Latest news
AML compliance improving but solicitors still fined £2.6m
Solicitors’ compliance with anti-money laundering rules has improved markedly in the past year – but they were still collectively fined £2.6m for failures.
SRA to reconsider misconduct report after judicial review threat
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has withdrawn decisions not to investigate a solicitor after being threatened with a judicial review.
Court of Appeal “astonished” by £2m brief fee for four-day case
The Court of Appeal has described as “astonishing” a £2m brief fee for leading counsel, plus refreshers of £20,000 a day, to act on an appeal set to last four days.
Conveyancers “can see path” to home-buying reform
There is strong support among conveyancers, estate agents and lenders for the government’s home-buying reforms and many think they can now start planning for change.
SRA pushes “proactive supervision” as it mulls compliance role reform
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to focus on proactive supervision of higher-risk law firms as it considers changes to its compliance officer rules.
Private client market report: More revenue, fewer firms
The private client market continues to grow, hitting £3.2bn this year, despite the number of law firms in it falling by 12% over the past five years, according to new research.
Law Society: You may sometimes need client consent to use AI
Law firms may need client consent to use AI in some situations, while those charging on a time basis “should not bill for the time that a task would have taken had AI not been used”.
Split over need for new top band in guideline hourly rates
The working group charged with introducing a new higher band to the guideline hourly rates for heavyweight commercial work is split over whether it is needed.
Lawyers to be paid £12m out of £260m Google claim settlement
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved the £260m settlement of a claim against Google that will see the class representative’s lawyers paid £12m, 32% less than they are due.
Exclusive: Leading law firm calls for ban on car finance claim adverts
The law firm with the biggest car finance claims book in the UK has today called for a temporary ban on all advertising for such claims.
Blog
How ELD NextGen will improve employers’ liability tracing
The Employers’ Liability Tracing Office is continuing work towards the launch of ELD NextGen, the next generation of the employers’ liability database, in early 2027.
Fifteen years on: Lessons from ABS reform
Fifteen years ago this month saw the very first alternative business structure. At the time, the prospect of non-lawyers owning law firms was dubbed ‘Tesco Law’.
Hybrid working and client money controls – be aware of the risks
For legal finance teams, remote working has changed how information moves, how approvals are obtained and how colleagues communicate.
Reports
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