Compliance & Regulation
Investigate “bullying” judge or face judicial review, watchdog told
A group of 10 people is threatening a judicial review against the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office unless it investigates a judge’s alleged misogynistic and bullying behaviour.
Solicitors condemn HMRC plans for “deemed waiver” of privilege
Solicitors have condemned plans by HMRC to introduce a “deemed waiver” of privilege where tax avoidance scheme are marketed as being supported by a legal opinion.
Financial Reporting Council director to take helm at SRA
The executive director of supervision at the Financial Reporting Council has today been named as the new chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Legal Services Board at heart of regulatory failings, says BSB chief
The structure of regulation established by the Legal Services Act 2007 “does not work well”, the outgoing chair of the Bar Standards Board declared last night.
Suspended jail sentence for solicitor over fake pothole claims
A solicitor has been handed a suspended prison sentence for making false claims of damage to his car from potholes.
Solicitors and insurers set to agree definition of ‘unbundled’ services
Work to agree a definition of unbundled legal services with professional indemnity insurers is close to completion as part of efforts to make unbundling easier for solicitors.
Sexual misconduct cases “lead to rise in SDT anonymity requests”
The increasing number of sexual misconduct cases being handled by the SRA and SDT is fuelling a rise in anonymity requests, regulatory lawyers have said.
London arm of US firm rebuked for breaching Russia sanction rules
The London office of a US law firm has been rebuked for breaching the conditions of a Treasury licence to act for sanctioned Russian clients.
Solicitor who changed LPA and cheque “was not dishonest”
A solicitor who changed the terms of a lasting power of attorney and the date on a cheque without the client’s consent did not act dishonestly, the SDT has ruled.
Solicitor diverted client’s damages to company linked to his wife
A solicitor who diverted some of his client’s damages to a rehabilitation company connected to his wife – and created fake invoices that said it had treated the client – has been struck off.
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.
