Latest news
Arrested children may be given legal advice automatically
The government is considering whether children in police stations should have to opt out of receiving legal advice, rather than opt in as now, it has emerged.
Solicitor struck off for sub-letting council home
A solicitor convicted of illegally subletting his council flat knew “right from wrong” despite ill health and personal problems, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has found.
Partners fined for sitting on almost 1,000 residual balances
Four partners in a Welsh law firm have been fined for sitting on 979 residual balances, totalling over £468,000, for “lengthy periods of time” and where there had been no activity for six months.
Small law firms fear collapse as Covid-19 drains work
Nearly three-quarters of small law firms believe they may have to close their doors in the next six months as result of the coronavirus crisis, Law Society research has found.
Ex-Lord Chancellor Gauke returns to old firm
Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who lost his seat at December’s general election, has returned to his old firm Macfarlanes as head of public policy.
SRA paralegal banned after child offences conviction
A paralegal who was working at the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been banned from the profession after being jailed for online sexual offences involving children.
Consumer panel slams compensation fund reforms
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has attacked SRA plans to reform the Compensation Fund, saying it should instead stop draining the fund to pay for closing down law firms.
Firm targets mass overturning of Post Office convictions
Hull-based Hudgell Solicitors has begun work on trying to overturn as many as 500 potentially unsafe convictions as a result of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
Crisis “will create opportunities” for firms that survive
Some law firms will go out of business, but the coronavirus crisis will “undoubtedly create opportunities” for those “agile” enough to take advantage of them, the founder of a legal consultancy has predicted.
Bar Council and BSB cut costs as Scots slash fees for solicitors
The Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have announced a series of measures – including furloughing – to make savings of more than £200,000 to support the profession during the Covid-19 crisis.
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.
