Compliance & Regulation
BSB goes ahead with new complaints rules for barristers
The Bar Standards Board has decided to go ahead with rule changes requiring barristers to tell it every year, via their chambers, about any complaints they receive.
Mazur: Non-authorised person “should not be client’s main contact”
Our round-up of developments on the Mazur ruling includes a warning that law firms should consider prohibiting non-authorised staff from being clients’ main point of contact.
Litigation partner’s errors “did not amount to misconduct”
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has dismissed all allegations against a commercial litigation partner whose “shortcomings did not amount to misconduct”.
FCA to steer motor finance consumers away from legal action
The Financial Conduct Authority is to discourage consumers from pursuing motor finance claims in court, even if they might recover more damages.
Police filmed solicitor acting for both complainant and defendant
A criminal defence lawyer who was filmed by police advising the complainant in a domestic abuse case while acting for the person accused of headbutting her has been suspended.
Law firm takes down Mazur advice after “unprofessional” responses
A Cardiff law firm criticised for offering to advise people on challenging their solicitors’ fees off the back of the Mazur ruling has removed its promotion of the service.
SQE1 pass-rate falls to lowest-ever level
The pass-rate for the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam has fallen to an all-time low, new figures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority have shown.
Four regulators team up to target motor finance law firms and CMCs
Four regulators have joined forces to tackle misleading advertising and inadequate information provided by some law firms and CMCs working on motor finance claims.
SRA ordered to pay £27k costs over “seriously irregular” decision
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been ordered to pay a woman £27,000 in costs after its decision to ban her from working for law firms was quashed.
Reprimand for barrister who swore at probation staff
A barrister who made inappropriate comments to probation staff in a case where he was instructed by the Probation Service has been reprimanded.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
