Compliance & Regulation
Suspension for solicitor who acted on both sides of transaction
A solicitor has been suspended over a “dereliction of duty” that saw him act on both sides of the transfer of an elderly and vulnerable client’s sole residence to a neighbour for nil consideration.
Tribunal strikes out immigration adviser’s appeal over failed exam
The First-tier Tribunal has struck out an appeal by an immigration adviser against the Immigration Advice Authority after she failed an exam.
Suspended suspension for solicitor over antisemitic and offensive posts
A solicitor whose use of “emotive and antisemitic language” on social media appeared designed to cause “maximum offence” has been given a six-month suspended suspension.
Large law firms could face prosecution for overbilling
Large law firms that overbill their clients or make false environmental and diversity claims could be prosecuted under legislation coming into force next Monday.
Third-party managed account first for licensed conveyancers
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has issued its first approval for a law firm to use a third-party managed account for its client funds.
Major City law firm apologies for Church abuse data breach
City law firm Kennedys has apologised unreservedly after accidentally disclosing the email addresses of people registered to receive updates on the Church of England redress scheme.
Solicitor paid £77,000 in fees into his own bank account
A solicitor who admitted paying almost £77,000 in fees into his personal bank account from over 100 clients has been struck off.
Lawyer “under new duty” to have functional understanding of AI
Lawyers have a new duty to have a “competent functional understanding” of artificial intelligence as its use spreads across the profession, a specialist has argued.
Associate who billed 23 hours in a day struck off
A senior associate at national firm Irwin Mitchell who recorded 23 hours of chargeable time in one day has been struck off for submitting dishonest timesheets.
SRA uncovers significant shortcomings among volume claims firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has uncovered a significant amount of poor practice in the way law firms are managing high-volume consumer claims.
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.
