Compliance & Regulation
Warning for fee-share consultants in solicitor’s strike-off
A self-employed consultant has been struck off after asking a client to pay a £750 bill to him directly and keep it secret from the law firm he was attached to.
Legal Services Board “needs to focus more on access to justice”
The Legal Services Board should put a priority on access to justice and the needs of people on low incomes rather than professional ethics in its next research programme,.
Solicitor hid 743 cheques worth £233,000 in filing cabinet
A veteran solicitor who signed but then kept 743 cheques worth £233,000 in a filing cabinet in his office, rather than using them to pay disbursements and other liabilities, has been struck off.
New chair a “dominating issue” for Legal Services Board
The arrival of a new chair of the Legal Services Board, taking up the post in April, is the “dominating issue” in its governance, a report by external consultants has found.
SDT orders client who brought case against City solicitors to pay £291k in costs
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has ordered a former client of City firm Simmons & Simmons to pay costs of £291,000 after throwing out his private prosecution of two of its solicitors.
Strike-off for solicitor whose fake PI claim “shattered public trust”
A solicitor who “shattered” public trust in the profession by making a fake personal injury claim through the law firm where he worked has been struck off.
LeO has 22 ongoing enforcement actions against lawyers
The Legal Ombudsman has 22 live enforcement cases against legal services providers that have failed to comply with its decisions, according to the latest figures.
Trio of solicitors sanctioned for conveyancing firm misconduct
A solicitor whose misconduct included using client money to help his firm with cash flow difficulties has been struck off, while two solicitors he hoodwinked have also been sanctioned.
New chair of LSB viewed single regulator for lawyers as “inevitable”
A vastly experienced regulator who once described the prospect of a single regulator for lawyers as “inevitable” has been named as the new chair of the Legal Services Board.
Solicitor struck off for lying over legal aid debt fails in appeal
A solicitor who lied about not having a bank account or any income other than benefits to avoid repaying a debt to the Legal Aid Agency has failed in his appeal against being struck off.
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.
