Latest news
UWO will investigate how jailed ex-solicitor’s wife bought house
The unexplained wealth order issued against the ex-wife of the struck-off solicitor behind the Axiom Legal Financing Fund fraud will investigate whether her home was bought with tainted funds.
SRA to revise fining guidance on economic crime and drink driving
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is working to activate its power to issue unlimited fines in cases involving economic crime, it has emerged.
Paralegals receive formal recognition with CILEX ‘chartered’ title
CILEX has introduced the first formal recognition of paralegals after receiving Privy Council approval to amend its Royal Charter and introduce the title of CILEX chartered paralegal.
Smaller law firms reject M&A in favour of organic growth
The proportion of smaller law firms considering merger or acquisition as a growth strategy has halved in a year to just one in 20, with a shift in focus to organic growth.
Conveyancers “should advise on liability from climate risks”
Solicitors should advise clients in property transactions on the potential liability they face from “climate risks”, the Law Society has said in new guidance.
Confusion reigns after property information guidance withdrawn
The withdrawal of the material information guidance for estate agents was met last week with a mixture of confusion, alarm and celebration by lawyers.
Law firm “justified” in not promoting salaried partner to equity
A salaried partner was “unrealistic” in his expectation of joining the equity of his firm given the poor financial performance of his department, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Eversheds staffer created invoices for pro bono case
A former Eversheds Sutherland employee who created invoices for a pro bono matter he brought to the firm has been banned from the profession.
CA refuses to hear appeal from man who stalked judge
The Court of Appeal has refused to hear an appeal from man sentenced to eight years in prison for stalking a judge – having previously been jailed for civil contempt of court.
SRA seeks extra £11m as complaints about solicitors soar 20%
A “significant and sustained increase” in the number of reports about solicitor misconduct is fuelling the SRA’s plans for an £11m increase in its budget to £168m.
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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