Latest news
We need more independence, BSB director says
Dr Vanessa Davies, director of the Bar Standards Board (BSB), has made it clear that the regulator will push for more independence in the future.
High Court judge: law firms bringing “meritless” judicial reviews will be referred to SRA
Solicitors who bring “meritless” immigration judicial reviews could be referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) even on the first occasion, a High Court judge has warned.
Fine for paralegal who moved firms and took sensitive data with him
A paralegal who took sensitive information from his employer when moving to a rival law firm was convicted of a criminal offence under the Data Protection Act this week.
First sanction for firm that failed to close after extended indemnity period
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published its first decision fining a law firm for not closing down properly after failure to secure indemnity cover by the end of the extended policy period (EPP).
LSB chair: regulators need to help push down cost of legal services
More needs to be done to reduce the cost of legal services to meet the needs of small businesses and people who are neither wealthy nor eligible for legal aid, the chairman of the Legal Services Board has said in his first public speech.
MPs approve probate and conveyancing rights for legal executives
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has won the approval of the House of Commons to grant rights to conduct reserved probate and conveyancing work.
Quindell claims libel “victory”
Outsourcing giant Quindell has claimed victory in a libel action against Gotham City Research, an American company which triggered a collapse in Quindell’s share price by publishing a highly critical report.
SRA stands firm on indemnity cover cut
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has hit back at criticism from the Legal Services Board (LSB) over its plans to cut the minimum compulsory cover for law firms from £2m to £500,000.
Mayson: Legal Services Act heading for “knacker’s yard”
The “flaws and limitations” of the Legal Services Act are “all too apparent” and, as every year goes by, it is moving closer to “the regulatory equivalent of the knacker’s yard”, Professor Stephen Mayson has said.
Slater & Gordon moves into East Midlands with Flint Bishop deal
Slater & Gordon has unveiled the next stage of its expansion, targeting the East Midlands after its latest acquisition enabled it to open an office in Derby.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
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.
