Compliance & Regulation
SRA allows struck-off solicitor to join firm after opposing return to roll
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has allowed a struck-off solicitor to work for a law firm, having successfully opposed his bid to return to the roll earlier this year.
Solicitor had cannabis at courthouse to help with Covid anxiety
A solicitor caught with cannabis in a court building, which he said he had to calm his anxiety after the start of lockdown in 2020, has been censured for his misconduct.
Ex-solicitor labelled “disgrace to profession” refused return to practice
A former solicitor, labelled a “dishonest crook, swindler and cheat” by a Crown Court judge 14 years ago after being convicted of assisting illegal immigration, will not be returning to practice.
UK law firms banned from handling transactional work for Russians
UK law firms will be unable to provide “transactional legal advisory services” to Russians after the government ratcheted up the sanctions regime yet further.
Panicked solicitor under-settled claim and misled client
A solicitor panicked after realising she had missed a court deadline and under-settled her client’s personal injury claim before leading them on for more than four years about its progress.
BSB pushes back deadlines for clearing work backlogs
The Bar Standards Board has pushed back the deadlines set for clearing backlogs in its handling of misconduct reports and authorisations.
Lawyers “cannot hide from responsibility” for client actions
Lawyers are not “neutral technicians” and “cannot hide from responsibility for what clients do with the legal advice they provide”, a leading legal academic has warned.
US ABS reform is “spurring innovation”
The introduction of alternative business structures in two US states is “spurring innovation”, the first research into the initiatives has found – but how reform is introduced matters.
BSB plans “statement of good practice” for chambers
The Bar Standards Board is planning a “statement of consolidated good practice” for chambers, which sets out how to go “above and beyond” the minimum regulatory requirements.
Private client specialist banned for backdating LPA signatures
An experienced private client lawyer who backdated his client’s signature on lasting powers of attorney has been banned from working for law firms.
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.
