Compliance & Regulation
Are AML breaches misconduct? High Court hears SRA appeal
A significant appeal that should decide whether a breach of the Money Laundering Regulations is also a breach of the SRA code of conduct starts in the High Court today.
Veteran barrister disbarred for “recklessly misleading” tribunal
A veteran barrister who attempted to recklessly mislead the court and failed to provide his direct access client with a competent service has been disbarred.
SRA can keep disciplinary decisions online for longer
The Legal Services Board has approved plans by the SRA to change its publication policy and keep details of misconduct on its website for longer.
Solicitors “letting down” women subjected to economic abuse
Lawyers giving independent legal advice in cases of potential economic abuse of women are helping the abusers more than their clients, new research has suggested.
Ban for trainee who misled employer over reason for day off
A trainee solicitor who misled her employer over why she wanted a day off work, seemingly to hide the fact that she was in court over planning breaches, has been banned from the profession.
Solicitor cleared of AML offences he had admitted to
The SDT has taken the unusual step of rejecting a solicitor’s admissions that he should have done more due diligence on £24m paid into his firm’s client account.
Barrister fined for call declaration omissions “had told Lincoln’s Inn”
The lawyer heavily fined for failing to declare adverse findings about himself when applying to be called to the Bar said he had already done so when joining Lincoln’s Inn.
KC condemns SRA for “unprincipled approach” to fines
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has demonstrated a “shambolic and unprincipled approach” to the use of its fining powers, a leading regulatory KC has argued.
Drink-drive solicitor who refused breath test did not lack integrity
A solicitor arrested for failing to provide a sample of his breath after being pulled over for drink-driving did not act with a lack of integrity, the SDT has ruled.
SRA, BSB and CILEX Regulation facing “increased oversight”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority, Bar Standards Board and CILEX Regulation all require increased oversight, the Legal Services Board has revealed.
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.
