Latest news
Supreme Court finds for lenders on motor finance – with one exception
The Supreme Court this afternoon overturned the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the motor finance litigation – with one exception, the unfair relationship under the Consumer Credit Act.
Pogust Goodhead: Dam defendants “trying to put us out of business”
Class action practice Pogust Goodhead has accused the defendants in the Fundão Dam case of trying to “put an end” to the firm by settling claims directly with its clients.
Barrister loses appeal against disbarment for sexual harassment
A barrister disbarred for sexual harassing a woman during a mini pupillage and, separately, two pupils at social events, has lost his appeal against the sanction.
CAT makes costs support and public funding agreements standard
People bringing collective actions should always instruct costs specialists to assist them with scrutinising their lawyers’ fees and also make their funding agreements public, the CAT has ruled.
BSB gives undertakings over performance improvements
The Bar Standards Board has given the Legal Services Board a series of voluntary undertakings about how it will improve its performance over the next three years.
SRA and FCA join forces to warn over motor finance misconduct
Regulators have issued a warning to law firms and claims management companies about their conduct of motor finance claims ahead of tomorrow’s Supreme Court ruling.
LeO eyes £600 case fee for lawyers who do not handle complaints well
LeO has decided against introducing a ‘polluter pays’ principle to penalise firms which repeatedly fail to deal with complaints properly – but wants to increase the case fee by 50%.
Solicitor fails to overturn SDT finding over misuse of client money
A solicitor struck off for using client money to prop up his firm has failed in his appeal to the High Court – and also in his effort to remain anonymous.
OPRC consults on inclusion framework and pre-action model
The Online Procedure Rule Committee has launched its first public consultation, on an inclusion framework and pre-action model that would set standards for digital services.
Solicitor failed to do proper checks on PEP and misused client account
A solicitor who failed to undertake proper AML checks on a client who was a politically exposed person and also allowed him to use his firm’s client as a banking facility, has been fined.
Blog
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
