Latest news
Barrister cleared of misconduct because of ombudsman’s “failure to co-operate”
The Bar Disciplinary Tribunal has told the Legal Ombudsman that “co-operation is a two-way process”, in a case involving a failure to share information with the lawyer who was the subject of a complaint.
Barristers’ clerks attack law firms over contract payment terms
Law firms are imposing contracts on barristers they would never sign themselves, the chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) has said. One term obliges solicitors only to use their “best endeavours” to pay counsel.
BSB and IPS to launch joint youth advocacy review
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) and ILEX Professional Standards (IPS) are contacting research organisations to prepare the way for an independent review of advocacy in the youth courts.
Last hurdle before accountants can offer probate services: a two-day course
Passing a two-day course will enable accountants to start offering probate law services to the public, after the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales yesterday officially received the power to regulate probate and licence alternative business structures.
CMCs using “special arrangements” with banks to avoid investigating PPI cases
Some claims management companies (CMCs) are using special pre-submission arrangements with the major banks to avoid investigating PPI cases, it has emerged.
ABSs set to cross the Atlantic
The global spread of alternative business structures (ABSs) took a major step forward yesterday after a report by the Canadian Bar Association strongly backed their introduction.
Law Society recruits new chief executive from NHSLA
The Law Society has chosen Catherine Dixon to replace Des Hudson as chief executive. Mr Hudson will retire at the end of this month.
SRA to investigate asylum advice after judges overturn convictions
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to investigate the quality of legal advice provided to asylum seekers, in part because of concerns expressed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, it has emerged.
Police Federation solicitor set to be investigated by SRA
A solicitor who advised the Police Federation is set to be investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) amid allegations of police misconduct over the death of a man during a drugs search.
APIL makes successful complaint over “misleading” Hampson Hughes advert
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has successfully complained about an advertisement broadcast by high-profile Liverpool law firm Hampson Hughes that said claimants would receive £2,000 “up front”.
Blog
Mazur: a symptom not a cause?
If Mazur is a symptom, what does it mean for the underlying health of our civil justice system: the ‘finest legal system in the world’?
Cross-generation collaboration: the key to in-house legal tech adoption
In-house legal function leaders will increasingly have to evolve their thinking on how to manage multigenerational teams containing differing levels of technological expertise.
AI and law firm risk – the view of professional indemnity insurers
In considering law firm applications for cover, many insurers will expect to see evidence of how firms are adapting to AI and preparing for the future.
