Compliance & Regulation
Law students concerned by “low” SQE pass rate
The pass rate of 53% achieved by the first group of candidates to sit part one of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam is viewed as “low” by students, an SQE training provider has said.
Solicitor who used disbursement cash to prop up PI firm struck off
A solicitor who did not pay outstanding disbursements for seven years, using them instead to prop up his personal injury firm, has been struck off.
Pandemic hit lowest-earning barristers hardest as big pay gaps persist
The pandemic has had more of an impact on incomes at the lower-earning end of the Bar than among the big billers, according to new research by the Bar Standards Board.
Funder fails in claim to recover losses from firm’s indemnity insurer
The funder of a law firm that went bust owing it £1.6m has failed in an attempt to recover the money from the practice’s professional indemnity insurer.
Leading firm acted for client without obtaining authority
A well-known law firm acted for a client without receiving signed authority from him, having relied on his aunt to provide identification documents, it has emerged.
“Real challenges” for large law firms in improving diversity, says SRA
The biennial snapshot of the solicitors’ profession shows the “real challenges” for large firms in making progress towards diversity, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has said.
Tribunal rejects return to roll for ex-solicitor 30 years after leaving
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has rejected an application for restoration to the roll from an ex-solicitor who it had sanctioned three times and had been convicted of fraud.
Ex-regulator predicts big firm listing and urges fast lawtech approvals
A top-10 law firm will float on the stock market in the next couple of years, a senior former legal regulator has predicted. He also argued for rapid regulatory authorisation for lawtech start-ups.
Mishcon puts listing on ice as tribunal explains firm’s £25,000 fine
Mishcon de Reya was in the news last week as its planned stock market listing was delayed and the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal published the reasons for fining the London firm £25,000.
Number of pupil barristers rebounds after Covid-related slump
The number of pupil barristers has rebounded after the pandemic sent it crashing, while women increasingly dominate the junior end of the Bar, new figures have shown.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
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.
