Latest news
Law firms fined £600,000 for AML breaches
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has fined 59 law firms a total of £600,000 in the past six months for breaching basic anti-money laundering rules.
Judge condemns National Lottery bidder’s “extraordinary” litigation conduct
The High Court has awarded indemnity costs over a failed £1bn challenge to the award of the National Lottery so as to mark its disapproval of the claimants’ “extraordinary” litigation conduct.
District judge sacked for “wholly inappropriate” conduct towards staff
A district judge has been removed from office over his “wholly inappropriate” behaviour towards staff, including unwanted physical contact.
Windrush compensation scheme “too complex” without lawyers
The Windrush compensation scheme is “too complex” for claimants without lawyers, a Liberal Democrat peer has told the House of Lords.
“The clock is ticking”: PE investment in law down but deal volume up
Private equity invested an estimated £250m into UK law firms last year and around £80m so far this – compared to the record £534m of 2024 – but deal volume is up sharply.
Midlands law firm makes latest acquisition since taking PE
Black Country law firm Higgs has made its second acquisition since being bought by private equity last year.
CLC warns of “regulatory blind spots” on referral fees
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has warned of the risk of “regulatory blind spots” after a review of referral fees revealed shortcomings in firms documenting arrangements.
HMRC finally explains when conveyancers should register as tax advisers
HM Revenue & Customs has finally issued detailed guidance on when conveyancers need to register with it as tax advisers.
Farewell to the Chancery Division in High Court shake-up
The Lady Chief Justice has unveiled a modernisation of the High Court which will see a new Business and Property Division replace the Chancery Division.
SRA presses on with separating management and compliance roles
The SRA is going ahead with rule changes to separate law firm managers who can “unilaterally” make decisions from compliance officer roles in all but the smallest firms.
Blog
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
