Latest news
Solicitor “abandoned clients” after PI reforms wrecked firm
A solicitor who closed his firm in a chaotic manner after it was devastated by the personal injury reforms – even allowing two clients to attend court without representation – has been suspended.
Crisis gives firms “platform to accelerate change”
The coronavirus crisis has given law firms a “platform to accelerate change” in promoting equality, the chief operating officer of Bristol-based law firm Burges Salmon has said.
Gateley redeploys staff to “busy” counter-cyclical areas
AIM-listed law firm Gateley has moved underemployed staff to support counter-cyclical services that are “extremely busy”, it reassured investors yesterday.
Conveyancers lobby for furloughing flexibility
Conveyancers and other property stakeholders have called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to allow them to move staff in and out of furlough on a weekly basis as the home-moving market recovers.
Solicitor struck off for lying about counsel attending mediation
A solicitor who “reluctantly” admitted that he acted dishonestly in telling the other side of a dispute that counsel would be attending a mediation, when she had not been instructed, has been struck off.
Law firms were paid out of frozen bank account
A property investor breached the terms of a freezing order by using company funds to pay outstanding fees to two London law firms, which repaid the money when they found out.
Call for review of regulator costs in unsuccessful prosecutions
The Law Commission should review whether regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority should be insulated from costs orders in disciplinary actions they lose, a senior judge has suggested.
Covid-19 remote hearings “must not become settled norm”
Remote hearings have been a successful emergency measure but should not be taken as establishing a settled mode of operation for the family courts after Covid-19, a leading judge has warned.
BSB outlines concern over post-virus ‘virtual’ chambers
Some chambers may choose to continue operating virtually once the Covid-19 crisis passes, with “significant implications” for their support services and collegiality.
Law firm unlocks new funding to develop redaction tool
Weightmans has become the first law firm to secure Bridging for Innovators funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which will help it develop a legal redaction tool.
Blog
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
