SPOTLIGHT
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What now for deprivations of liberty?

What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.
SPOTLIGHT

A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

Weightmans and RadcliffesLeBrasseur pursue March 2022 merger

Law firms Weightmans and RadcliffesLeBrasseur have revealed they are in formal contract negotiations with a view to completing a merger at the end of March 2022.

In a statement the two firms said they “share a number of synergies in respect of clients and sectors and above all a passionate commitment to achieving the highest standards in delivering legal services to their clients”.

They added: “The merger will add to both firms’ national practices with outstanding expertise and the resources to ensure that we continue to meet the ever-increasing needs and expectations of all clients, large and small, whether public bodies, public or private businesses, not for profit enterprises or individuals. 

“The merger will expand the existing support provided to the firms’ clients, as well as enhancing the capabilities across our core services. The combined firm will create a leading UK practice in healthcare in particular and increase the market presence of both firms in London.”

The merged firm will have 225 partners and a total headcount of more than 1,400 people. It will be known as Weightmans LLP.