Latest news
Barrister given green light to pursue outstanding fees claim
The High Court has rejected an Italian law firm’s bid to stay a barrister’s claim for outstanding fees because of an action it took against him in its home country.
Identity of person instructing solicitors not covered by privilege
The High Court has rejected a company’s claim to litigation privilege over the identity of who instructed its lawyers, with the judge setting out a two-part test on what was a novel point.
Ex-managing partner misled tribunal in discrimination claim
A former law firm managing partner misled an employment tribunal in the course of pursuing a disability discrimination claim against his ex-partners.
MPs and peers urge bigger fines for lawyers who break AML rules
MPs and peers have called for “a radical overhaul” of anti-money laundering supervision, with regulators of lawyers urged to issue wrongdoers with “bigger, more public” fines.
Firm embraces poetry and drums in bid to stand out from the crowd
A North-East practice has taken the unusual step of turning to poetry and jazz drumming in a bid to stand out from the law firm crowd, with a campaign called ‘Fearlessly Solving’.
Plan to reduce time limit for complaints to LeO “goes too far”
A proposal by the Legal Ombudsman to cut the time limit for consumers to bring a complaint from six years to one “goes too far”, the Bar Standards Board has argued.
Data protection consultancy launches ABS to offer legal advice
A specialist data protection consultancy is now offering its clients legal advice after launching an alternative business structure to compete with large law firms.
Solicitor who caused 25 claims on compensation fund struck off
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off a solicitor whose conduct has led to 25 claims on the SRA Compensation Fund totalling £750,000 from conveyancing clients.
Lawtech start-ups bag multi-million pound investments
Two lawtech start-ups have secured significant investment – one a software platform aimed at corporate in-house legal teams and the other a one-stop shop for the legal needs of SMEs.
Law firms selling funeral plans “may need FCA regulation”
Law firms selling pre-paid funeral plans as intermediaries may need to be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
