Latest news
McFarlane urges shift away from mediation in mandatory pre-divorce meetings
Mediation should no longer be the focus of divorce information meetings and they should be run by “generalist” lawyers and social workers as well as mediators.
Solicitor had cannabis at courthouse to help with Covid anxiety
A solicitor caught with cannabis in a court building, which he said he had to calm his anxiety after the start of lockdown in 2020, has been censured for his misconduct.
Acquisition number 13 for listed law firm pioneer Gateley
Pioneering listed law firm Gateley has bought a second firm of chartered patent attorneys this year with a £2.5m deal to buy Symbiosis IP Ltd, its 13th acquisition since listing in 2015.
Government to launch review of civil legal aid sustainability
The government is to launch a review of civil legal aid in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of providers.
Big law firms failing to provide “modern digital experience”
The largest law firms are failing to provide a modern digital experience for visitors to their websites, with 86 of the top 100 global practices lacking effective websites.
Ex-solicitor labelled “disgrace to profession” refused return to practice
A former solicitor, labelled a “dishonest crook, swindler and cheat” by a Crown Court judge 14 years ago after being convicted of assisting illegal immigration, will not be returning to practice.
Shortage of solicitors a “real risk” to Northern Ireland
There is a “real risk” to legal services in Northern Ireland from a shortage of solicitors, both in terms of legal aid provision and the ability of commercial firms to grow.
Solicitor’s overcharging warning to firm was a protected disclosure
A solicitor’s warnings to his law firm that it was overcharging a client were protected disclosures under employment law, a tribunal has ruled.
UK law firms banned from handling transactional work for Russians
UK law firms will be unable to provide “transactional legal advisory services” to Russians after the government ratcheted up the sanctions regime yet further.
Panicked solicitor under-settled claim and misled client
A solicitor panicked after realising she had missed a court deadline and under-settled her client’s personal injury claim before leading them on for more than four years about its progress.
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.
