Latest news
Accountant severely reprimanded over SRA report
An accountant found to have “improperly” issued a report to the Solicitors Regulation Authority about a law firm has been severely reprimanded by his regulator.
Withers bids to help couples negotiate separation
A service for couples wanting an amicable separation without instructing separate lawyers has been launched by Withers, which has also worked with Mariella Frostrup on a relationship podcast series.
Bomb hoax barrister fails to overturn law firm ban
A barrister jailed in 2014 for a bomb hoax at the London Olympics has failed in his attempt to overturn an order imposed by the SRA that banned him from working for law firms.
Week one of lockdown: new enquiries dived, furloughing began
The first week of the coronavirus lockdown saw new enquiries fall by up to 60% and firms start furloughing staff at once, research by a leading consultant has found. But they are “up for the fight”.
Exclusive: SRA to regulate National Accident Helpline
National Accident Helpline is giving up its authorisation as a claims management company and will in future be overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA: Client-care letters not compulsory for emergency wills
Solicitors can give client-care information verbally if a client urgently needs a will due to the coronavirus, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed.
Simpson Millar buys PI practices and is on the hunt for more
National law firm Simpson Millar has demonstrated its confidence in the post-coronavirus future by buying its second personal injury book of business in the past few months and targeting more.
Barrister suspended for headbutting female colleague
A senior barrister who headbutted a junior female member of chambers during a drunken row, leaving her on the ground with blood all over her face, has been suspended for three months.
Coronavirus hits SRA’s plan to target AML laggards
The coronavirus crisis has hindered the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s efforts to pursue law firms that have ignored its efforts to check they are complying with its anti-money laundering rules.
In-house lawyer facilitated sham £16m property schemes
A solicitor who acted as head of legal and a “puppet director” for a variety of companies involved in sham £16m property schemes has been struck off.
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.
