Compliance & Regulation
AML crackdown needed on lawyers who enable kleptocrats
An overhaul of anti-money laundering legislation – including targeting professional enablers like lawyers – is needed if the UK is to create a “hostile environment for the world’s kleptocrats”.
Solicitor convicted of assaulting elderly mother suspended indefinitely
A solicitor found guilty of assaulting his elderly mother with a pan has been indefinitely suspended to allow him the chance to address his problems with alcohol.
LSB paves way for “remedial action” to ensure lawyers’ competence
Regulators of legal services must develop plans for “remedial action to address competence issues” among lawyers, according to a draft policy statement published today by the Legal Services Board.
Oversight regulator to put cost of PII under the microscope
The Legal Services Board is to launch a review of professional indemnity insurance to ensure “the right balance is struck” between protecting consumers and the cost of that protection.
Solicitor avoids strike-off despite lying to SRA and insurer
A solicitor who lied to both his regulator and insurer about improper withdrawals from client account of almost £670,000 by a conveyancer he employed has been suspended and not struck off.
Solicitor struck off after cutting out partners from running of firm
A solicitor who misused client money after excluding his accountants from his firm’s financial processes and cutting out his salaried partners too has been struck off.
Trainee successfully appeals rebuke over “inappropriate” Christmas card
A male trainee solicitor at Dentons has successfully appealed a rebuke from the SRA over a sexually suggestive Christmas card he left on the desk of a female colleague.
“Diligent and caring solicitor” was not dishonest over medical reports
A personal injury lawyer who the SRA accepted was a “diligent and caring solicitor” but was under “significant pressure” from his employer has been cleared of dishonesty by a tribunal.
Barristers’ conduct outside of work under increasing scrutiny
The number of reports about barristers’ conduct outside their professional lives continues to rise, the BSB has revealed. It also highlighted problems with victims of bullying not being treated with dignity.
Solicitor used prisoner’s inheritance to pay off overdraft
A solicitor who used money inherited by a jailed client to pay off his law firm’s overdraft has been struck off, with an attempt to blame a former employee dismissed as “nonsensical”.
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.
