Latest news
Transatlanctic tie-up leads way in latest M&A activity
Herbert Smith Freehills has announced a “transformational” merger with a US firm, while HF has bought a construction practice, among recent M&A deals.
Immigration firm “advised beyond its competence”
A tribunal has rejected an appeal from an immigration adviser and firm whose registration was cancelled for breaches of the OISC code that were “as extensive as they were serious”.
Disabled paralegal’s £41k damages over unfair law firm dismissal
A paralegal has been awarded £41,000 in damages against a law firm that unfairly dismissed and discriminated against her because she could not work full-time due to disability.
Client account interest helps small firms deal with margin pressure
Pressure on margins has become more acute for many SME law firms over the past year but optimism about the future remains high, according to new research.
Solicitor left abandoned law firm in “chaotic state”
A solicitor who “abandoned” his law firm, leaving his office “in a chaotic state” with piles of letters thrown away as a fire hazard by neighbouring tenant, has been struck off.
Law firm not negligent in advice to settle £2m claims
A law firm was not negligent in advice to settle £2m of claims brought by a businessman’s trustee in bankruptcy against his wife and daughter, the High Court has ruled.
Law firm acquired by private equity aims to double in size in a year
The latest law firm to be bought by private equity has ambitions to more than double in size in just a year, its chief executive has revealed.
Law firms tell SRA: we want to keep client account
A poll of law firms has found almost complete opposition to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s idea of preventing them from holding client money.
Fine for conveyancer who acted for lenders and himself
A solicitor who acted for lenders in conveyancing transactions without telling them he was also acting for himself and family members has been fined £12,500.
Tribunal fines law firm for persistent transparency rule breaches
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has fined a law firm over £20,000 for failing to comply with the SRA’s transparency rules and requirements to have a COLP and COFA.
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.
