Latest news
New model complaints procedure “does not guarantee compliance”
The Legal Ombudsman has warned lawyers that using its new model complaints resolution procedure is not “a proxy” for regulatory compliance.
Big rise in home-buyers complaining about “unexpected costs”
The proportion of home-buyers saying they experienced “unexpected costs” in their transactions has gone up by more than 50% this year, new research has found.
Sole practitioner fails in appeal against fine for AML breaches
A sole practitioner from Norwich who compared himself to Andrew Malkinson and the Post Office subpostmasters has lost his appeal against a £3,500 fine for AML failures.
In-house lawyers should “train PR staff on risks of greenwashing”
In-house lawyers should train their company’s marketing and communications teams on the risks of ‘greenwashing’, the Law Society has advised in new guidance.
Boosting self-worth leads to higher fees for law firms
Lawyers need to boost their feelings of self-worth so that they do not crumble in the face of – or even before – client demands about fees, an adviser has urged.
Court of Appeal overturns ruling that blew small claims track “to bits”
The Court of Appeal has overturned a judgment which opened the door to “well-resourced parties corresponding their way” out of the small claims track – and would have blown it “to bits”.
PwC: “Meaningful barriers” to automating most legal work
With most law firms rapidly adopting AI, new research by PwC has shown that 80% of legal work faces “meaningful barriers” to full automation.
In-house solicitor struck off for sexually assaulting colleague
A veteran solicitor who continues to dispute his conviction for sexual assault has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
ICO raids mark latest stage in motor finance claims crackdown
The ICO has executed search warrants across the UK as part of investigations into companies sending millions of text messages about motor finance claims.
Judge hits out at “unpleasant” approach of Winehouse solicitor
The High Court has strongly criticised the solicitor to Amy Winehouse’s father for the “aggressive and unpleasant way” they pursued an unsuccessful claim on his behalf.
Blog
Don’t be fooled by the civil court statistics
The latest civil justice figures look deceptively upbeat, with faster claims. But these numbers mask a deeper truth: people are still waiting more than a year for justice.
SEO is changing: Are you measuring the right things?
AI means firms may see falling organic traffic and wonder if SEO is still working. The more interesting question is whether traffic is still the right measure of success.
Forms are evolving – and more interesting than you might think
I have spent much of my working life thinking about something most people would probably prefer not to think about at all: legal forms.
Reports
Associates
