Latest news
Jailing of former Law Society council member damaged profession, SDT says
The jailing of former Law Society council member Michael Webster for a fraud offence last summer caused “significant damage” to the profession, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has said.
Innovative flight claims practice completes 10,000th case in less than two years
The innovative flight delay compensation claim practice launched by Cheshire alternative business structure Bott & Co nearly two years ago has just completed its 10,000th successful claim – and has a further 20,000 clients going through its system.
Exclusive: only 13% of home movers choose cheapest conveyancer, major survey reveals
A major survey of 4,500 home movers has found that only 13% chose the conveyancer offering the cheapest fee. The survey also found that people were more likely to recommend their estate agent to friends than their conveyancer.
SRA warns firms of confidentiality risk from law firm M&A
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned of confidentiality risks from law firm mergers and acquisitions. It also highlighted dangers arising from cloud computing and complex global business structures.
Quindell in talks to sell legal services arm to Slater & Gordon
Alternative business structure Quindell is in talks to sell an operating division to Slater & Gordon, it was announced yesterday, while due diligence on personal injury file transfers is currently underway.
Barrister rating site not aiming to “undermine the Bar”
A new website which encourages clients to rate barristers aims to help direct access barristers, and “is not looking to undermine the Bar”, its founder has said.
Third law firm fined for involvement in SDLT avoidance scheme
A third law firm has been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for its involvement in a stamp duty avoidance scheme operated by Inventive Tax Strategies.
City law firm in dash to add artificial intelligence to software robots
City law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner is in discussions with a specialist provider of artificial intelligence computing to improve its ability to search documents in the field of commercial contracts.
FCA agrees to another extension on consumer credit regulation
The regulation of solicitors’ consumer credit work by the Financial Conduct Authority has been postponed again. It has agreed to an SRA request extent the current transitional arrangements until 31 October.
Gunnercooke-backed Ignition Law launches with start-ups and SMEs in its sights
A new firm which aims to break the mould of advice to start-ups and SMEs by recruiting lawyers who run their own businesses has opened in London. It is operating as a trading name of ‘virtual firm’ gunnercooke
Blog
Awaab’s Law phase 2: New hazards council tenants can now claim for
The conversation on housing disrepair is moving beyond damp and mould alone. With the rollout of phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, the scope of issues covered is expanding significantly,
Beyond PCP: Can regulators and lawyers work better together next time?
Nearly a decade after the Financial Conduct Authority began investigating the car finance industry, the story of the PCP commission scandal is still unfinished.
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
