Compliance & Regulation
SRA must avoid “overzealous” approach to economic crime rules
The new statutory duty on lawyers to promote the “prevention and detection of economic crime” must not trigger an “over-zealous” response by the SRA, the Law Society has warned.
Call for new anti-SLAPP mechanism after “false dawn”
There needs to be a new early disposal mechanism for SLAPPs, academics have said, describing existing anti-SLAPP provisions as “a false dawn that will not address the problem”.
Solicitor struck off for LPA dishonesty after 50 years on roll
A solicitor has been struck off after more than 50 years on the roll after admitting dishonesty over the signing of a lasting power of attorney.
Law Society: “Huge adverse impact” from scrapping client accounts
Restricting or banning law firms from holding client money would be “unwarranted” and “undoubtedly have a huge adverse impact on the reputation of the profession”, the Law Society has warned.
“Accusation without evidence” – tribunal slams SRA prosecution
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has castigated the Solicitors Regulation Authority for prosecuting a law firm and two partners based on “accusation without evidence”.
“You don’t have to start nude,” said barrister photographer
The barrister and amateur photographer suspended for two years for a conversation with a woman about modelling told her she did not have to start with nude pictures.
Plexus Legal administrators charge more than double original estimate
The administrators of Plexus Legal have now racked up more than £650,000 in fees in less than 18 months, more than twice their original estimate.
SRA waives £120k fine of law firm now in administration
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has waived a £120,000 fine it intended to levy on a law firm because it has now gone into administration.
Local law societies condemn SRA plans for client money
The SRA’s plans to reform consumer protection arrangements are disproportionate, risk undermining public confidence and will not work, the five largest local law societies have warned.
Fined solicitor had “implacable belief” in his AML knowledge
An experienced solicitor who had an “implacable belief that he was right” and so did not think he needed to check anti-money laundering rules has been fined £45,000 for breaching them.
Blog
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
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.
