Latest news
City law firms make eco-claims while facilitating fossil fuel industry
UK law firms facilitated a “staggering” $60bn in fossil fuel transactions in the last five years and many do not live up to the eco-credentials they claim, new research has argued.
LSB shaves budget demand but lawyers still face 11% rise
The Legal Services Board has trimmed its proposed budget increase for 2025-26 but it is still to rise by 11% – adding £3.05 onto every regulated lawyer’s practising fees.
Fast-growing professional services group buys first law firm
A multi-disciplinary professional services firm with significant financial backing has bought its first law firm as part of an “aggressive” buy-and-build strategy.
ICO fines law firm £60,000 after dark web publishes client data
A law firm which specialises in defending clients accused of sexual offences has been fined £60,000 after a cyber-attack saw “highly sensitive” details of 682 clients published on the dark web.
Judge criticises law firm for “thinly veiled threats” to ex-employee
An judge has criticised a leading media law firm for using “unnecessary thinly veiled threats of regulatory action” against a former employee.
Trio of solicitors rebuked for dormant balances and suspense ledgers
Three former directors of a law firm have been rebuked for allowing it to accrue hundreds of dormant balances and five suspense ledgers that between them held £930,000.
Funder can be paid before CAT class members, appeal court rules
There is “nothing surprising or unusual” about the CAT ordering payment to litigation funders and lawyers from a damages award ahead of the class in collective actions.
High Court: Badly drafted will shows dangers of unqualified writers
A badly drafted will which has caused “untold anguish” to relatives of the deceased shows the dangers of using unqualified will-writers, the High Court has warned.
Tribunal reduced suspension for sexual misconduct barrister
“Exceptional” personal mitigation led a tribunal to reduce the suspension of a male barrister who harassed a woman at his chambers’ Christmas party below the indicative sentence.
Solicitor who practised while suspended is struck off
A solicitor who practised while suspended has been struck off, while the law firm owner who unwittingly employed him received a suspended sentence.
Blog
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.
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
