Compliance & Regulation
Law firm fined £64k for AML breaches lasting six years
A Kent law firm has been fined nearly £64,000 for basic anti-money laundering control breaches over many years, one of the larger penalties handed out for the failures.
Law Society “pauses” work on material information form
The Law Society has “paused” work on a material information form for conveyancers, after National Trading Standards withdrew it guidance on the issue last month.
Two-year suspension for partner who sexually harassed colleague
A partner who told a junior colleague that he wanted to “dominate you sexually” has been suspended for two years – but his identity kept secret.
Consumer panel urges complaints data publication in shake-up
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has expressed its frustration and “deep concern” over the “persistent failure” of lawyers to effectively deal with complaints from consumers.
Law firm ignored red flags over client’s “inconsistent” ID
A law firm that submitted identity evidence to the HM Land Registry which clearly did not stack up has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Associate avoids strike-off after dishonestly deleting emails
An associate who deleted an email chain as part of a “deliberate and dishonest attempt on her part to shape the narrative” following a client complaint has avoided being struck off.
Suspension for solicitor who acted on both sides of case
A solicitor whose firm acted for both sides in litigation over a debt, despite him being told of the obvious conflict, has been suspended for six months.
Harman tells judges: You have a “clear” bullying problem
Judges have failed to acknowledge the “clear” problem of bullying and harassment among some on the bench, Baroness Harriet Harman told the Bar Council conference on Saturday.
Leading legal academics call for “overriding ethical duty”
The LSB should introduce an “overriding” ethical duty for lawyers, much like the overriding objective in civil procedure, the UCL Centre for Ethics and Law has argued.
Court issues stark warning to lawyers over AI-generated fake cases
The president of the King’s Bench Division today issued a stark warning to lawyers about the serious consequences they will face for misusing AI before the courts.
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.
