Latest news
Lord Chancellor praises lawyers’ “heroic” efforts
The Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland yesterday praised lawyers for their “heroic efforts” in trying to keep trials going, but said the government was being criticised too harshly.
Time for Scotland to embrace ABSs, says watchdog
The Competition and Markets Authority has called for alternative business structures to be allowed in Scotland, and for a shift to the independent regulation of lawyers.
SRA will take “pragmatic” approach to breaches during pandemic
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has finally issued guidance to those it regulates on dealing with the coronavirus, stressing it will be “pragmatic” when taking action over rule breaches.
Circuit leader tells barristers not to attend court today
The leader of the North Eastern Circuit has urged his members not to attend any court hearings today in the wake of the government’s decision last night to lock down the UK.
Legal aid fraud trial stopped as barristers self-isolate
The trial of nine lawyers over an alleged plot to scam £11m from the legal aid system was abandoned last Friday after several counsel withdrew to self-isolate.
“Self-critical” solicitor cleared of dishonesty
A solicitor described as “self-critical to an extent that was beyond any fault found” has been cleared of dishonesty after facilitating a transaction which bore the hallmarks of mortgage fraud.
Government identifies justice system’s keyworkers
Legal professionals involved in court and tribunal hearings, as well as those advising people deprived of their liberty or on executing wills are ‘keyworkers’, the Ministry of Justice has said.
Don’t believe the hype: “Modest” take-up of lawtech
The take-up of many forms of lawtech are “modest” in England and Wales, and especially so for technology assisted by artificial intelligence, despite the hype around it, new research has found.
Partner fined for using firm’s accounts as bank
A partner who used his law firm’s office and client accounts as personal banking facilities has been fined £2,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Home-working should not just be for fee-earners, says union
A union for legal sector workers has urged fee-earners allowed to work from home “to show solidarity” with administrative staff at their firms who have not been.
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.
