Latest news
Regulators and lawyers “must do more” for learning disabled clients
Legal regulators have been urged to develop a ‘disability-friendly’ quality mark for law firms, who in turn should hand out ‘easy read’ client information for those with learning disabilities.
Birss: Costs budgeting-lite and GHR for counsel on their way
The next steps to implement the Civil Justice Council’s 2023 costs review are underway, although it is not yet certain how far the guideline hourly rates will be extended to counsel.
Commercial firm launches all-embracing legal platform for SMEs
A national law firm has launched a legal platform aimed particularly at SMEs, which combines document generation with training, a ‘knowledge bank’ and advice from its lawyers.
Leading lawyer “gobsmacked” by SRA review of asylum firms
A leading immigration lawyer was “gobsmacked” by a Solicitors Regulation Authority finding that legally aided work was perceived as being “of lower quality”.
Barrister-led legal compliance business bought by private equity
Barrister-led legal compliance business Briefed is to merge with a firm of recruitment consultants, following its acquisition by private equity firm Omni Partners.
CMC partners with university to pioneer housing disrepair app
A claims management company has worked with Salford University to launch an app, backed by artificial intelligence, that identifies housing disrepair.
Solicitor suspended for role in advance fee frauds
A solicitor involved in advance fee frauds has been suspended for a year on the basis that it was mainly the fault of a convicted fraudster he worked with.
Family lawyer convicted over offensive text to ex-partner
A family law specialist convicted of sending a malicious communication to his ex-partner has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Suspension for solicitor who misled court, client and firm
A junior solicitor who failed to tell her law firm or client that its defence and counterclaim in a personal injury matter had been struck out has been suspended for 12 months.
Law firms abandoning partnerships “to raise external funding”
The main reason why larger law firms are moving away from traditional partnership structures is the lack of ability to raise external funding, a report has found.
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.
