Latest news
Opt-out class action first for businesses as car delivery case settles
Businesses are to benefit from an opt-out class action for the first time after the last two defendants in the car delivery charges case settled for £54m.
AI tool aims to capture “invisible thinking” of lawyers
A legal tech startup led by a solicitor turned behavioural psychologist is aiming to capture the “invisible knowledge” of senior lawyers for the benefit of both junior lawyers and clients.
Compliance officer banned after lying about being in office
A compliance officer at a City law firm who pretended he was at work when he was actually working from home – and continued to lie about it – has been banned from the profession.
CLC and consumer panel back radical review of Legal Ombudsman
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers and Legal Services Consumer Panel have both backed a radical review of the Legal Ombudsman and possibly a complete redesign of the scheme.
Suspended suspension for “manifestly incompetent” solicitor
A “manifestly incompetent” solicitor who facilitated one fraudulent and three potentially fraudulent property transactions has been given a suspended suspension.
Second time lucky as government agrees to reverse PACCAR
The government is to legislate to reverse the Supreme Court’s 2023 PACCAR ruling, which has brought huge uncertainty to the litigation funding market.
AI use and employee ownership trigger staff bonuses at leading firms
Staff at two leading regional law firms have been awarded significant bonuses – one for use of AI and the other for their work in an employee-owned practice.
Law Society tells LeO: Focus on performance, not reform
The Law Society is urging the Legal Ombudsman not to launch a fundamental review of its rules when it should be focusing on reducing its backlog of cases.
AI employment law firm negotiates £30k settlement for client
The employment law service powered entirely by artificial intelligence and launched three months ago has negotiated a £30,000 settlement for a user.
Compliance officers have “poor” knowledge of obligations
Law firm compliance officers have “poor” knowledge of the SRA reporting and record-keeping requirements, according to research by the regulator.
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.
