s Politics@Lunch newsletter, sign-up for free and never miss our daily briefing.***

    The Lib Dems, after a historic general election campaign under Ed Davey’s buccaneering leadership secured 72 MPs, have found their voice in a crowded UK political scene as the prime critics of Trump’s revolution.

    The Lib Dems have assumed this anti-MAGA mantle largely by default, that said. The Labour Party, a natural ideological opponent of Trumpism, has been silenced by its government duties and diplomatic responsibilities. The Conservative leadership has positioned itself as supportive of Trump’s general initiative. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is MAGA’s British spin-off. Meanwhile, the Green party — whose criticism might even trump Davey’s — still struggles to cut through the Westminster noise.

    The bottom line is this: political circumstance, on both sides of the Atlantic, has conspired to carve a neat niche for Ed Davey’s party — one it is excitedly exploiting.

    Davey used both of his questions at PMQs yesterday to direct his fire at the Trump White House. “Eighty years ago this week”, the Lib Dem leader began, “the allies began a pincer movement against German forces between the Ruhr and the Rhine.

    “British and Canadian troops attacked from the north, Americans from the south. British, Canadian and American soldiers were fighting shoulder to shoulder to defeat fascists.”

    He added: “Eighty years on, president Trump seems to have forgotten all that. His tariffs against steel and aluminium will hit Canada the hardest, but they will also hit jobs and the cost of living in our country.”

    Davey called on the government to draw up plans for retaliatory “Tesla tariffs” on Elon Musk’s electric vehicle firm if Trump carries out his threat to hit the UK steel industry. Musk, the tech billionaire Tesla CEO, is a prominent member of Trump’s administration as its efficiency tsar and chief social media propagandist.

    Responding, Starmer promised a “level-headed assessment of the implications” of Trump’s avowed actions — but no “Tesla tariffs”. Davey’s comeback was measured: “It seems to me that, given the way in which president Trump and his ally Musk are operating, they need to hear of strong measures and hear strong words even from their allies.”

    ***This content first appeared in Politics.co.uk’s Politics@Lunch newsletter, sign-up for free and never miss our daily briefing.***

    The Lib Dem leader moved onto the subject of Ukraine and warned that if Trump forces the surrender of its sovereign territory “that will be the greatest betrayal of a European ally since Poland in 1945”.

    He asked: “Can the prime minister reassure the House that he and other European leaders have given sufficient support to president Zelensky so that he cannot be bullied by Trump and Putin into accepting a deal that would effectively hand victory to Russia?”

    Starmer repeated the Nato line that his aim is to “put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.”

    This morning, the Liberal Democrats issued a press release calling for emergency legislation “in the next few days” to seize frozen Russian assets and “back Ukraine”. Davey accused the government of “sitting on its hands” and urged Downing Street to cancel the upcoming recess to ensure the requisite legislation is passed. (Some old Lib Dem habits die hard).

    As a party willing to break a Westminster taboo and take on Trump, the Liberal Democrats are honing a distinct political identity. The MAGA worldview of course, is an anathema to the liberal democratic values Davey’s party champions. But since the coalition government (2010-2015), the Lib Dems — like the US Democrats today — have struggled to forge a unique, compelling sense of self. “Remain” (or indeed “revoke”) under leader Jo Swinson was, after all, an electoral dud.

    Today, Davey is finding purpose for the Lib Dems — in a parliament teeming with parties and led by a progressive government no less — with his Trump criticism.

    The anti-Trump stance also reinforces the Lib Dem commitment to strengthening Britain’s ties with Europe. Davey called on the government to negotiate a bespoke EU-UK customs union arrangement in a set-piece speech last month; that, he said, would allow the UK to handle “president Trump from a position of strength, not weakness”.

    ***This content first appeared in Politics.co.uk’s Politics@Lunch newsletter, sign-up for free and never miss our daily briefing.***

    At Westminster, the Lib Dems are the main party urging the government to invigorate its Brexit “reset”. In other words, the Liberal Democrats are driving against the grain and saying and doing things that are, well, popular. A bold strategy if there ever was one.

    According to recent Ipsos research, just 22 per cent of Britons hold a favourable view of Donald Trump, compared to 63 per cent who hold an unfavourable one. Only 17 per cent hold a favourable view of Elon Musk — again, with 63 per cent unfavourable.

    A majority of voters (57 per cent) back a UK-EU youth mobility scheme, according to BMG Research for The i Paper. Just 14 per cent are opposed. (The Lib Dems recently introduced a bill in the commons calling for exactly this).

    YouGov polling suggests 48 per cent of voters support rejoining the customs union, with 20 per cent opposed. (That is similar to, but not the same as, the Lib Dem proposal to negotiate a new UK-EU customs union).

    The Lib Dems’ parliamentary largesse presents the party with far more opportunities to voice these opinions than have come their way in recent years. Ahead of the 2024 general election, the Lib Dems had 15 MPs at dissolution despite a string of by-election victories. Davey was forced to hopefully “bob” at PMQs in vain hope of catching the speaker’s eye. Today, he is endowed with two questions every week (and the straightforward task of following Kemi Badenoch).

    With the Tories tracking to the right under Badenoch, the Lib Dem knotweed could still tighten its grip on the 59 constituencies it won from the party last July. Indeed, a new YouGov survey suggests Britons prefer the prospect of a prime minister Davey to a prime minister Badenoch; on the measure of “who would make the best PM”, the Lib Dem leader is selected by 26 per cent. Just 17 per cent prefer his Tory counterpart.

    The local elections on 1 May will no doubt prove a happy hunting ground for Davey’s “Tory removal service”.

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    Lunchtime briefing

    Rachel Reeves vows not to accept an ‘economy that has failed working people’

    Lunchtime soundbite

    ‘The BBC’s investigation raises serious questions for Rachel Reeves. Keir Starmer said “restoring trust in politics is the great test of our era”.

    Until she comes clean — not just about her CV but about the circumstances in which she left HBOS, no one will take him seriously.’

    —  Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch responds to a BBC Newsinvestigation (see below) into Rachel Reeves’ work at HBOS and her expenses.

    Now try this…

    ‘The chancellor and her expenses before she became an MP’
    According to BBC News, one ex-colleague of Rachel Reeves said she nearly got sacked following an investigation into three senior managers accused of “signing off each other’s expenses”.

    ‘Reeves’s CV exaggerated time at Bank of England’
    More from the BBC.

    ‘Trump and Putin stun Europe with peace plan for Ukraine’
    US president announces that talks with Russia’s leader on ending the war will start “immediately,” after his defense chief warns that Ukraine’s peace goals won’t be met, Politico reports.

    On this day in 2023:

    ‘Cash for Boris’ row: Can Richard Sharp survive as BBC chair?

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    Source: Politics

  • Criminal trial date set for former Axiom Ince execs

    February 2027

    The criminal trial of five former top executives from the collapsed law firm Axiom Ince has now been scheduled.

    The group, comprising the firm’s former chief executive and director Pragnesh Modhwadia, 41, co-director Shyam Mistry, 35, chief financial officer Muhammad Ali, 42, chief technology officer Rupesh Karawadra, 40, and vice president of IT Jayesh Anjaria, 46, will face trial in February 2027.

    They appeared in Southwark Crown Court yesterday, and face a range of charges including fraud and forgery.

    During the hearing Ali denied two counts of fraud and a third count of conspiracy to use false instruments, with the other four defendants not entering pleas at this stage.

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    Modhwadia and Mistry are both charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position, and with conspiring to conceal, destroy or dispose of documents relevant to a Solicitors Regulation Authority investigation into the firm. Karawadra and Anjaria are charged as part of the conspiracy.

    All of the defendants are also charged with conspiring to mislead the SRA using false documents.

    The preliminary trial estimate suggests a length of 8-10 weeks, with each defendant released on conditional bail. The decision to prosecute the firm’s leaders came in December last year, with the Serious Fraud Office leading the charge.

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    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Barrister suspended after offering to photograph woman ‘without clothing’

    She was part of a case he worked on

    A barrister has been suspended for two years after making “inappropriate comments” and behaving in a “sexual nature” towards a female involved in a case he was working on.

    Alan Wheetman, who was called in 1995, was brought before a bar tribunal for his actions.

    A notice, published by the Bar Standards Board in advance of the tribunal’s full written judgment, states that Wheetman’s behaviour was “likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession”.

    It goes on to say that Wheetman’s sanction arose from “inappropriate comments and behaviour of a sexual nature” made towards a female involved in a case he was working on in the magistrates court.

    Wheetman is said to have showed his photography website to an individual “which included semi-nude images”, before offering to take photos of the woman “with the suggestion this could be without clothing”.

    Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Inappropriate conduct of a sexualised nature is not something that the public should expect from members of the Bar and the decision to prevent Mr Wheetman from practising reflects the seriousness of his conduct.”

    A listing on PurplePort, a website for freelance models and photographers, under the name Alan Wheetman has republished the BSB’s statement.

    The profile has also added a comment on the disciplinary action, saying, “Please let the following serve as a warning to all photographers who are employed or working in a regulated profession.”

    “Please be very careful when engaging people in discussions about modelling or showing any images from your portfolio to anybody in the workplace. What may be viewed by some as as an innocent discussion about your hobby or pastime, can so readily be interpreted by others as ‘inappropriate comments and behaviour of a sexual nature’”.

    The decision is open to appeal.

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    Source: Legal Cheek