Compliance & Regulation
“Too soon” for struck-off solicitor to apply for return to roll
A struck-off solicitor who has not paid the Solicitors Regulation Authority nearly £65,000 in outstanding costs from his disciplinary hearing cannot return to the roll.
Panel backs making law firms tell clients how to complain at end of cases
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has come out strongly in favour of law firms telling clients how to complain at the end of a matter as well as the beginning.
Solicitor settled employment claim without asking client
A solicitor with mental health issues who settled an employment tribunal claim without consulting her client has been struck off.
War of words between trainee and ex-Attorney General over SQE
Former Attorney General Suella Braverman KC has entered into a war of words with a trainee solicitor over a petition calling for reform of the SQE.
Strike-off for solicitor who hid partnership money during divorce
A partner who deliberately failed to disclose during his divorce that he held over £23,000 in his capital account has been struck off.
SRA awards £360k in grants to help disadvantaged students qualify
Eleven organisations are to receive grants totalling £360,000 to pay the costs of up to 190 aspiring solicitors from disadvantages backgrounds sitting the SQE.
Zahawi solicitor appeals to High Court over misconduct finding
The solicitor for former Conservative Chancellor Nadeem Zahawi has appealed against the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal ruling which found him guilty of misconduct.
Solicitor who ignored AML rules for six years struck off
A sole practitioner has been struck off for ignoring the anti-money laundering rules for six years and also showing a “complete disregard” for residual client balances.
City solicitor struck off for child sex convictions
A former City solicitor has been struck off after being convicted at Southwark Crown Court on two separate occasions and jailed for child sex offences.
Number of Bar training course students continues to rise
The number of students enrolling on Bar training courses has increased for the fourth year in a row, to 2,445, with pass rates varying a great deal depending on the course provider.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
