Compliance & Regulation
Strike-off for advocate who lied about arriving after court hearing
A self-employed advocate who lied in an attendance note about a court hearing in an attempt to cover up the fact he had missed it, has been struck off.
Legal Ombudsman receives record number of complaints
The rising tide of complaints to the Legal Ombudsman continues to accelerate, with 37% more in the last quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier and the most in a quarter ever.
Justice system “should not be funded by client money”
The justice system is a core public service that should not be funded “through the appropriation of client money” by an Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account scheme, the Law Society has said.
ILCA schemes “work really efficiently around the world”
Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account schemes “work really efficiently” in 77 jurisdictions around the world, MPs were told yesterday.
Legal Services Board faces first review in nine years
The Ministry of Justice yesterday announced a long-awaited review of the Legal Services Board – the first of the oversight regulator since 2017.
Two law firm workers banned from profession after theft convictions
Two women who were separately convicted of theft from the law firms where they worked have been banned from the profession.
Barrister disbarred over bid to avoid paying chambers rent
A barrister who misled a client into thinking he was working through chambers when he was not – so as to avoid paying rent on the income – has been disbarred.
ILCA: Law firms will look to hold money outside of client accounts
An Interest on Lawyers’ Client Account scheme will likely push law firms to hold more client money outside of a client account, to the detriment of consumer protection.
Barrister disbarred for sexually assaulting child
A barrister who sexually assaulted a child in 1992 and “used his position of trust to groom that victim” has been disbarred.
Government presses ahead with HMRC register plan for conveyancers
The government gave no sign of backing down on requiring conveyancers to register as tax advisers with HM Revenue & Customs in this week’s debate on the Finance Bill.
Blog
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
