Compliance & Regulation
Solicitor who misled firm about client loans and referrals struck off
A solicitor who actively concealed from his employer the fact that he had taken loans from clients and received referral fees from a short-term lender has been struck off.
Women now make up 40% of Bar as diversity trends continue
Long-term trends of improving diversity at the Bar continued last year, with women now making up just over 40% of barristers, Bar Standards Board figures have shown.
‘Conflict of interest’ solicitor threatened client with libel action
A solicitor has been fined for acting for clients in a property dispute knowing they had a possible negligence claim against the firm for causing the litigation in the first place.
Three arrested in raid on “bogus” immigration law firm
Three suspected fraudulent immigration lawyers have been arrested in Greater Manchester following a Home Office raid on Wednesday.
Legal Ombudsman forced to revise backlog figure upwards – again
The queue of cases awaiting investigation at the Legal Ombudsman is not falling as fast as had been expected, with the March 2024 target having been revised upwards for a third time.
BSB keeps its powder dry over Post Office barristers
The Bar Standards Board has yet to see evidence from the Post Office inquiry that requires it to take urgent action against any barrister, it has told Legal Futures.
Axiom Ince review to investigate regulation of ‘accumulator firms’
The Legal Services Board review of the collapse of Axiom Ince will include not just the role of the Solicitors Regulation Authority but also its approach to law firm consolidators.
SRA hands out another hefty fine for drink-drive conviction
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed another hefty fine on a solicitor convicted of drink driving as the impact of its new approach to fines hits home.
Deferring point of call will damage diversity and inns, says top KC
Delaying the point at which barristers are called to the Bar until after obtaining pupillage risks reducing the diversity and strength of the profession, a former Bar Council chair has argued.
LSB to identify gaps in regulation that allow unethical conduct
The Legal Services Board is to begin work on identifying the gaps in regulation that have allowed unethical or unprofessional conduct to emerge.
Blog
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.
The power of participation for trainees and apprentices
It’s important as a trainee or an apprentice to get involved in the life of your firm – even under the pressure of discovering how to navigate professional life and now the demands of the SQE.
