Editor, Solicitors Journal

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

7 Jan 2020News

HM Land Registry has announced it will accept witnessed electronic signatures from 27 July after gathering feedback from the sector. This practice involves the conveyancer uploading the deed to an online platform which sends a link to the signatories. New practice guidance has also been published. Land Registry, which is already accepting deeds signed using the Mercury signing approach, is now considering introducing qualified electronic signatures and is also looking at digital identity checking technology. Further discussions with the sector are ongoing. 27 July 2020

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Freeths advises Bioceres on merger

Freeths has successfully advised Bioceres on its significant merger with Moolec Science, enhancing capabilities across sectors

Is this the end of the staff social?

Eleanor Rogers from Constantine Law reviews the impact so far of the new duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace

Trade strategy supports UK legal services

The UK government’s new Trade Strategy prioritises the legal sector, fostering growth and increasing job opportunities for legal professionals

What the Trump tariffs mean for UK construction

The US trade tariffs will increase costs in many industries, especially construction

Law firms face significant lead conversion losses

New research indicates that legal firms incur considerable financial losses due to unconverted business leads which can be alleviated by better qualification strategies

Sir David Calvert-Smith reappointed to Parole Board

The reappointment of Sir David Calvert-Smith as a judicial member of the Parole Board signals continuity in leadership within the UK criminal justice system

Crime contract signature process begins soon

The Legal Aid Agency will initiate the distribution of contracts for crime providers starting from 1 July, sending the documentation via email instead of the usual online method due to an ongoing cyber security incident that has impacted their processes

AGCM closes case on Elite Media

Elite Media Applications S.L. successfully addresses concerns and validates compliance with market regulations through legal support

SRA welcomes Sarah Rapson as CEO

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has appointed Sarah Rapson as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation

Foreign prisoners to face quicker deportation

New legislation aims to expedite the deportation of foreign prisoners to enhance prison capacity and security

Lawyers missing out on millions

Lawyers are losing out on substantial revenue by avoiding cross-selling opportunities due to pushiness concerns.

Small firms eager to embrace technology

A recent report reveals small legal firms are enthusiastic about technology adoption, but substantial barriers remain

AI, data and breaches: security in the age of machine learning

As AI transforms business operations, it also magnifies data breach risks—demanding smarter, AI-specific security strategies from both customers and suppliers

Sorry seems to be the hardest word… changes afoot for the law of apologies

Oliver Lock from Farrer & Co takes a closer look at the changes being proposed to legislation to facilitate apologies without admitting liability

Merricks v Mastercard: the first contested settlement of a funded class action

Emma Carr and Louise Macdonald from Gowling WLG provide an overview of the ruling and its significance

SJ Interview: Gary Gallen

The Solicitors Journal speaks to the Founder and CEO of rradar

Playing politics with the rule of law

Populist attacks on legal limits threaten to redefine sovereignty and reshape Britain’s constitutional future, warns Mark Elliot