Latest news
Major report rejects regulation of third-party litigation funding
There should only be a move to regulate third-party litigation funding in the event of “an identifiable problem or market failure”, a major report has concluded.
Fine over use of law firm as partner’s in-house legal department
The two partners of a firm whose purpose is to serve the non-legal business interests of one of them have been fined for multiple rule breaches, including using client account as a banking facility.
Many conveyancing firms “do not have clear pricing policies”
Almost half of conveyancing firms do not have pricing policies which are “clearly defined, understood, communicated and adhered to” all the time.
Court orders parties to engage in ADR over costs
A ruling that parties must engage in ADR before their argument over costs can be heard is a landmark that could herald the start of a new era, according to costs lawyers.
High Court orders City litigators to name source of “forged” report
The High Court has ordered a leading City litigation firm to name the source of a potentially forged report produced as part of an arbitration dispute between Russian oligarchs.
Solicitor fined for inaccurate declaration over £1m Covid loan
A solicitor who signed an inaccurate declaration that triggered the release of a £1m Covid loan to a client, has been fined £15,000.
“Disruptive action” may be needed to improve diversity, LSB warns
Bullying and harassment is not limited to the Bar and “disruptive action” may be needed to create a “fair, healthy, diverse and inclusive legal profession”, the Legal Services Board has warned.
SRA urges voluntary disclosure of Russia sanction breaches
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has stressed the importance of voluntarily disclosing breaches of the Russia sanctions following the first fine handed out under the regime.
Partner suspended for telling junior solicitor to lie to client
A senior partner who told a newly qualified solicitor to lie in an email to a client has been suspended from practice for nine months.
ICO reprimands law firm after client data ends up on dark web
A law firm that was hacked and had sensitive client data published on the dark web has been reprimanded by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Blog
Home-buying reform must focus on experience, not just technology
Buyers and sellers don’t judge their experience by the number of digital platforms they use or the technology operating behind the scenes.
What would a single regulator mean for firms and practitioners?
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has renewed its call for a single regulator to replace the eight approved regulators currently governing legal services.
Why council tenants often wait longest for disrepair to be fixed
Why do council tenants appear to wait longer for disrepair to be resolved, and what does that tell us about the changing relationship between landlords, tenants and accountability?
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