Latest news
Solicitor had “massive holes” in accounts knowledge
A law firm owner who admitted having “massive holes” in her knowledge of the accounts rules has been fined £5,000 after letting a £41,000 shortfall build up on client account.
Injured patients “should not feel they need a lawyer immediately”
A campaign group for people injured by their healthcare is calling for more publicly funded advice and advocacy so they no longer feel that they have to go “straight to a lawyer”.
Leasehold extension specialist with “social aim” launches ABS
A business specialising in leasehold extensions has set up an alternative business structure to provide clients with a “one-stop shop” covering valuation, project management and legal advice.
Solicitor struck off for single incident of “manifest incompetence”
A solicitor whose incompetence enabled the transfer of an elderly man’s property to fraudsters for no consideration has been struck off, even although it was a single incident in a 19-year career.
Metamorph mystery deepens as Stockdale returns to group board
The mystery of what is happening at law firm consolidator Metamorph deepened last week after executive chairman Tony Stockdale returned as a director – just three weeks after quitting.
Court of Appeal rules against EasyJet again on flight delay claims
EasyJet’s latest effort to cut out solicitors from flight delay claims has failed, after the Court of Appeal found shortcomings in its automated system.
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.
Blog
Why is Andrew Malkinson still paying for a crime he didn’t commit?
Like many in my profession and beyond, I have been moved by the case of Andrew Malkinson, the man who spent 17 years in prison for an awful crime he did not commit.
What is tech bloat and why is it a problem for law firms?
Too many law firms are adopting shiny new tech without first retiring their legacy systems, causing duplication and unnecessary costs.
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
