Compliance & Regulation
Solicitor set for SRA probe after High Court overturns anonymity order
The High Court has removed a nine-year anonymity order in favour of a solicitor, meaning that the Solicitors Regulation Authority can now investigate his misconduct in later costs proceedings.
Chalk urges SRA to take action over immigration solicitors
The Lord Chancellor has urged the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to take more action over abuse of the immigration system by solicitors.
CA issues general civil restraint order against struck-off solicitor
The Court of Appeal has imposed a three-year general civil restraint order on a struck-off solicitor who has been issuing claims against the Solicitors Regulation Authority among others.
Sunak “undermining trust in lawyers”, says Bar Council
The Bar Council has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of undermining trust in the profession by claiming that a “subset of lawyers” are exploiting illegal migrants for profit.
CMA launches investigation into unregulated legal services
The Competition & Markets Authority has returned to the legal market and launched an investigation into unregulated will-writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services.
Dentons to face disciplinary tribunal over AML “failures”
The world’s largest law firm is to be prosecuted before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal over alleged breaches of anti-money laundering rules.
“Risk of conflicting duties” in following SRA Proceeds of Crime Act guidance
Solicitors need to tread carefully in applying new Solicitors Regulation Authority guidance on the Proceeds of Crime Act as they could find themselves in conflict with existing obligations.
PII premiums rises to be lower than last year, says Law Society research
Professional indemnity insurance premiums will rise again this year but by less than in 2022, when it was 12% across the market, Law Society research has predicted.
SRA probes dozens of firms over bulk compensation claims
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been carrying out dozens of investigations into possible misconduct in bulk compensation claims, particularly around cavity wall insulation.
Drink-driving barrister cannot return to practice until “medically fit”
A barrister twice convicted of drink driving cannot return to practice for six months and only then with evidence that she is “medically fit”, a Bar disciplinary tribunal has decided.
Blog
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
The formula for finance-enabled business development
Client concentration or over-dependence now counts as a top strategic risk for 26% of firms. Cross-selling is an antidote – a way to bolster revenue resilience without relying on client acquisition.
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
