TAUNTON-based solicitors, Broomhead & Saul, have been shortlisted for the Excellence in Technology and Innovation Award at the Law Society Excellence Awards 2021.

The Law Society Excellence Awards are the premier national award event that celebrates the work of outstanding practitioners within the solicitors’ profession, which comprises 10,402 law firms across the country.

In May 2020, Dr Nicholas Bevan administered the nation’s first video-witnessed Will from the firm’s offices in Hammedt Street for a client who was self-isolating, 150 miles away.

Nicholas’ ground-breaking legal research established that video-conferencing technology could be used to witness a testator’s signature and that this approach was fully compatible with the strict formalities prescribed by the 1837 Act and the common law interpreting it.

The Government has since issued good practice guidance with immediate effect and is set pass emergency legislation to validate the innovation.

Winners will be announced on October 7.