Latest news
AI use among lawyers soaring but impact on fees uncertain
Four out of five lawyers are currently using or planning to use artificial intelligence tools, according to new research – but the impact on pricing remains unclear.
Contracting PI market and Google changes hit listed legal business
The personal injury market has contracted further this year, with business made harder by changes in the Google algorithm, listed business NAHL said today to explain a drop in turnover.
High Court criticises “disorganised and unhelpful” solicitor
The High Court has criticised a solicitor’s “disorganised and unhelpful” conduct of a claim in refusing to set aside an order that his client’s costs budget be limited to the court fees.
“Not a steady state period” – SRA extends chair’s term
The board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has decided to extend Anna Bradley’s term as chair for a further two years rather than recruit a replacement.
SRA ban for employed barrister jailed for rape
An employed barrister jailed for raping a woman he met on Tinder has been banned from working for law firms after he failed in his appeal.
Strike-off for solicitor who used client money to keep firm afloat
A sole practitioner who used client money to pay his law firm’s business costs, including the salaries of several family members who worked for him, has been struck off.
Solicitor convicted of blackmailing fellow director struck off
A solicitor convicted of blackmailing a fellow director with a threat to blow the whistle in an attempt to negotiate an exit from their company has been struck off.
Proudman can argue BSB discrimination in Bar tribunal case
Dr Charlotte Proudman will be allowed to argue before a disciplinary tribunal that the Bar Standards Board discriminated against her by bringing a prosecution over tweets she posted.
Firm fined for AML compliance failure as solicitor faces tribunal
An East London law firm has become the latest to be fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over its failure to comply with anti-money laundering rules.
Delays fall as Probate Service performance improves
The Probate Service has now been issuing more grants per month than the number of applications it receives for a year, with delays now falling, new figures have shown.
Blog
The SRA’s strict liability gamble has failed. Good
The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in Dentons v SRA on 27 April, and the profession is right to welcome it. It is the second time in short succession that the court has corrected the SRA.
How AI presents real opportunities for barristers
AI presents real opportunities to improve access to justice and to support barristers in day-to-day legal practice. But we all need to understand and mitigate the risks.
Not everything can be a competition issue – a new dawn for consumer redress
Last month, the Law Commission launched a new project to “consider the potential introduction of a consumer class actions regime” in England and Wales.
