Compliance & Regulation
Three-quarters of SDT cases take longer than six months
Only 24% of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal cases concluded within six months last year, according to new figures from the organisation.
Legal Ombudsman names eight firms over “serious” service failures
A Liverpool law firm ordered to bear the cost of redeeming a client’s mortgage because of mistakes made in a conveyancing matter is among eight named by the Legal Ombudsman.
Law firm wrongly paid out £2.5m of client monies, High Court rules
A law firm paid away £2.5m in client monies without instruction and also forged its client’s signature on multiple documents, the High Court has decided.
Junior solicitor lied about applying for grants of probate
A junior solicitor who told clients, colleagues and others that she had submitted applications for grants of probate when she had not, has been struck off.
Solicitor fails in challenge to suspension over litigation misconduct
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a solicitor suspended for a year for engaging in “persistent, abusive litigation conduct”.
Rapson sets out priorities for turning round SRA performance
Changes in how solicitors are supervised, taking more time to listen to the profession and reviewing the threshold for action are among the SRA’s priorities for this year.
Rebuke for senior partner who used client account for personal matter
The senior partner of a London law firm has been rebuked for using its client account as a banking facility to deal with a personal matter.
SRA warns against making law firms take “remedial action” on EDI
A proposed rule requiring law firms to take “remedial action” to address disparities in equality, diversity and inclusion goes too far, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Scotland: English invasion “shows need for urgent ABS action”
The recent entry of two English ABSs into Scotland highlights the need for urgent action to allow non-lawyer ownership there, a campaign group has argued.
Man struck off and jailed for fraud refused return to roll of solicitors
A man struck off as a solicitor 18 years ago and then jailed for fraud has failed in his bid to rejoin the profession.











