Latest news
“Strong improvement” in AML oversight by regulators
There has been a “strong improvement” among the legal regulators in their approach to anti-money laundering, their oversight body has reported.
Bar students urge BSB to reconsider exam delay
Students on the Bar professional training course have written a letter to the Bar Standards Board to object to its decision to cancel the April sitting of their exams. LPC students are preparing a similar letter.
Consumer panel urges more fixed fees and SRA fining powers
More use of fixed fees and an increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s fining powers are among recommendations made today by the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Ban for legal executive who used own money to cover error
A chartered legal executive who covered up a mistake by paying a client her own money to increase her settlement has been banned from working for solicitors’ firms.
Arizona looks to become first US state to allow ABSs
Arizona has become the first state in the US to formally seek the introduction of alternative business structures, it has emerged.
“Outrage” as only partners are allowed to work from home
A union representing legal workers has expressed “outrage” at the “classist allocation of risk” that is seeing law firm partners working from home while other staff are forced into the office.
Covid-19 round-up: BSB reassures barristers about rule breaches
Barristers who follow official guidance on Covid-19 will not be in breach of their professional obligations, the BSB has said amid a range of developments in the courts, PI and conveyancing.
Prospective LeO chief eyes taking action without complaints
The presumptive new chair of the Office for Legal Complaints – the board of the Legal Ombudsman – has suggested that it should not have to wait for complaints before taking action.
SRA to make immigration regulation permanent
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is set to extend indefinitely the suspension of immigration work from its removal of restrictions on solicitors providing non-regulated services.
No whiplash rules until May as clock ticks down to launch
Personal injury law firms and insurers look unlikely to have sight of the new rules governing the whiplash portal until May as they were not signed off at this month’s rule committee meeting.
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.
