Latest news
ABS to keep staff “invested” through different kinds of shares
A new alternative business structure is to ensure staff are “personally invested” in the firm by offering them different kinds of shares.
Partner who told trainee to change dates of deed is struck off
A partner who told a trainee solicitor to change the date on a mortgage deed before sending it to Companies House and then to the Land Registry has been struck off.
Election law a growing area – and good for democracy, say experts
Challenging election results is on the rise across the world and this is a good thing, with a new breed of election lawyers emerging in some countries, according to the authors of a new book.
Clinical negligence leader sees results from “fast and fair” approach
The use of “fast and fair resolution” meetings has allowed the law firm that runs more clinical negligence cases than any other to settle a higher-than-average number.
Watchdog launches probe into Blacker’s legal advice charity
The Charity Commission has begun an investigation into the Joint Armed Forces Legal Advocacy Service in the wake of the continued involvement of notorious struck-off solicitor Dr Alan Blacker.
City partner rebuked for trial livestreaming breach
A City partner who allowed a trial to be livestreamed to observers outside the UK without the court’s permission has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Solicitor caught on CCTV giving cash to clients at police station
A veteran solicitor caught on CCTV four times giving cash to arrested clients at a Kent police station has been struck off. He said he had acted with the “utmost stupidity”.
Frozen personal injury fixed costs need “immediate review”
Many fixed recoverable costs for personal injury cases have not been increased since 2013 and are in need of “immediate review”, the Association of Consumer Support Organisations has said.
Fresh warning over barristers making “supportive” comments about cases
A senior QC has called for the “fundamentally contradictory” rules on what barristers can say in public about their cases to be re-examined.
SDT hears fewer sexual misconduct cases than expected
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard fewer cases involving sexual misconduct by solicitors last year than it expected, given the high number investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
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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