Latest news
Sceptical crime lawyers lambast Raab’s plan to “extend” higher rights
Lawyers have reacted with scepticism at the suggestion that Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab wants to “extend” higher rights of audience to more criminal defence solicitors.
High Court strikes out LiP’s “vexatious” fraud claim against solicitor
The High Court has struck out a “vexatious” and “abusive” fraud claim by a litigant in person, seeking £160,000 in damages from a solicitor over a 17-year-old property dispute.
“Little evidence” of discrimination or harassment on Bar courses
There is little evidence of bullying, discrimination and harassment on Bar training courses, students have reported as part of research into equality and diversity at the vocational stage of training.
SRA set to curb litigators’ use of ‘private and confidential’ letters
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to issue guidance on when litigators are allowed to label letters as ‘private and confidential’ and/or ‘without prejudice’.
Panel warns on impact of “seismic” change to complaint time-limits
The “seismic shift” in time limits to complain to the Legal Ombudsman will require close monitoring to ensure that consumers do not lose out.
Court throws out £1.3m claim against City firm over service failure
The High Court has thrown out a negligence claim for almost £1.3m served on a City law firm after the time limit for service had expired.
Californian legislators bid to crush any ambitions to allow ABSs
Californian legislators have blocked efforts by the State Bar to consider non-lawyer ownership of law firms, in the latest battle over alternative business structures in the US.
SRA plans huge increase in fines for misconduct by wealthy solicitors
The SRA is planning huge increases in the fines it can impose for misconduct by wealthy solicitors – from the current £50,000 to £805,000 – while reducing them for lower earners.
Barrister’s witness statement transcription tool trained in legal English
The first transcription tool specifically designed for witness statements has been launched this summer, after the AI was trained to cope with legal language such as “my learned friend”.
Solicitor rebuked for offering invalid document certification services
A solicitor who called himself a notary when he was not and ‘apostilled’ documents despite not being allowed to has been rebuked after he said he was unaware of the restrictions.
Blog
Lessons from Sir Keir Starmer for SRA chief
The proposed 29%, or £25m, increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s budget announced last week should really come as no great surprise.
The hidden risks in client account reconciliations
The client account reconciliation process will be second nature to most people in legal finance – and so is also a potential area for a problem to be undetected until it becomes serious.
Mentoring the next generation of litigation leaders
As a female lawyer, from the North, with a state school education, I understand the value of sharing perspectives, experiences and contacts.
