Latest news
SRA uses enhanced fining power for the first time with £15,000 penalty
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has used its enhanced fining power for the first time, imposing a £15,000 fine on a solicitor who failed clients subject to deputyship orders.
“Win-win” as Sussex firm embraces employee ownership
A law firm in Sussex has become the latest employee-owned law firm, with its former owner saying he expected more to follow suit. Staff at a firm that did it last month are to receive £500 each already.
Turnover and profits continue to rise at first listed law firm
Turnover at pioneering listed law firm Gateley have risen by 22% so far this year, with profits up 11% – but its chief executive has said now is not the time for other firms to go public.
Barrister jailed for child sex offences disbarred
A barrister convicted of multiple child sex offences last year and jailed for three and a half years has now been disbarred. He did not know the children he had contacted were not real.
MPs back tougher economic crime fines and oversight for lawyers
MPs have backed giving the Solicitors Regulation Authority unlimited fining powers in cases of economic crime, as well as a new regulatory objective for the Legal Services Act.
Bar Council piles pressure on BSB over Dinah Rose case
The Bar Council has taken the unusual step of criticising the Bar Standards Board for its “unacceptable and inexcusable” handling of a complaint against Dinah Rose KC.
Quarter of firms in SRA review of immigration work face disciplinary action
Ten of the 40 law firms that took part in a Solicitors Regulation Authority review of immigration services have been referred for possible disciplinary action after it found “significant shortcomings”.
Listed firms’ share prices jump while Ince looks to raise another £4m
Shares in listed law firms Knights and the Ince Group have risen in the wake of trading updates, with Ince also announcing plans to raise another £4m to invest in its core legal services business.
BSB apologises to top KC over handling of complaint against her
The Bar Standards Board has issued an apology to leading silk Dinah Rose for its handling of a complaint against her and suggesting she might have been reckless in her conduct.
Law firm wins VAT battle with HMRC over office leases
A law firm LLP that used a shell company to enter into leases for its offices has won an appeal against an HM Revenue & Customs decision that it could not recover the VAT incurred.
Blog
Small steps, big impact: how SME law firms are making legal tech work
For SME law firms, the priority is turning the potential of tech into measurable impact: success is driven not just by the technology, but by how firms approach planning and implementation.
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
