Latest news
“Manifestly incompetent” solicitor suspended over running of firm
A sole practitioner who was dismissed as a consultant after selling their firm has been suspended for three months by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Acquisition marks next step in aggressive growth at Octopus Legacy
The Octopus Group, the £13bn financial services and energy business, claims it is now the second largest estate planning business in the country after buying WSL Will Writing.
Profession welcomes CJC report – except FCA oversight of law firms
This week’s Civil Justice Council report on litigation funding has received a positive reaction from the profession, except the idea of the FCA co-regulating law firms with ‘portfolio funding’.
Ex-Linklaters employee banned for “serious sexual misconduct”
A former employee of Linklaters has been made subject to controls on his future employment in the profession over “serious sexual misconduct” targeted at a junior colleague.
Investigation raises doubts about rigour of Law Society’s CQS
Seven in 10 law firms fined for anti-money laundering breaches in recent months have Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, raising serious questions about how it is checked and enforced.
Court protects solicitor deputies asked to pay off drug debt
The High Court has ordered two solicitors acting as deputies for a man in his 20s not to pay off a £17,000 debt he owes drug dealers.
APIL urges regulators to act over “scattergun” dishonesty claims
Abuse of the fundamental dishonesty rules by some defendants in personal injury cases is likely to escalate if regulators do not address the issue, according to APIL.
Post Office KC stresses advocacy role for juniors in inquiries
Being on the barrister team for public inquiries can “stifle career development” despite the prestige if there is little actual advocacy involved, according to the head of the Post Office inquiry team.
Law firm slapped with £80,000 fine for AML breaches
A London law firm has been fined nearly £80,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for failures to comply with the anti-money laundering rules, one of the largest to date.
Still no timeline for ABSs in Scotland despite new law
The Law Society of Scotland has declined to confirm when it will introduce alternative business structures now that all ownership restrictions on them have been removed.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
