Latest news
SDT anticipates more cases on “toxic” law firm cultures
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal expects to see more cases involving “toxic and anachronistic” work cultures, and more appeals against the SRA’s use of its higher fining powers.
Junior lawyers find it harder to concentrate on virtual training
Junior lawyers “find it harder to concentrate” during virtual training sessions than their more senior colleagues, while partners felt they were not getting enough time with juniors.
SRA: Shutting Daily Mail sting firms was not due to political pressure
The boss of the SRA said today that the decision to shut down three law firms caught in a Daily Mail undercover sting had nothing to do with the political pressure that followed.
CILEX advocate sets up personal injury firm regulated by BSB
A personal injury specialist has become one of the first CILEX advocates to set up a law firm regulated by the Bar Standards Board, providing county court advocacy services.
Solicitor who lied to client and SRA is struck off
A solicitor who repeatedly lied to a client and also acted for clients while he was suspended, lying about it to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has been struck off.
Judge “deeply concerned” by verbal threats from unhappy litigant
A judge has expressed his “deep concern” at being threatened verbally by a litigant in person unhappy with his ruling but continued to hand down judgment on the second part of her appeal.
Conveyancers positive about mental health despite high stress levels
Conveyancers and other property professionals believe their mental health is better than it has been since before the pandemic despite high levels of stress.
Bar chief: Legal Twitter pile-ons “getting out of hand”
The number of ‘pile-ons’ on legal Twitter is “getting out of hand”, the chairman of the Bar Council has argued ahead of the BSB looking to “tackle gendered bullying” in revised social media guidance.
Freezing order for disbarred barrister acting as McKenzie Friend
A one-time barrister disbarred in 2016 has had her assets frozen over allegations of misappropriating money from a client while acting as a McKenzie Friend.
Profession backs immigration solicitor over Conservative “hit job”
The Law Society and Bar Council have issued a joint statement expressing their “grave” concern at Conservative Party-inspired media attacks on a leading immigration solicitor.
Blog
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
Material information and the case for intelligent client onboarding
Upfront information means work traditionally undertaken after an offer is accepted will need to happen earlier. And that fundamentally changes the role of client onboarding.
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