Latest news
Rebuke for senior partner who used client account for personal matter
The senior partner of a London law firm has been rebuked for using its client account as a banking facility to deal with a personal matter.
MRO fees: No breakdown needed but judge sets 25% mark-up cap
There is “no realistic scope” to break down the elements of a medical reporting organisation’s fee, the Senior Costs Judge has ruled – but its recoverable mark-up should not exceed 25%.
SRA warns against making law firms take “remedial action” on EDI
A proposed rule requiring law firms to take “remedial action” to address disparities in equality, diversity and inclusion goes too far, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Scotland: English invasion “shows need for urgent ABS action”
The recent entry of two English ABSs into Scotland highlights the need for urgent action to allow non-lawyer ownership there, a campaign group has argued.
Man struck off and jailed for fraud refused return to roll of solicitors
A man struck off as a solicitor 18 years ago and then jailed for fraud has failed in his bid to rejoin the profession.
SRA warns of potential cost to profession of role in ILCA scheme
Solicitors may be faced with higher costs if the government wants the SRA involved in managing an Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme, it has warned.
Third Daily Mail sting solicitor cleared of misconduct
All three solicitors accused by the Daily Mail of offering to help an undercover reporter concoct false asylum claims have now been cleared of misconduct.
Conveyancers eye outsourcing to avoid HMRC registration
Conveyancers have complained about a lack of clarity on the requirement to register as tax advisers with HMRC, which comes into force in two months’ time.
Trio convicted of trying to fool solicitor in jury tampering bid
A convicted murderer and two accomplices who tried to fool solicitors for their criminal associates into reporting jury tampering so as to have the convictions quashed have themselves been convicted.
Case for review of reserved activities is growing, says new LSB chief
The case for a review of the list of reserved legal activities “is growing, and we intend to make it”, the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board has said.
Blog
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
