Latest news
Metamorph closures have cost profession £1.4m so far
The closure of 16 offices of the Metamorph Group by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has so far cost the profession £1.4m, it has emerged.
Bolt-ons and regional deal buck quiet M&A market
Merger and acquisition activity has been slow in the first quarter of 2023, but there have been niche bolt-ons, a Kent merger and a chambers merger too.
Lawyers face enhanced risk in “grim” AI-fuelled crime outlook
Lawyers and others face a future in which criminals can use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to enhance their ability to commit fraud, Europol has warned.
Legal Services Board pushes back on claim it is overreaching
The Legal Services Board has firmly rebuffed suggestions that it is guilty of ‘overreach’ in doing more than just overseeing the performance of the frontline regulators.
SRA acknowledges need to speed up investigations into solicitors
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is introducing tougher targets for its investigators in a bid to reduce delays in processing complaints about solicitors.
Remote hearings have “no impact” on outcomes of Crown Court cases
Judges and lawyers can be reassured that holding Crown Court hearings and trials remotely makes no difference to the outcome, a major analysis has concluded.
BSB “assessing” self-reports from barristers over cab-rank rule defiance
The Bar Standards Board said last night that it was assessing self-reports from barristers who say they will defy the cab-rank rule – but experts predict it will not take action until they do.
Non-lawyers banned for taking money and forging signatures
Two non-lawyers who between them misappropriated £1m from their respective law firms’ bank accounts have been banned from working in the profession.
Boarding schools group launches ABS to help with overseas students
A group that includes the Boarding Schools Association has launched an alternative business structure to provide advice on UK immigration law to both schools and individuals.
Immigration lawyer secretly recorded by BBC struck off
An immigration solicitor secretly recorded by the BBC advising an undercover journalist how to obtain “fraudulent” evidence for a visa application has been struck off.
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.
