Latest news
Lawyers face new anti-money laundering levy
Lawyers are to face a levy to help fund government action to tackle money laundering and ensure delivery of its economic crime plan, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in yesterday’s Budget.
Retired solicitor who tried to kiss 15-year-old struck off
A 66-year-old male solicitor found guilty of sexual assault when he tried to kiss a 15-year-old girl in a pub has been struck off in an incident described as “thoroughly unpleasant”.
Bail-jumping barrister suspended after assault conviction
A barrister convicted of assault after beating a woman and of failing to surrender to custody has been reprimanded and suspended from practice for four months.
Mirror’s in-house lawyers under phone-hacking scrutiny
The High Court has rejected a bid to strike out the claim by various public figures that the legal department of MGN Group knew about phone hacking at the Daily Mirror.
Solicitor’s seven-year “exile” ended by STaRs
A pioneering solicitor who came off the roll so she could continue providing housing advice from her unregulated firm has returned to the profession after a seven-year “exile”.
Court service set to pilot online PI claims system
A pilot for dealing with personal injury claims online is set to launch in late spring. It will be developed during the year so claims can be completed online all the way to the final hearing.
Solicitor fined for failing to supervise thieving bookkeeper
A solicitor who failed to properly supervise his firm’s bookkeeper – who went on to steal £25,000 – has been fined £2,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the second such sanction he has received.
PI boss fined for forwarding “grossly offensive” email
The former head of catastrophic injury at a Liverpool law firm has been fined £1,600 for forwarding a “highly derogatory and grossly offensive” email to a colleague.
High Court allows new harassment claims against barrister
A High Court judge has allowed three new harassment allegations against barrister Barbara Hewson to go ahead, while upholding an earlier ruling that a host of other ones should be struck out.
No privilege for law firm’s gold dust investment documents
An international law firm must disclose documents relating to a failed gold dust investment scheme which showed “the classic hallmarks” of fraud, the High Court has ruled.
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.
