Compliance & Regulation
Bar Council: Comparison websites “utterly inappropriate for barristers”
The use of online comparison websites for barristers is “utterly inappropriate”, the Bar Council has said, while describing the Legal Services Board’s work on NDAs “absurd”.
High Court rejects “pugnacious” ex-solicitor’s strike-off appeal
A solicitor struck off for making false and misleading statements on applications for professional indemnity insurance has failed in her appeal to the High Court.
BSB leaves door open to reaccreditation of barristers
The Bar Standards Board has said it is open to “revisiting” its position that a reaccreditation scheme to ensure the competence of barristers is unnecessary.
SRA to keep many disciplinary decisions online for longer
Details of many disciplinary and other regulatory actions taken by the Solicitors Regulation Authority will be published for longer than they are now, the regulator has decided.
Solicitor used friend’s identity to obtain prescription drugs
A solicitor who was convicted of fraud after impersonating a friend to obtain prescriptions for painkillers and sleeping pills has agreed to leave the profession.
SRA finalises rules for successor to Solicitors Indemnity Fund
The board of the SRA has agreed the final version of the rules for its in-house successor to the Solicitors Indemnity Fund, which is due to begin work on 1 October this year.
Slips and SLAPPs – SRA review finds good level of compliance
There is an increasing trend of firms threatening to report their opponents to the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a litigation tactic, solicitors have told the regulator.
Solicitor ghosted client and SRA after receiving divorce settlement
A solicitor who failed to pass on to a client the £132,000 due to her from her divorce settlement – money the profession has now had to stump up – has been struck off.
Partner hid conveyancing proceeds in secret bank account
A law firm co-owner who covered up the existence of a bank account he used for the proceeds of a conveyancing transaction – from both his partner and regulator – has been struck off.
Barristers cannot avoid disciplinary action by renouncing status
Barristers cannot escape disciplinary proceedings by renouncing their membership of the profession, a Bar disciplinary tribunal has ruled.
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.
