Compliance & Regulation
CLC “making greater use of range of enforcement powers”
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is making greater use of the range of its enforcement powers, rather than going straight to full disciplinary action, its chief executive has said.
Reprimand for barrister convicted of VAT offence
A barrister who “lost control of his finances” during the breakdown of his marriage and was convicted of a VAT offence has been reprimanded by a Bar disciplinary tribunal.
Solicitor used £230,000 of client money to prop up firm
A solicitor who shuffled around client account money to prop up his firm – leaving a hole of at least £230,000 and charities out of money bequeathed to them – has been struck off.
SRA “should police anti-money laundering across UK legal sector”
An SRA with “beefed up” powers should be the single body policing money laundering across the UK legal sector, which currently enjoys “near impunity” from breaching the rules.
Solicitor took advantage of deceased lawyer’s vulnerable widow
An experienced solicitor has been struck off for taking advantage of the widow of a deceased solicitor after being instructed to wind up his practice and deal with his estate.
Post Office scandal inquiry to put conduct of lawyers under spotlight
The lead counsel to the Post Office Horizon Inquiry last week made clear that the role of lawyers, “some of them senior”, will be put under scrutiny in the coming months.
Lawyers need to redraw ethical boundaries “or face external action”
The legal profession is “drawing the ethical boundaries in the wrong place” in its dealings with corrupt kleptocrats and oligarchs, and risks having reforms imposed on it as a result.
Lawyers “not listening” to ethnic minority clients
Many ethnic minority consumers of legal services do not feel they are being listened to or understood by their lawyers, research for the Legal Services Consumers Panel has found.
Firm rebuked for acting on both sides of property transaction
A law firm which acted for both sides in a property transaction without obtaining their consent has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
LSB launches investigation into dispute between CILEX and its regulator
The Legal Services Board has launched an investigation into the disputes between CILEX and its regulatory arm, saying there has been a “breakdown of trust” between the two.
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.
