Compliance & Regulation
Barrister sacked by Parole Board over “catastrophic error”
A barrister has failed in a challenge to her removal from the Parole Board after she directed the release of a violent prisoner based on a mistaken understanding of the facts.
Solicitor who left Harvester without paying is struck off
A criminal defence solicitor convicted of failing to pay a combined £104.38 at a Harvester restaurant and to a Just Eat delivery driver has been struck off.
Barrister disbarred for harassment wins fresh sanction decision
A male barrister disbarred for sexual harassment is to have the sanction redetermined because the panel appeared to have prematurely decided it, the High Court has ruled.
Partner lied to client while doing nothing on her claim for 17 years
A former partner at Slater & Gordon who deceived a client for 17 years about the progress on her claim – when in fact he did nothing on it for all that time – has been struck off.
CMA warns unregulated providers over comparisons with solicitors
Unregulated providers of will writing and online divorce services should not make “misleading comparisons” with solicitors, the Competition and Markets Authority has warned
Probate manager jailed after stealing £634k from two law firms
A probate manager who took £634,000 from estates while working at two law firms has been jailed for four years after pleading guilty to charges of fraud by abuse of position and money laundering.
Solicitor rejected settlement offers without client instructions
A solicitor who rejected offers to settle a case without instructions from his client has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Barrister who tried to double £500 fee with fake invoice disbarred
A barrister who tried to claim double the £500 fee he had agreed with his solicitor by providing the court with a fake fee note has been disbarred.
Legal Ombudsman fights off JR of refusal to uphold complaint
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review of a decision by the Legal Ombudsman to reject a complaint about a law firm made 18 years after the service was provided.
SRA stance on SLAPPs “will discourage lawyers from media work”
The stance of the SRA over SLAPPs will make lawyers reluctant to act on cases that could fall foul of the SLAPPs Bill going through Parliament, the Society of Media Lawyers has warned.
Blog
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
The formula for finance-enabled business development
Client concentration or over-dependence now counts as a top strategic risk for 26% of firms. Cross-selling is an antidote – a way to bolster revenue resilience without relying on client acquisition.
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.
