Compliance & Regulation
Law firm owner rebuked for practising without insurance
A solicitor who did not shut down his law firm properly, continuing to deal with client matters even though he was not insured, has been rebuked.
Legal Omubdsman restarts work on publishing decisions
The Legal Ombudsman is set to restart work towards publishing the decisions it makes in full, now that operational performance is improving, Legal Futures can reveal.
Paralegal rebuked for misleading client over Land Registry matter
A paralegal who misled a client about the progress of their matter as she sought to clear up a problem she inherited on a file has been rebuked by the SRA.
Law firm compliance officer fined for accounts rules failures
A solicitor who allowed his law firm to flout the accounts rules while a director and compliance officer has been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
SRA: Convictions highlight Chinese ‘underground banking’ danger
The sentencing of seven people involved in a money laundering network via Chinese underground banking is a valuable reminder to solicitors of its risks, the SRA has said.
LSB puts SRA Compensation Fund fee increases on hold
Approval of the SRA’s application for the level of Compensation Fund contributions – which are set to soar this year – has been delayed for the first time ever, Legal Futures can report.
Fine for solicitor who acted on both sides of property deal
A partner who acted for both sides of a property transaction where there was a conflict of interest has been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Tribunal criticises BSB for prosecuting “sleeping” barrister
A disciplinary tribunal has sharply criticised the Bar Standards Board for how it approached the prosecution of a barrister who struggled to stay awake during an inquest.
Police seek struck-off ‘dine and dash’ solicitor for skipping bail
Police want to speak to a solicitor struck off earlier this year over convictions for two ‘dine and dash’ incidents after she failed to answer bail over more allegations.
SRA closes down four law firms in two days
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has closed down four law firms this week, two of which were both consumer claim practices in Liverpool.
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.
