Latest news
MPs see lawyers clash over need for action to curb SLAPPs
Leading libel lawyers have given very different opinions to the justice committee on what the government should do to control SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation).
Listed compliance company targets law firms with acquisition
Listed company Marlowe has made Compliance Office – a business that advises law firms on compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority rules – the latest addition to its fast-growing legal arm.
Commercial Court “actively looking” to hear cases outside London
The judge in charge of the Commercial Court has said she is “actively looking” for cases that can be heard outside of London – cases should be tried where they can best be heard for that dispute.
Government puts back fixed costs extension by six months
The Ministry of Justice has put back by six months to April 2023 the extension of fixed recoverable costs across the fast-track and in most money cases worth up to £100,000.
Appeal court deprecates “act of deliberate concealment” by party
Civil litigation should be conducted “with cards on the table – face up” and the courts should not “sanction an act of deliberate concealment” by one of the parties, appeal judges have ruled.
Judge tells regulators to use summary processes against vexatious litigants
Legal regulators need to have summary processes in place to deal with vexatious litigants who use their procedures to continue a “proxy war” against lawyers, a High Court judge has said.
Solicitor struck off for sexually assaulting friend’s wife
A solicitor has been struck off for sexually assaulting the wife of a “long-term friend” as she slept, after drinking downstairs with her husband who fell asleep.
SRA budget to rise £5.3m this year as cost of living crisis bites
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is set to increase its budget by £5.3m in the coming year, with staff costs and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam the main drivers.
Court of Appeal backs decision to make collective action opt-out
The difficulty of people signing up to a collective action and the availability of third-party funding were legitimate factors to take into account in making it opt-out, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Solicitor who injected blood into food not guilty due to insanity
A solicitor who injected food with his blood at a series of supermarkets, causing losses of £500,000, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
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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