Compliance & Regulation
Law firm hits back over “inaccurate” BBC accusations of LPA misuse
An Essex law firm at the centre of a BBC investigation into possible abuse of LPAs has described it as “inaccurate” and “based on second or third-hand hearsay”.
Bar Council condemns KC found guilty of sexual misconduct
The Bar Council has condemned former Criminal Bar Association chair Navjot ‘Jo’ Sidhu KC after a disciplinary tribunal found serious professional misconduct of a sexual nature.
Solicitor who benefited from will rebuked over conflict
A partner who was a beneficiary of a will he drafted, without advising his client to take independent legal advice, has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Barrister apprenticeships to go live next year
Barrister apprenticeships are set to become a reality after their approval by the Bar Standards Board and Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Solicitor reprimanded for insurance error but SRA sees costs halved
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has again seen its costs slashed after the contested part of its prosecution of a solicitor failed.
LeO: Lawyers show “no empathy” towards complaining clients
Lawyers take a defensive or confrontational approach to complaints “as standard, showing no empathy or understanding of clients’ experience”, the Legal Ombudsman has said.
LSB seeks 14% budget hike as it targets stronger regulator oversight
The Legal Services Board has proposed a 14% hike in its budget as it looks to strengthen direct oversight of the frontline regulators, which may include active monitoring of the SRA.
PI lawyer brought “fundamentally dishonest” claims – and lied on CV
A personal injury fee-earner lied about injuries she suffered in three car accidents, as well as about her academics and professional status, a circuit judge has ruled.
Veteran solicitor struck off for forging client’s signature
A veteran solicitor who falsified a client’s signature on a notice of severance as part of divorce proceedings after losing the original has been struck off.
Tribunal clears drink-drive solicitor of misleading firm
The SRA was “not justified” in alleging that a solicitor convicted of drink-driving concealed the extent of her wrongdoing to her firm, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has ruled.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
