Latest news
Number of fines issued by SRA more than doubles in a year
The Solicitors Regulation Authority issued 173 fines to law firms and individuals in its last financial year, more than twice the number of the previous year.
Germany warns US law firms that did deals with Trump
US law firms that struck deals with President Trump to avoid punitive executive orders are at risk of losing their right to operate in Germany, its bar association has warned.
SRA gives green light to sale of insurer’s law firm
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has approved the sale of DLG Legal Services – the alternative business structure owned by insurer Direct Line – to Aviva.
Law firm prices have risen ahead of inflation since 2020
Prices for basic legal services have increased by more than inflation in recent years, while law firms offering fixed costs are significantly cheaper than those giving estimates.
Reynolds avoids SRA action – unless he calls himself a solicitor again
The SRA has decided not to take action over business secretary Jonathan Reynolds calling himself a solicitor – but warned him of possible prosecution should he do it again.
Conveyancers launch own guidance to reduce enquiries
A grassroots initiative to reduce the number of unnecessary enquiries which can delay conveyancing transactions has gone live.
ABA seeks to put end to Trump “intimidation” of law firms
The American Bar Association has brought legal action against the Trump administration over its “ongoing unlawful policy of intimidation against lawyers”.
Law firm to pay wasted costs after failing to address claim problems
A law firm that continued cases against defendants without investigating claims they were the wrong parties has been ordered to pay wasted costs.
Solicitor fails in challenge to judge’s finding of “indefensible” conduct
The Court of Appeal has rejected a solicitor’s challenge to judicial criticism of his “indefensible” conduct, motivated by money, in using leaked privileged material to help win an arbitration.
Unethical behaviour by barristers “more limited and nuanced”
The evidence of unethical behaviour by barristers is “more limited and nuanced” than that relating to other lawyers, the Bar Council has said.
Blog
The SRA and privileged material – this is not the end
All disclosure to the SRA must now exclude privileged material, which will not only hamper investigations but also cause additional work for firms providing disclosure.
Legal Ombudsman fee reforms risk widening the justice gap
Charging firms simply because a complaint moves through the process weakens the present connection between fees and fault. It could also encourage firms to settle for commercial reasons.
Why upfront information could transform home buying
The success of upfront property information will depend on more than simply making the information available.
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