Latest news
No strike-off for solicitor’s “spontaneous dishonesty”
A solicitor who signed a deed as a witness to a signature when she had not actually been present has escaped being struck off.
Half of clients think AI can replace solicitors
As many as half of law firm clients believe that AI can replace a qualified solicitor, although most say this would only be for routine matters.
Search fund buys conveyancing and private client law firm
An investor-backed search fund has acquired a conveyancing and private client law firm as the start of a ‘buy and build’ strategy aimed particularly at SME practices with succession issues.
Three-quarters of SDT cases take longer than six months
Only 24% of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal cases concluded within six months last year, according to new figures from the organisation.
Research highlights how even-handed Commercial Court judges are
There is no “statistically meaningful bias” by Commercial Court judges towards claimants or defendants, a report has found. Claims values, meanwhile, have surged.
Use of smart data in homebuying “could generate £14bn for UK”
Using smart data in the homebuying process could generate over £14bn for the UK over a 15-year period, the Department for Business and Trade has estimated.
Legal Ombudsman names eight firms over “serious” service failures
A Liverpool law firm ordered to bear the cost of redeeming a client’s mortgage because of mistakes made in a conveyancing matter is among eight named by the Legal Ombudsman.
City firm’s conduct of dispute with senior lawyer “verges on bullying”
The “disproportionately aggressive and unnecessary” behaviour of Clyde & Co in a dispute with one of its senior lawyers in Dubai “verges on bullying”, the High Court has ruled.
Law firm wrongly paid out £2.5m of client monies, High Court rules
A law firm paid away £2.5m in client monies without instruction and also forged its client’s signature on multiple documents, the High Court has decided.
Junior solicitor lied about applying for grants of probate
A junior solicitor who told clients, colleagues and others that she had submitted applications for grants of probate when she had not, has been struck off.
Blog
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
