Latest news
Solicitor suspended after client’s millions pass through bank account
The first solicitor prosecuted for ‘tipping off’ a client about a money laundering investigation has now been suspended for allowing a client to use his firm’s account as a banking facility.
DDJ resigned before she could be removed from office
A deputy district judge who took nearly three years to hand down a judgment would have been removed from office had she not resigned, according to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.
Legal regulators have “key role” in improving access to justice
Innovation sandboxes, mandatory regulation of paralegals and new sources of funding – like interest on client accounts – are among ideas of how regulation can improve access to justice.
Law Society and Bar Council criticise performance of regulatory arms
Both the Law Society and Bar Council have criticised their regulatory arms over the LSB’s assessment that their performance was inadequate and needed urgent improvement.
Lawyers and lenders agog as Supreme Court hears motor finance case
All eyes are on the Supreme Court this morning as it begins a three-day hearing on motor finance commissions that could open up or close down a major new source of legal work.
SRA investigation into Prigozhin lawyers was “supine”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s investigation into the former lawyers of Russian warlord Evgeny Prigozhin was “supine”, a leading media lawyer has argued.
SRA and BSB in the dock over inadequate performance
The two largest legal regulators – the SRA and BSB – are the only ones to fail their performance assessments over the past year, the Legal Services Board revealed today.
Judge attacks process-driven approach to credit hire claims
A senior district judge has again attacked credit hire claims, as well as a process-driven approach to bringing them, in a case where he awarded £1,200 for a claim valued at £50,200.
Top US firm cuts $100m deal to avoid Trump executive order
Top US firm Skadden has struck a pre-emptive deal with President Donald Trump to provide at least $100m in pro bono services to avoid facing an executive action like other law firms.
Government provides £6m for next round of legal support grants
The Ministry of Justice has pledged £6m to the next round of funding for providers of early legal advice, after research reinforced how effective it can be.
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.
