Latest news
Land Registry calls on law firms to reduce “avoidable errors”
The deputy chief land registrar has called on conveyancing firms to ensure they are not making “avoidable errors” on registration applications.
Self-employed consultant was employee of firm under Equality Act
A self-employed consultant at a law firm fell within the definition of an employee for the purposes of claims under the Equality Act 2010, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Partner hid conveyancing proceeds in secret bank account
A law firm co-owner who covered up the existence of a bank account he used for the proceeds of a conveyancing transaction – from both his partner and regulator – has been struck off.
Barristers cannot avoid disciplinary action by renouncing status
Barristers cannot escape disciplinary proceedings by renouncing their membership of the profession, a Bar disciplinary tribunal has ruled.
North-east “best location” for small conveyancing firms
Small firms in the north-east of England are most likely to do better in the residential conveyancing market than other regions as the dominance of the large firms re-established itself.
Warning for fee-share consultants in solicitor’s strike-off
A self-employed consultant has been struck off after asking a client to pay a £750 bill to him directly and keep it secret from the law firm he was attached to.
MPs launch inquiry into impact of whiplash reforms
MPs have today launched an inquiry into how the whiplash reforms are working, including the impact on the number of claims and whether they ensure access to justice.
High Court rejects client’s bid to escape £417k payment to City firm
The High Court has rejected the appeal of a former client of a leading City law firm against a decision that he has to pay its outstanding fees of £417,000.
Legal Services Board “needs to focus more on access to justice”
The Legal Services Board should put a priority on access to justice and the needs of people on low incomes rather than professional ethics in its next research programme,.
Six out of 10 lawyers “have experienced burn-out”
More than six out of 10 lawyers (62%) have experienced burn-out as a result of their work in the last year, a survey has found.
Blog
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
Material information and the case for intelligent client onboarding
Upfront information means work traditionally undertaken after an offer is accepted will need to happen earlier. And that fundamentally changes the role of client onboarding.
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