Latest news
Rebuke for senior partner who used client account for personal matter
The senior partner of a London law firm has been rebuked for using its client account as a banking facility to deal with a personal matter.
MRO fees: No breakdown needed but judge sets 25% mark-up cap
There is “no realistic scope” to break down the elements of a medical reporting organisation’s fee, the Senior Costs Judge has ruled – but its recoverable mark-up should not exceed 25%.
SRA warns against making law firms take “remedial action” on EDI
A proposed rule requiring law firms to take “remedial action” to address disparities in equality, diversity and inclusion goes too far, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Scotland: English invasion “shows need for urgent ABS action”
The recent entry of two English ABSs into Scotland highlights the need for urgent action to allow non-lawyer ownership there, a campaign group has argued.
Man struck off and jailed for fraud refused return to roll of solicitors
A man struck off as a solicitor 18 years ago and then jailed for fraud has failed in his bid to rejoin the profession.
SRA warns of potential cost to profession of role in ILCA scheme
Solicitors may be faced with higher costs if the government wants the SRA involved in managing an Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme, it has warned.
Third Daily Mail sting solicitor cleared of misconduct
All three solicitors accused by the Daily Mail of offering to help an undercover reporter concoct false asylum claims have now been cleared of misconduct.
Conveyancers eye outsourcing to avoid HMRC registration
Conveyancers have complained about a lack of clarity on the requirement to register as tax advisers with HMRC, which comes into force in two months’ time.
Trio convicted of trying to fool solicitor in jury tampering bid
A convicted murderer and two accomplices who tried to fool solicitors for their criminal associates into reporting jury tampering so as to have the convictions quashed have themselves been convicted.
Case for review of reserved activities is growing, says new LSB chief
The case for a review of the list of reserved legal activities “is growing, and we intend to make it”, the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board has said.
Blog
Modern search is about ‘knowledge’ retrieval
Search has long been understood as data retrieval – the ability to call back information and check a box on finding something. Legal professionals today need more of a 360-degree view on a matter.
Lessons from Sir Keir Starmer for SRA chief
The proposed 29%, or £25m, increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s budget announced last week should really come as no great surprise.
The hidden risks in client account reconciliations
The client account reconciliation process will be second nature to most people in legal finance – and so is also a potential area for a problem to be undetected until it becomes serious.
