Compliance & Regulation
SRA “keeping close eye” on law firm consolidators
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is keeping a close eye on the growing number of law firm consolidators because of particular risks they raise – including being a vehicle for criminals.
High Court rejects solicitor-turned-barrister’s disbarment appeal
A solicitor turned barrister, disbarred for dishonesty relating to earlier disciplinary action taken against him by the SRA, has failed in his appeal to the High Court.
KC loses appeal against suspension for disclosure failure
A senior criminal law KC has failed in an appeal against a year-long suspension imposed for his decision not to disclose surveillance evidence which ultimately led to a conviction being overturned.
Bar Council set for first Black chair after Mills election
Barbara Mills KC is set to become the first Black person and person of colour to lead the Bar in 2025 after being elected as vice-chair of the Bar Council for next year, amid a flurry of appointments.
Senior partner who admitted acting “disgracefully” is struck off
A former senior partner who admitted acting “disgracefully” and dishonestly by creating invoices for probate work that had already been paid for, has been struck off.
Firms must avoid “knee-jerk response” to sexual misconduct claims
Law firms must avoid giving a “knee-jerk response” to complaints of sexual harassment, a leading reputation management lawyer has said.
Suspension for bankrupt solicitor who continued to practise as locum
A solicitor who continued working after going bankrupt, which automatically suspended her practising certificate, and also pursued a private property purchase, has been suspended indefinitely.
Lawyers facing SRA investigations need “regulatory realism”
Lawyers being investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority should show “regulatory realism” and avoid acting as if they faced private litigation, an expert has cautioned.
Strike-off for solicitor who deleted SRA emails to co-owner wife
A man who deleted emails to his wife, a fellow solicitor and co-owner of their firm, to try and hide an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has been struck off.
Solicitor put forward benefit fraud scheme to client
A solicitor who suggested a dishonest scheme that would allow his client to commit benefit fraud – and enrich himself – has been struck off.
Blog
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
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.
