Law Commission visit new 3PB office in Birmingham to discuss consultation outcomes

17th November 2017

Following closure of the consultation period on 10th November 2017, the Law Commission visited 3PB Barristers at their new premises in The Colmore Building, Birmingham yesterday to discuss the initial responses received to the recent consultation around reforming the law surrounding Wills.

The law in England and Wales that governs wills is mainly derived from the Wills Act 1837 which the Commission believes needs to be brought into the “modern world".

Professor Nick Hopkins, Spencer Clarke and Leonie James from the Law Commission joined Simon Astill and James Parks from 3PB together with a number of lawyers from private practice to answer questions on the proposals.

There was said to be an “above average” 177 responses received to the consultation - a healthy number considering the technicalities involved in the proposals. The Commission will be analysing the responses in coming months and will collate them into a report. They are hoping to release the official report by the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019.

Professor Nick Hopkins from the Law Commission commented: “This event, bringing together a diverse group of those involved in the writing of wills, will be very helpful for us in ensuring that our proposals for reform are grounded in the experience of those making a will and engage with real-life concerns.”

Simon Astill, CEO of 3PB said: “Given the likelihood that the Law Commission’s recommendations will result in a change of legislation we will be staying in close contact to be able to keep the firms we work with up to date with the latest news.”

The opening of the Birmingham office on 2nd November marks the next stage in 3PB's expansion, with Birmingham becoming the sixth location for the chambers in the UK. 3PB is actively recruiting barristers of all levels of experience in any of its 12 specialist areas. Find out more here.