Latest news
Solicitor struck off for selling property without co-owner’s knowledge
A solicitor who sold a property he part-owned without the knowledge of his co-owner has been struck off, with the SDT finding he was “primarily motivated” by resentment.
NHS spend on legal costs is “unacceptable”, say MPs
It is “unacceptable” that so much public money is spent on legal fees for clinical negligence claims and the government needs to take action, MPs said today.
Lawyers sign letter to Starmer calling for “universal” anti-SLAPPs law
A group of media lawyers, including newspaper general counsel and KCs, have put their names to an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for stronger anti-SLAPP provisions.
Advice on conduct of litigation was not clear enough, LSB finds
Some of the information provided to lawyers over the years about the conduct of litigation was not clear enough, the Legal Services Board has concluded.
SQE delivering diverse cohort of students, figures show
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination is attracting a diverse range of candidates, with 35% from an ethnic minority and 37% from ‘less privileged’ backgrounds.
Fee for accessing Lenders’ Handbook infuriates conveyancers
Conveyancers have reacted furiously to the introduction of an annual fee of £50 per user to access the the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook.
High Court rejects law firm’s challenge to costly LeO decision
The High Court has refused a law firm permission to challenge a decision of the Legal Ombudsman which cost it over £115,000 in compensation and reduced costs.
Community interest company uses AI to support immigration work
A community interest company is using artificial intelligence to help it provide pro bono advice to people seeking global talent visas to come to the UK.
SRA issues ‘no win, no fee’ warning to counter poor behaviour
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a warning notice on the use of ‘no win, no fee’ agreements in high-volume consumer claims amid multiple concerns about their misuse.
SDT draws line where solicitors should stop acting for clients
Doubts about a client’s truthfulness is not a good reason for solicitors to stop acting, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has stressed.
Blog
Modern search is about ‘knowledge’ retrieval
Search has long been understood as data retrieval – the ability to call back information and check a box on finding something. Legal professionals today need more of a 360-degree view on a matter.
Lessons from Sir Keir Starmer for SRA chief
The proposed 29%, or £25m, increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s budget announced last week should really come as no great surprise.
The hidden risks in client account reconciliations
The client account reconciliation process will be second nature to most people in legal finance – and so is also a potential area for a problem to be undetected until it becomes serious.
