Author: Ilinca Mardarescu

When AI Blurs the Lines Between Reality and Fiction

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

In a world of ultra-realistic images, can you trust your eyes? Recently, we shared two side-by-side pictures — one a genuine photo, the other generated entirely by AI. Most people found it impossible to reliably tell which was which. And that’s the point.

The New Frontier of Risk

The rise of AI-generated media — deepfakes — isn’t just a cool (or creepy) technological novelty. For the legal industry, it’s a profound challenge:

  • Evidence Integrity Under Threat
    AI can create hyper-realistic photos, audio, and video that are indistinguishable from genuine material. This raises serious doubts about what counts as “real” in court.

  • Fake Legal Authority
    Beyond visual fakes, there is a real danger in AI inventing legal citations. Judges have already warned lawyers about relying on non-existent cases generated by AI tools. In some jurisdictions, that can lead to sanctions — even severe ones.

But It’s Not All Dark — AI’s Bright Side in Law

Despite the risks, AI is not inherently evil. When used responsibly, it has enormous potential to transform legal practice — for the better.

  • Efficiency & Productivity Gains
    AI tools can analyse huge volumes of documents, extract relevant information, and summarise case law far faster than a human ever could.

  • Faster, Smarter Legal Research
    AI-powered legal research tools can help lawyers quickly identify precedent, spot risks, and draft more strategic arguments.

Why We Must Stay Vigilant

Given the dual nature of AI — powerful and perilous — law firms must adopt a cautious, principles-led approach:

  1. Develop a Robust AI Policy
    Law firms need clear internal rules around how AI is used, who is responsible for checking its outputs, and how client data is protected.

  1. Human Oversight Is Critical
    Generative AI isn’t infallible — it can “hallucinate” false legal citations or produce incorrect facts. Lawyers must always verify the outputs before relying on them.

What are your thoughts?
Does this future feel more exciting or more terrifying?
We’d love to hear your perspectives.

ACAS Updates: How the 12-Week Early Conciliation Process Could Impact You

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

From the 1st of December 2025, the ACAS Early Conciliation period is being extended from six weeks to twelve weeks, with the amendment being established by means of The Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

What is ACAS Early Conciliation, what are the changes and why?

Early Conciliation is a mandatory process which must be followed prior to claims proceeding to the employment tribunal. During the Early Conciliation stage, an ACAS conciliator will aim to negotiate a settlement between both parties to avoid formal proceedings and going to the employment tribunal.

An employee will only be able make a claim to the employment tribunal when the process has finished and the conciliator issues a certificate.  During this conciliation period, the time in which employees have to issue proceedings pauses.  The government has stated the change from six weeks to twelve for Early Conciliation is being implemented in order to ease the pressure on ACAS.  ACAS has struggled to keep up with demand due to the high volume of cases and complexity of early conciliation requests being received.  In the most recent annual report, the number of Early Conciliation cases was up 20,000 from the year before.  ACAS has also reported that it was taking them a minimum of 4 weeks to contact parties to commence the process.  This means that in a large number of cases, the time for conciliation whilst the ‘clock remains stopped’ can be less than 2 weeks. In some cases, ACAS conciliators are not managing to contact parties within the current 6-week period at all.

What will the change mean for employers and employees?

Whilst proving valuable for ACAS, the change will mean that employers may face uncertainty in regard to potential claims for a prolonged period of time, sometimes up to six months or potentially longer in certain cases.  Ultimately, this may well lead to an increase in the volume of claims against them as not as many employees will be “time-barred” from issuing proceedings.

For employees they will have a bigger timeframe within which they are able to resolve disputes through ACAS before resorting to a formal employment tribunal claim.  Overall, this should mean that it encourages employees to more actively engage with process from the onset, leading to a better overall experience with more time for resolution, improved access to justice and less procedural pressure.  It will also give employees more time in which to consider their case and potentially obtain advice.

How Aston Bond can assist and support you

The change in timeframe of the ACAS Early Conciliation process will undoubtedly signify a shift in how employment law cases are run. Whether you are an employee or an employer, you may want to know how these changes affect your rights and your ability to make a claim.  At Aston Bond, we understand that employment law is a fast-moving area of law, so we take pride in keeping abreast of all the latest developments, ensuring that our advice to you is accurate, concise and constructive.

If you have any queries, or would like to discuss your situation, please contact our Head of Employment Ilinca Mardarescu.

T:    01753 486 777 
E:    imardarescu@astonbond.co.uk

Honouring Courage and Sacrifice: Remembrance Day Reflection

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

As a firm dedicated to justice, we take this day to pause and remember those who stood in defence of freedom and the rule of law.

Their courage, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to peace continue to inspire our work and our values every day.

On this Remembrance Day, we reflect with gratitude on the men and women who gave so much so that we may live in peace and fairness.

We remember. Always.

Your Alternative Path to a Legal Career: The CILEX Route Explained

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

Nicola explains what the CILEX route is — a flexible pathway to becoming a qualified legal professional without going to university. She talks about how it works, who it’s for, and the benefits of choosing this route into law.


Watch the video below to find out more!

We’re proud to be ranked in the top 10% in the UK for Wills, Trusts & Probate

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

At Aston Bond, we’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised among the top 10% of UK firms for Wills, Trusts & Probate.

Why this matters

This isn’t just a badge or a passing mention – being ranked in the top 10% means:

  • Expertise recognised at the highest level: We’re operating at a level very few firms reach, meaning your estate planning, your legacy, your trusts and probate matters are being handled by a team that stands among the best in the country.

  • Confidence and reassurance for clients: When you choose Aston Bond, you’re not just selecting a good firm — you’re choosing one of the elite. That brings real peace of mind in what can often be an emotionally and legally complex area.

  • Commitment to excellence: This ranking reflects our dedication to staying ahead, delivering clear advice, working with integrity and achieving outcomes that truly meet our clients’ needs.

  • Smart planning for the future: Wills, trusts and probate are crucial issues — they shape how your wishes are carried out, how your loved ones are supported and how your legacy is preserved. Being top-tier means we are ideally positioned to help you get it right.

What this means for you

  • When you instruct us, you’re working with a team that’s among the best in its field in the UK.

  • You’ll benefit from a service built on award-level standards, where detail matters, planning is proactive, and your individual goals are front-and-centre.

  • Whether you’re writing a will, setting up a trust, arranging for probate or safeguarding your assets for future generations, you can trust that you’re in very capable hands.

Looking ahead

We’re not resting on our laurels. Our commitment to you is that we will keep raising the bar — investing in expertise, making sure our processes are robust, our advice is tailored and our support is exceptional. Because being in the top 10% isn’t just about today — it’s about continuously delivering for you tomorrow.

Thank you to our clients for your trust. And if you’ve been thinking of reviewing your will, setting up a trust or getting ready for the future, now’s a great time to talk. We’re ready when you are.

Upcoming changes to sick pay rulings

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

Ilinca breaks down the upcoming changes to sick pay rules coming into effect from April 2026.

These reforms will impact both employers and employees, so now is the time to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

At Aston Bond, we stay ahead of legislative updates to ensure our clients are fully informed and protected.

Listen here to find out more:

Welcome to the Team: Navdeep Joins Aston Bond

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re delighted to welcome Navdeep Shihn to the Aston Bond team!

Navdeep joins us as a Senior Litigation Solicitor, bringing with him extensive experience in Commercial, Litigation. His knowledge and client-focused approach make him an excellent addition to our growing firm.

At Aston Bond, we pride ourselves on combining legal excellence with a personal touch — and Navdeep embodies just that. His approachable nature, professionalism, and enthusiasm for delivering the best results for clients have already made him a great fit within our team.

We’re thrilled to have him with us and look forward to seeing the great things he’ll achieve as part of Aston Bond.

Welcome aboard, Navdeep!

Congratulations to Our Digital Marketing Apprentice, Riya Sekhon!

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news — our Digital Marketing Apprentice, Riya Sekhon, has officially passed her apprenticeship with flying colours!

Throughout her time with us, Riya has shown incredible creativity, dedication, and a real passion for all things digital. From managing campaigns to bringing fresh ideas to our marketing initiatives, she’s made a lasting impact on the team.

We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements and are excited to see what’s next as she continues her journey in the world of marketing.

Here’s to new challenges, bold ideas, and many more successes ahead!
Congratulations once again, Riya — the future looks bright!

Kicking Off the Week with a Shoutout to Emma Wallace!

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re kicking off the week with a special shoutout to Emma Wallace, our brilliant Commercial Property Trainee Solicitor.

Emma has quickly become an integral part of our team, bringing enthusiasm, diligence, and a sharp legal mind to everything she does. It’s clear that her clients appreciate the reassurance and confidence she brings to their property matters.

Our Commercial Property team advises on a wide range of matters — from sales, acquisitions, and leases to development projects and property finance. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or investor, we’re here to provide the practical, solution-focused advice you need to achieve your goals.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your commercial property needs, get in touch with our team today — we’d be delighted to help.

Warm Diwali wishes from the Aston Bond team

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

As the Festival of Lights illuminates homes and hearts around the world, all of us at Aston Bond Solicitors would like to wish our clients, colleagues, and community a very Happy Diwali.

At Aston Bond, we value the rich diversity of our clients and team, and we’re proud to celebrate the traditions that bring people together. The spirit of Diwali, with its themes of hope, prosperity, and new beginnings resonates deeply with our commitment to guiding and supporting our clients through every chapter of their legal journey.

As we light up our offices and share in the joy of the season, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all who are celebrating. May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones happiness, health, and success in the year ahead.

✨ Happy Diwali from everyone at Aston Bond Solicitors. ✨

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