Compliance & Regulation
Barrister reprimanded for “bullying and aggressive” emails
A non-practising barrister who wrote “bullying and aggressive” emails to a group supporting people with autoinflammatory conditions has been reprimanded by a disciplinary tribunal.
Firm fined for inadequate anti-money laundering controls
A law firm in Telford whose multiple failures raised the risk of it facilitating money laundering and terrorist financing has been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Law firm owner rebuked for caseworker supervision failure
A solicitor who failed to supervise an immigration caseworker in a matter which led the High Court to refer his firm to the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been rebuked.
Greens urge disciplinary action against lawyer MPs over rule of law threats
The Green Party has called for disciplinary action against solicitor and barrister MPs who vote for legislation which disregards the rule of law.
Traditional partnerships dying out as ABSs top 1,000
The traditional partnership is now the least popular form of law firm structure, while alternative business structures now make up more than 10% of all practices, new figures have shown.
BSB prosecutions of striking barristers “unlikely to succeed”
The Bar Standards Board would be “ill advised” to take disciplinary action against barristers who take part in the strike action over legal aid rates, as dozens of QCs complain about the Lord Chief Justice.
Lord Chief Justice and BSB warn striking barristers of disciplinary risks
The Bar Standards Board has told striking barristers that it will focus in particular on any harm caused, following the Lord Chief Justice’s warning that their actions may amount to misconduct
SRA seeks whistleblowing role as part of SLAPPs action
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is set to make it easier for law firm staff to blow the whistle on their employers, as part of its work on SLAPPs – of which it is investigating more than 20.
Costs lawyers urged to play bigger role in “out of control” market
The whole profession needs to address “out of control” legal costs, a major new report has concluded, but costs lawyers have a significant role to play in exerting downward pressure on them.
SRA reports £161m of suspect transactions by law firms to NCA
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reported £161m worth of suspect transactions involving the profession to the National Crime Agency, with failures to check the source of funds the main trigger.
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.
