Latest news
Scottish solicitors to receive Covid cut to cost of practising
The Law Society of Scotland has again reduced the cost of practising in recognition of the impact of Covid-19 on its members – in contrast with its counterpart in England and Wales.
FCA launches crackdown on claims management ‘phoenixing’
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a crackdown on ‘phoenixing’ involving claims management companies specialising in financial services.
App launches with huge range of legal help to consumers and SMEs
An app for SMEs to diagnose and get guidance on their legal problems has now launched a consumer version that helps users find and book a lawyer, and is integrated with government services.
Oxford firm embraces employee ownership in response to Covid
A 40-strong law firm based in Oxford has become the latest to embrace employee ownership, with the firm’s managing director saying she was inspired to act by how staff rallied during Covid.
CLC to introduce ‘polluter pays’ to cover cost of Legal Ombudsman
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is set to become the first regulator to introduce a ‘polluter pays’ element to how it recovers the cost of the Legal Ombudsman from those it regulates.
Jail for conman who cloned CMC and sold fake PI claims to law firm
A man has been jailed for orchestrating fraudulent motor insurance claims and cloning a claims management company to pass them to a firm of solicitors in return for referral fees.
SRA and BSB change approaches to gender in diversity surveys
Both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board are this year changing their approach to recording the sex and gender identity of those they regulate, it has emerged.
Smaller firms reducing office space as recovery gathers pace
A quarter of small and mid-sized law firms have either downsized their office space this year or expect to shortly, according to Law Society research which also found growing confidence in the market.
Non-solicitors sanctioned by SRA for range of misconduct
The SRA has banned a host of non-solicitors from working in the profession for misconduct ranging from taking money and fabricating correspondence to accepting a £20,000 gift from a client.
Barrister reprimanded for talking to lay opponent without their lawyer
A barrister whose actions in speaking to the opposing lay client in the absence of their lawyer led a court to adjourn a hearing has been sanctioned by a disciplinary tribunal.
Blog
How unstoppable AI is reshaping UK legal practice
At a time when most technology innovation still flows from the US and China, UK lawtech is attracting growing international attention and capital.
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.
