Latest news
Law firm fights off summary judgment in property fraud claim
A judge has refused a lender’s application for summary judgment against a law firm in a case involving an “imposter who appears to have fraudulently deceived” both of them.
Solicitor MI5 accused of being Chinese agent loses legal challenge
A solicitor accused by MI5 of being an agent of the Chinese government has lost her challenge to the assessment. She said her law firm had suffered “irreparable reputational harm”.
Law firm found negligent over property development agreements
A well-known Shropshire law firm was negligent in the order agreements for a property development joint venture were signed, allowing one side to pull out, the High Court has found.
Young solicitor who misled clients over LPAs is struck off
A young lawyer who changed dates on lasting powers of attorney and misled clients about when they were sent to the Office of the Public Guardian has been struck off.
Smaller law firms should “compromise profits today” to invest in tech
The only thing that makes it hard for smaller law firms to invest in legal tech is “compromising profits today for growth tomorrow”, the founder of a fast-expanding commercial law firm has said.
Tribunal clears council solicitor who amended witness statement
A council solicitor who amended a signed witness statement without express confirmation of the changes before submitting it to the High Court has been cleared of misconduct.
Wills and probate market expands despite number of firms falling
Big increases in grants of representation and powers of attorney applications have increased the growth rate of the wills and probate market to 7% but 500 firms left it too.
Government to increase medical report fees – at some point in 2025
The government has rejected the argument that increasing fees for medical reports for road traffic accidents would erode the savings from the whiplash reforms.
Little sign of slowdown in solicitor-client costs disputes
Few costs lawyers have seen a reduction in disputes between solicitors and their clients despite 2022’s Court of Appeal ruling in Belsner, their representative body has reported.
Two-year suspension for City partner who groped associate
A male ex-partner at City giant Freshfields who groped a female associate after a team Christmas party has been suspended from practice for two years.
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.
