Compliance & Regulation
FCA issues stark warning to law firms over motor finance scheme
The FCA has promised “robust action” against law firms and CMCs that engage in “sharp practices” around the finalised motor finance compensation scheme.
Barrister self-reports to BSB after citing fake cases in skeleton
A barrister has reported herself to the Bar Standards Board after submitting authorities hallucinated by artificial intelligence (AI) to the High Court.
Tribunal orders removal of law firm’s restriction on client’s property
A tribunal has found that a law firm did not have its client’s consent to place a restriction on her property in lieu of unpaid fees.
LSB caps ombudsman’s budget rise despite dire warning of impact
The Legal Ombudsman has been given a budget for its next financial year that it says will not be sufficient to meet its operational or strategic needs.
LSB introduces hierarchy in lawyers’ ethical duties
New requirements to strengthen ethical standards now expressly state that lawyers must place their duties to the court and to act with independence, above acting in the best interests of their client.
MPs probe chair-elect of LSB over conflict of interest risk
MPs yesterday grilled the prospective chair of the Legal Services Board over a potential conflict of interest with her existing role as chair of King’s Counsel Appointments.
No strike-off for solicitor’s “spontaneous dishonesty”
A solicitor who signed a deed as a witness to a signature when she had not actually been present has escaped being struck off.
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.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
