Compliance & Regulation
Ethics opinion stymies UK ABS’s takeover of New York law firm
A London-listed law firm’s bid to buy a New York practice has led the state Bar association to limit the circumstances in which New York lawyers can work for firms owned by non-lawyers.
Solicitor who “faced up to his problems” regains right to practise
A solicitor who “turned his life around” and “faced up to his problems”, including alcohol addiction, after being suspended has regained his practising certificate.
SRA pays solicitor record £228k in costs over “improper” prosecution
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has paid a record £228,000 in costs to a solicitor whose prosecution a disciplinary tribunal found was “improperly brought and pursued”.
Legal Ombudsman must take “radical action” to cut complaints backlog
The Law Society has called on the Legal Ombudsman to take “radical action” to cut the growing backlog of complaints, saying progress in performance has been too slow to date.
Partner and law firm fined for breaching multiple undertakings
A partner and his law firm have each been fined after failing to deliver on 32 undertakings and confirmations within the agreed timescale – with six still outstanding five years after the transaction concluded.
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.
Blog
Containing the spread of unapproved AI
Nearly 60% of fee-earners admit to using unapproved tools (like free versions of ChatGPT). Yet 68% of firm leaders are confident there is zero risk of unapproved AI being used for client work.
When AI adoption goes wrong, costs add up fast
City AM recently reported that London is fighting to claim the title of ‘global capital of legal AI’. However, it’s crucial we remember that adoption alone does not create value.
Gen Z lawyers vs identity, sacrifice and success
This conversation began with my training principal, who admitted something many senior lawyers quietly feel: “I struggle to understand what motivates Gen Z lawyers.”
