Latest news
Risk assessment failures land more firms with AML fines
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued fines totalling £57,000 to eight more law firms for failures in their anti-money laundering controls.
Solicitor “created hundreds of file notes” to bolster costs claim
A judge has condemned a solicitor for “the worst example of tampering with a file of papers that I have ever encountered” in reducing a bill claimed at nearly £260,000 to zero.
SDT “right to strike off” solicitor involved in fraudulent PI claim
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal was right to strike off a solicitor who took part in a fraudulent personal injury claim, even though he was not the instigator, the High Court has ruled.
“Vulnerable” legal aid solicitors feel “taken advantage of”
Legal aid solicitors feel they have been “neglected the most and taken advantage of” in the years following the LASPO cuts, according to an academic study.
Tribunal clears solicitors over volume litigation misconduct
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has dismissed allegations of misconduct against two high-profile solicitors over their handling of volume financial mis-selling claims.
Employment law silks clash over impact of BSB equality duty
Two leading employment law silks have clashed over the new, proactive equality duty proposed by the Bar Standards Board, disagreeing on how much of an impact it will have on barristers.
Transatlanctic tie-up leads way in latest M&A activity
Herbert Smith Freehills has announced a “transformational” merger with a US firm, while HF has bought a construction practice, among recent M&A deals.
Immigration firm “advised beyond its competence”
A tribunal has rejected an appeal from an immigration adviser and firm whose registration was cancelled for breaches of the OISC code that were “as extensive as they were serious”.
Disabled paralegal’s £41k damages over unfair law firm dismissal
A paralegal has been awarded £41,000 in damages against a law firm that unfairly dismissed and discriminated against her because she could not work full-time due to disability.
Client account interest helps small firms deal with margin pressure
Pressure on margins has become more acute for many SME law firms over the past year but optimism about the future remains high, according to new research.
Blog
Modern vehicles: new injury profiles and new legal challenges
As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow year-on-year, it is important to address the risks that come with their increased adoption.
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
