Latest news
Covid not good enough reason for solicitors missing court deadline
The disruption caused by Covid last year was not a good enough excuse for a law firm missing a deadline to file amended particulars of claim by four months, the High Court has ruled.
Clients committed to jail for contempt over unpaid solicitors’ bills
Two clients who owe their solicitors £2.3m in outstanding fees, costs and interest have been committed to prison having been found guilty of 14 charges of contempt of court.
Partners want to work less but have more time for unbillable activities
Three in 10 partners at large firms are unhappy with their working hours, with many also not keen to undertake non-billable work unrelated to business development, research has found.
Trainee successfully appeals rebuke over “inappropriate” Christmas card
A male trainee solicitor at Dentons has successfully appealed a rebuke from the SRA over a sexually suggestive Christmas card he left on the desk of a female colleague.
Unregulated firm uses AI to offer clients debt repayment guarantee
An unregulated law firm is offering businesses a “highly automated” debt recovery service that guarantees debts of up to £5,000 that go to court will be repaid, by the firm if not the debtor.
Law students pledge to boycott top firm for “shielding polluters”
Law students are signing a pledge to boycott a leading US law firm because of its work “shielding corporate polluters from climate accountability”.
Top 50 law firms heading for “two-track” future
Variations in progress among the top 50 law firms over the past five years is leading to a “two-track” market where one group is likely to “accelerate past” the rest, a report has argued.
“Diligent and caring solicitor” was not dishonest over medical reports
A personal injury lawyer who the SRA accepted was a “diligent and caring solicitor” but was under “significant pressure” from his employer has been cleared of dishonesty by a tribunal.
Leading Conservative MP outlines worries about state of county court
The Conservative chairman of the justice select committee has spoken out about the problems in the county court, saying civil justice is “nowhere near high enough up the agenda”.
Tribunal rejects solicitor judges’ claims for backpay
Two solicitors who sought to bring claims against the Ministry of Justice for money owed from when they sat as part-time judges over 14 years ago have had them thrown out due to limitation.
Blog
Modern vehicles: new injury profiles and new legal challenges
As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow year-on-year, it is important to address the risks that come with their increased adoption.
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.
