Charlotte Ponder LL.B (Hons) TEP appointed to Law Commission working group.

As passionate advocates for the adoption of technology, we were closely involved in the consultation carried out by the Law Commission in relation to the Electronic Execution of Documents back in 2019.

One of the recommendations made by the Law Commission was that an industry working group with multi-disciplinary membership should be convened by the Government to consider practical issues relating to the electronic execution of documents. The group would then provide best practice guidance for the use of electronic signatures in different commercial transactions as well as where individuals, particularly vulnerable individuals, execute documents electronically. It was also intended that this group would be well placed to consider potential solutions to the practical and technical obstacles to video witnessing of electronic signatures on deeds and attestation, and that following the group’s work the Government should consider legislative reform to allow for video witnessing.

The Government subsequently responded to confirm that they agreed with the Commission’s proposals, and applications for forward-thinking experts from relevant fields motivated by improving the practice of technology, business and law opened in February this year. Following the completion of the process, we are extremely pleased and proud to announce that our Legal Director, Charlotte Ponder TEP LL.B (Hons), was successful in her application and has been appointed to the Working Group on Electronic Execution of Documents, comprising of a range of professionals from business and law backgrounds, and those representing consumer interests.

The group will be chaired by Sir Colin Birss, who believes that "tackling these issues is central to ensuring that business can be practiced effectively and efficiently in the digital age in a way that is consistent with law." Mr Justice Fraser is a second judicial member, and Sarah Green from the Law Commission also joins the other members of the Group in an advisory capacity.

On the subject of her appointment, Charlotte is "absolutely thrilled" to have been tasked with the important work of the Group and says she is looking forward to the first meeting which is due to take place in June:

"I am so pleased to be able to make a contribution to such a worthwhile project.

I look forward to making real progress in this area alongside the other members and will do everything I can to increase confidence in technology, law and business.

I have always believed that technology can be used as an enabler to improve access to legal advice and engage vulnerable individuals in particular, and I can’t wait to see further improvements across the sector as the power of technology is fully embraced."

We have always seen the benefits that technology can provide in increasing efficiencies and providing an improved service to clients, and the new platform Alpha Legal has opened up our eyes to a whole new world of possibility in relation to the signing of documentation electronically. We will closely follow the work of the group and look forward to the increasing use of electronic signatures in this area of law in particular.