Government backs “comprehensive review” of legal services regulation
The government is to undertake a “comprehensive review” of whether legal services regulation remains fit for purpose, the Ministry of Justice revealed today.
‘Polluter pays’ means profession set to pay less for LeO
The Legal Ombudsman’s budget is set to rise by 6.9% next year but the levy on lawyers to pay for it will fall because of the stronger ‘polluter pays’ regime of case fees.
AML: Conveyancers “should report membership of developer panels”
Property developers should be regulated for anti-money laundering purposes and conveyancers should have to report annually on membership of their panels.
Law firm can keep acting in dispute after partner swapped sides
A law firm representing a woman in a dispute with her ex-husband can continue to act despite hiring the partner who previously supervised the legal work for him, the High Court has ruled.
PE-backed personal injury deal leads trio of acquisitions
Private equity-backed Express Solicitors has made its fourth acquisition of the year with a deal for a well-known fellow Manchester personal injury firm.
SRA “keeping close eye” on accumulator law firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is conducting monthly “intelligence-led reviews and risk assessments” of so-called accumulator firms, it has emerged.
AI-native US firm opening in London as part of global expansion
A US company that earlier this year set up a law firm backed by its AI system has made its first UK hire to manage its expansion both here and elsewhere around the world.
Trainee solicitor and paralegal banned for sexual offences convictions
A trainee solicitor and paralegal have been banned from working in the profession following separate convictions that included attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Dismay over government response to MPs’ legal aid report
Four leading legal advice charities have expressed their dismay at the government’s failure to accept a single recommendation on improving the legal aid system.
MPs “deeply concerned” by government’s approach to legal aid
The justice select committee is “deeply concerned” about the government’s approach to legal aid, following a “highly disappointing” response to its critique of the system.
