Latest news
Solicitor’s “blind spot” led to vulnerable client being defrauded
A very experienced solicitor who showed a “complete blind spot” with regard to his obligations to ‘know your client’ and recognise the risks of conveyancing fraud has been suspended for a year.
Leggatt: Witness demeanour as guide to truth “like spinning a coin”
A Supreme Court Justice has cast doubt on the value of the centuries-old practice of taking witness testimony in person, suggesting demeanour is of little help to judges or juries in determining the truth.
UK lawtech competitive lead “not what it was”
Regulatory certainty is the key to the U.K.’s success in a future global legal market dominated by technology, but access to justice and the rule of law should also be built in, a seminar heard this week.
Criminal solicitor fined £40k for pro bono work in family dispute
A criminal solicitor who helped out a friend in a family law dispute pro bono has been fined £40,000 for how he conducted the case, which “detrimentally impacted” all those involved.
Court of Appeal expedites hearing of whiplash mixed claim test cases
The Court of Appeal is to hear the expedited appeals in the first two cases on mixed injury claims – those involving both whiplash and non-whiplash injuries – in three weeks’ time.
Canadian law society allows listed DWF to overcome ban on buying firm
Listed practice DWF has bought a law firm in Vancouver, Canada for £28m, a deal only allowed by its local law society with conditions that ensure local lawyers retain control.
ET throws out claim against law firm over “deliberate attempt to mislead”
An employment tribunal claim against national law firm Shoosmiths has been thrown out because of the claimant’s “deliberate attempt to mislead” the bench about his alleged disability.
Client losses from cyber-attacks on law firms continue to fall
Law firms appear to be warding off cyber-attacks more successfully, with client losses falling to £700,000 in the first 10 months of this year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has revealed.
Personal injury solicitor awarded £32,000 for unfair dismissal
A personal injury solicitor who was transferred to a new law firm without notice or consultation has been awarded just under £32,000 in damages by an employment tribunal.
Dishonest paralegal, drink driving, AML failure – SRA hands out penalties
A paralegal who used case files he had not worked on as part of his application to be an accredited police station representative has been banned, among the latest sanctions handed out by the SRA.
Blog
The growing importance of higher limits in personal ATE
While the personal litigation market is undergoing a period of significant change as claims become more complex, much of the ATE insurance market has remained relatively static.
The profession can play a greater role in improving access to justice
In this, the third blog of my series, I focus on what lawyers in the UK can do to improve access to justice through greater professional stewardship.
Does AI work for conveyancers? We asked those on the front line
What is the view on AI from conveyancers themselves? Based on a Dye & Durham’s roundtable discussion on AI, the answer is: it depends.
Reports
Associates
