Compliance & Regulation
Vexatious ex-solicitor cannot start litigating again, High Court says
The High Court has refused to allow a struck-off solicitor to reopen vexatious litigation against the Law Society, Bar Council, senior judges, lawyers and many others.
Law firms “cheating” clients out of interest on their money
Law firms are could have made as much as £1.3bn in interest on client money in 2022/23, it has been claimed amid scrutiny of what they pass on to clients.
Solicitor struck off after clients paid fees into personal bank account
A solicitor who asked clients at two different firms to pay fees into his personal bank account because he was in financial difficulties has been struck off.
EDI initiatives not “shifting the law’s systemic inequalities”
There are multiple factors behind the failure of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives to “shift the systemic inequalities that are entrenched” across the legal profession.
Proportion of women “ultimately decreases” in journey to judiciary
The proportion of women lawyers “fluctuates but ultimately decreases” on the pipeline from qualifying to becoming judges, a report for the Legal Services Board has found.
Regulators “must warn lawyers against taking advantage of LiPs”
Legal regulators must warn lawyers that they will face action to stop them unethically taking advantage of vulnerable litigants, a charity has urged.
London office of top US firm to face tribunal over alleged AML failures
The London office of a leading US law firm is to face the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal over alleged failures of its anti-money laundering controls lasting several years.
SRA imposes controls on firm employee who assaulted colleagues
A former law firm employee convicted of two assaults on colleagues in a nightclub after a work dinner has been given a conditional ban from the profession.
Barristers should have duty to “actively promote anti-discrimination”
Barristers should be under a professional duty to actively promote anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, it has been suggested. But this was not about requiring barristers to be ‘woke’.
Two solicitors fined for refusing to give breath samples
Two solicitors convicted of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis after minor car accidents have been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
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.
