Latest news
BSB lays out plan to take forward LETR
The Bar Standards Board has become the first frontline regulator to map out how it will take forward the Legal Education & Training Review (LETR). Earlier this week the BSB and Solicitors Regulation Authority were criticised for not collaborating on taking forward the LETR.
QASA claimants granted costs cap – but at 10 times the level they wanted
The High Court has capped the costs exposure of the four barristers bringing a judicial review against the Legal Services Board over the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates – but at a level 10 times the one they had proposed.
Regulators accused of failing to collaborate over LETR responses
The regulators of solicitors and barristers have been accused of failing to collaborate closely enough on their responses to the Legal Education and Training Review, after they announced they would pursue independent strategies for ensuring competency.
Law Society makes plea for understanding on legal aid strategy in bid to ward off EGM
A passionate defence of strategic engagement with a government implacably determined to slash criminal legal aid practitioners’ income has been made by the Law Society, in an attempt to defuse rebellion in its ranks.
Top insurer Markel enters legal market as Quindell unveils £150m Direct Line deal
Leading insurer Markel is to enter the legal market after today announcing a deal to buy the owner of alternative business structure Lewis Hymanson Small. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has given approval for the change of control.
LSB sparks fresh independence row with call for regulators to have lay chairs
The frontline regulators need lay chairs at the helm so as to cut the “overly strong ties” that still exist with their branches of the profession and have held back change, the Legal Services Board said yesterday. The call was met by strong opposition.
CLC set to resume narrowed litigation rights battle
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is to continue its bid to regulate the conduct of litigation but will focus on property-related litigation, it has announced. Meanwhile, the regulator is to farm out its role as an education provider because of a “clear conflict”.
Number of law firms without indemnity insurance nears 200
A total of 185 law firms have applied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for the extended indemnity period of insurance, having failed to secure cover by 1 October – although 10 have already secured a policy.
QualitySolicitors urges TV viewers to love lawyers
The next stage of QualitySolicitors’ latest advertising campaign to persuade the public to love lawyers went live yesterday with a series of television adverts. Meanwhile, Slater & Gordon launched the latest part of its TV campaign with an advert focused on employment law.
High Court gives green light to QASA judicial review
Criminal barristers were yesterday given permission to pursue their judicial review against the Legal Services Board over the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA). The legal challenge is that QASA “offends fundamental issues of justice”.
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.
