Compliance & Regulation
Partner struck off for ‘witnessing’ unsigned leases
A partner who witnessed two leases as having been signed in his presence when they had not has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Barrister accidentally sent “life-threatening information” to journalist
A barrister who accidentally sent confidential information about an immigration client to a journalist without his permission has been fined £10,000.
Dual FCA and SRA-regulated business goes into administration
A wealth management firm that a decade ago became one of the first to adopt dual regulation by the SRA and FCA has gone into administration after its key lawyer left.
Exclusive: AI-powered US firm targets UK after $60m fund-raise
A US company that last week announced a $60m Series A fund-raise is set to bring the model of a law firm backed by its AI system to England and Wales, Legal Futures can reveal.
Solicitor’s failure to redeem charges “a warning to profession”
The case of a solicitor who wrongly thought charges on a property had been removed is “a warning that even experienced professionals could make serious errors in judgment under extreme stress”.
Bar Council faces discrimination claim over Black interns scheme
The Bar Council is facing a discrimination claim over its 10,000 Black Interns programme by a white woman who says her application was rejected because of her race.
Partner who acted on Ponzi scheme fined £30k over conflict of interest
A partner who acted on what turned out to be a fraudulent Ponzi scheme has been fined £30,000 for accepting a role to protect the interest of the scheme’s bondholders.
SRA hands out first fixed penalties for AML information failures
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued the first fixed fines to firms that failed to provide it with information about their anti-money laundering and sanctions controls.
Solicitor who fabricated attendance note escapes strike-off
A solicitor who created a “false and misleading” attendance note to show that she warned a client about the escalating level of costs has been suspended for two years.
Fine for drunk barrister who collapsed at court
A barrister who collapsed at a court while drunk and was taken to hospital in an ambulance has been fined £1,000 by the Bar Standards Board.
Blog
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
