Latest news
“Disgraceful” solicitor misled elderly woman over outstanding fees
A solicitor who misled an 89-year-old former client into giving him money she did not owe has been struck off for “disgraceful behaviour” capable of shattering public trust in the profession.
Law firms risk claims without safeguards for generative AI
Law firms must either introduce “safeguards that include human oversight” to authenticate AI-generated content or “expect an increased exposure” to negligence claims, a leading law firm has warned.
LSB set to recommend bigger fining powers for SRA and other regulators
The Legal Services Board is set to make a direct request to the government to increase the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s fining powers beyond the current £25,000 limit.
High Court rejects barrister’s bid to halt negligence case
The High Court has rejected a barrister’s appeal against a ruling that a negligence claim against him should not be struck out on limitation grounds.
Niche cohabitation law firm aims to fill “gap in market”
A law firm has been launched in Bristol specialising solely in advising cohabiting couples on their relationships and on contentious probate, claiming to be the first of its kind.
SRA to toughen up on compliance with continuing competence rules
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to step up efforts to ensure compliance with continuing competence obligations, particularly among conveyancers and probate specialists.
Personal injury market showing “little signs of recovery”
The personal injury market is showing “little signs of recovery”, with some – mainly larger – firms posting good results and having expansion strategies, new research has found.
SRA allows convicted and struck off ex-solicitor to work for law firm
A solicitor jailed for perverting the course of justice after sharing information about police activities with drug dealers, and then struck off, has been allowed to return to work at a law firm.
Conveyancer who told trainee to falsify email is struck off
A solicitor who falsified emails in five conveyancing transactions as he struggled to cope with the post-Covid work surge, in one case telling a trainee to send a client false information, has been struck off.
Firm fails in bid to stop former directors setting up new practice
A Liverpool law firm has failed in a claim that two former directors used confidential information in an effort to set up a new practice in unlawful competition with it.
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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