Latest news
Solicitor MP clashes with CILEX leaders over regulatory reforms
A solicitor MP yesterday clashed with the leaders of CILEX over the body’s planned reforms, including using the title ‘chartered lawyer’ and creating chartered paralegals.
Solicitor fails in discrimination claim over firm’s billing failure
A law firm’s failure to help a self-employed consultant solicitor bill tens of thousands of pounds of work was due to error and not discrimination, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Solicitor rebuked for baseless threat to prosecute law firm
A solicitor who threatened another law firm with criminal proceedings if it did not settle a negligence claim, when in reality that would not happen, has been rebuked by the SRA.
“Shamelessness” of SLAPPs has grown but still no disciplinary action
The number and “shamelessness” of SLAPPs has grown but there has been no disciplinary action against the lawyers responsible for how they are run, a major conference heard yesterday.
Reprimand for barrister who gave magistrates a Nazi salute
A veteran barrister who used a German accent during proceedings before magistrates and raised his hand to the bench in a Nazi salute, has been reprimanded by a Bar disciplinary tribunal.
Number of conveyancing solicitors slumps as market contracts
The number of conveyancing firms and particularly solicitors has dropped significantly over the past two years in line with the major downturn suffered by the property market.
Costs lawyers “bullish” about impact of fixed costs extension
Costs lawyers have had a good year, with a healthy proportion reporting growth in excess of 10% and many bullish about the impact of more fixed costs, according to their representative body.
Leading firm fined £101,000 for anti-money laundering failures
A leading South-West law firm has been fined £101,357 for failing to act over money laundering red flags on three property transactions, two of which may have involved a sanctioned entity.
Legal Services Board eyes 14% increase in budget
The Legal Services Board is considering a 14% increase in its budget in a bid to strengthen its “direct oversight” of the frontline regulators’ performance.
SDT was wrong to slash SRA’s prosecution costs, High Court rules
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal was wrong to slash the costs of the Solicitors Regulation Authority in a successful prosecution by 78%, the High Court has ruled.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
