Compliance & Regulation
Alarm over High Court “bomb” on conduct of litigation
Last week’s High Court ruling on unqualified fee-earners conducting litigation will cause “nationwide disruption”, with firms urged to review their approach to supervision.
Legal Ombudsman findings lead to shorter sentence for drug dealer
The Court of Appeal has reduced a drug dealer’s sentence after the Legal Ombudsman found that his solicitors had provided inadequate advice on his guilty plea.
Exclusive: Solicitor launches AI-only consumer law business
An employment law service powered entirely by artificial intelligence goes live today, offering consumers both legal advice and representation.
SRA could ban ‘no win, no fee’ label in volume claims shake-up
A ban on using the term ‘no win, no fee’ and enhanced oversight of law firms are among ideas put forward by the SRA to make the high-volume consumer claims market work better.
SDT: Top libel firm instructed “in furtherance of fraud”
Top media law firm Carter-Ruck was instructed “in furtherance of fraud” by cryptocurrency scam OneCoin and its co-founder Dr Ruja Ignatova, the SDT said this week.
HMRC urged to exclude solicitors from adviser registration scheme
HMRC needs to exclude solicitors from legislation requiring tax advisers who interact with it on behalf of clients to register and meet minimum standards, the Law Society has argued.
Unqualified law firm staff cannot conduct litigation, says court
Unqualified employees of law firms can support a solicitor in conducting litigation – but cannot conduct litigation under the supervision of a solicitor, the High Court has ruled.
Reprimand for legal aid solicitor over cash paid in car park
A veteran solicitor who received £6,000 in cash from a legally aided client’s brother-in-law in a car park has been cleared of breaching legal aid rules.
Barrister referred to BSB for misleading tribunal with ChatGPT
A barrister who used ChatGPT to draft grounds of appeal for the Upper Tribunal that included a fake case reference, and then failed to admit it, has been referred to the BSB.
Solicitor “did not perceive risk” of failing to witness PoA properly
A solicitor who failed to properly witness a power of attorney during the pandemic has received a suspended suspension.
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.
