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Latest News
Upcoming Employment Law Reforms
28 January 2026
Part 1: What to Expect in February 2026 Following Royal Assent of the Employment Rights Act in December 2025, employers should expect significant changes to employment rights in the UK over the coming years. However, not all changes will take effect at once and so the team at Berry Smith will guide you through each […]
Workplace investigations – how Berry Smith can support you
28 January 2026
From the BBC to other household‑name organisations, recent high‑profile cases in the media have put workplace conduct firmly in the spotlight. While these cases are often complex and fact‑specific, they all underline the same message: getting workplace investigations wrong can carry serious legal, reputational, and operational consequences. Workplace investigations are rarely straightforward. Whether dealing with […]
Data Protection in Professional Services: Managing Client Confidentiality and Compliance
27 January 2026
Professional services firms operate on trust. Whether advising on legal matters, financial affairs, property transactions or consultancy projects, clients expect their confidential information to be handled securely, lawfully and with the utmost care. In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny, increasing cyber threats and complex data protection legislation, meeting those expectations has never been more […]
The Hidden Risks in Boilerplate Clauses
27 January 2026
When negotiating a commercial contract, parties naturally focus on the headline terms, such as price, scope of services, delivery obligations, and liability caps. Tucked away at the back of most agreements, however, is a set of provisions often labelled boilerplate clauses. These clauses are frequently treated as standard, low-risk or even ignored altogether. This approach […]
Berry Smith 2025 Review: A Year of Growth, Innovation and Recognition
26 January 2026
2025 was a standout year for Berry Smith LLP, with sustained growth, strategic ambition and meaningful progress across the firm. Building on our strong foundations, we expanded every department and welcomed new solicitors, trainees and paralegals who will help shape the future of our Cardiff-based law firm and our wider UK presence. Our continued investment […]
Engaged over the festive period? It may be time to think about a prenuptial agreement
21 January 2026
The Christmas and New Year period is one of the most popular times for couples to get engaged. While planning a wedding is an exciting chapter, it is also an important moment to consider practical matters, including how finances would be dealt with if the relationship were to unfortunately ever break down. Prenuptial agreements are […]
The January Divorce Spike: What It Really Means, and the No Fault Divorce
21 January 2026
Each year, as the festive season comes to an end and a new calendar year begins, family law solicitors across England and Wales experience a noticeable rise in enquiries about divorce and separation. This pattern, often labelled by the media as “Divorce Day” or “Divorce Month”, reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking clarity and […]
“Alright, Alright, Alright”: How Matthew McConaughey Is Using Trade Marks to Push Back Against AI Misuse
19 January 2026
Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to create convincing images, videos and audio of real people, without their knowledge or consent. For public figures, this presents not only reputational risk but also a significant commercial problem: the unauthorised exploitation of their name, likeness and voice. Actors, musicians and brands are increasingly discovering that […]
AI Under Scrutiny: Grok, Deepfakes and the UK’s Latest Legal Response
19 January 2026
The UK’s approach to artificial intelligence regulation is being tested in real time following serious allegations that Grok, an AI chatbot belonging to Elon Musk integrated into the social media platform X, has been used to generate inappropriate images. What began as public outrage has quickly escalated into regulatory scrutiny, political intervention and accelerated legal […]
Tesla’s ‘Cybercab’ Trademark Setback: A Lesson in IP Strategy
15 January 2026
Tesla’s plans for its autonomous “Cybercab” vehicle have hit an early legal hurdle in 2026, following difficulties securing trademark protection for the name. While the project itself has generated significant attention, the branding issue highlights a familiar but often underestimated risk in intellectual property law: trademark squatting. The situation serves as a reminder that even […]
Data Protection in 2026: What Should Be on Your Radar?
13 January 2026
As we move through 2026, data protection remains a fast-moving area for organisations operating in England and Wales. While the core principles of UK GDPR continue to apply, the regulatory, technological and enforcement landscape is evolving. Businesses that treat data protection as a static compliance exercise risk falling behind. Below, we highlight the key developments […]
Lily Allen Registers Trademark for West End Girl: What It Means and Why It Matters
8 January 2026
British singer-songwriter Lily Allen has taken a strategic intellectual property step following the success of her fifth studio album, West End Girl. Allen has applied to register the title as a trademark for a range of commercial uses, including clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Released in October 2025 to critical and public acclaim, West End […]