Latest news
Large law firms experiencing two ‘cyber incidents’ a month
Large law firms experienced an average of 23 ‘cyber incidents’ in the past 12 months and are among the lower spenders on cyber protection compared to other sectors.
Solicitor who made “derogatory” remarks to counterpart fined
A solicitor who made “inappropriate, derogatory, puerile and inflammatory remarks” in emails to another solicitor has been fined £7,500 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
World Mental Health Day: Calls to LawCare up sharply this year
LawCare has seen a 24% increase in the number of legal professionals contacting it for support so far this year, showing that employers need “to do more to create mentally healthy workplaces”.
Law Society eyes solicitors’ consortia to run legal advice helplines
The Law Society is set to examine creating consortia of solicitors to run subscription-funded legal advice helplines as part of proposals to “fix” the civil justice system.
Rise in bullying and harassment complaints against barristers
The Bar Standards Board has welcomed an increase in reports of bullying and harassment in the profession, saying the rise indicates growing confidence in how it deals with them.
Sanctioned company has “right to access courts”, appeal judges rule
The Court of Appeal has rejected a Russian tycoon’s bid to stay an $850m claim brought against him by two Russian banks, despite one being sanctioned, citing the right to access the courts.
Eight out of 10 City law firms report fall in PEP
Profits per equity partner are tumbling at City law firms despite increases in revenue, new research has found. Eight in 10 City firms reported a decline in PEP this year.
Bar chief suspended for train chat that breached court order
The former head of the Scottish Bar has been suspended after being filmed on a train naming women who had accused ex-SNP leader Alex Salmond of sexual assault, in breach of a court order.
PII renewal heralds annual M&A rush among law firms
The 1 October indemnity insurance deadline many law firms still adhere to has been marked by the usual rush of merger activity up and down the country, from Leeds to Nottingham to Devon and beyond.
Law firm fined after building up £105k in residual client balances
A North London law firm that allowed £105,000 of residual client balances to build up over 13 years has been fined £14,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Blog
The profession can play a greater role in improving access to justice
In this, the third blog of my series, I focus on what lawyers in the UK can do to improve access to justice through greater professional stewardship.
Does AI work for conveyancers? We asked those on the front line
What is the view on AI from conveyancers themselves? Based on a Dye & Durham’s roundtable discussion on AI, the answer is: it depends.
Is the legal profession ready for agentic AI?
An AI agent is difficult to supervise. By design, it works in the background. It means a solicitor can be held responsible for work they had no real means to oversee.
Reports
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