Latest news
High Court rejects solicitor’s appeal against £15,000 fine
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a solicitor against a £15,000 fine for paying £900 from a client into his personal bank account, again testing the boundary between dishonesty and a lack of integrity.
More backing for AI contract drafting start-up
An artificial intelligence start-up whose contract-writing assistant draws on a law firm’s own body of data and teaches itself without the need for training by lawyers, has received a further £1.2m in seed funding.
Credit hire and repair costs “recoverable under new portal”
PI claimants will be able to recover credit hire and repair costs under the new regime due to come into force next April if the total value of the claim does not exceed £10,000, it has emerged.
Report calls for better regulation of criminal defence work
An “effective system” is needed for monitoring the quality of criminal defence lawyers, a report has argued, identifying the way “perverse financial incentives” bear on the provision of services.
BSB reduces publication periods for misbehaving barristers
The Bar Standards Board is to cut the length of time that sanctions imposed on misbehaving barristers appear on its website, on the Bar Register and when it responds to requests for information.
New CILEx chief calls for “equality of opportunity”
The new president of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives has called for more action to ensure equality of opportunity for his members within the legal profession.
DWF trainee loses unfair dismissal claim over confidential emails
A trainee solicitor fired by listed law firm DWF for sharing confidential client information with a friend has failed in her unfair dismissal claim before an employment tribunal.
Mishcon de Reya tight-lipped over listing rumours
London law firm Mishcon de Reya said yesterday that it was looking to raise capital, and refused to confirm or deny media reports that it is eyeing up a listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Government to legislate for legal advice on NDAs
The government has pledged to change the law to ensure that employees signing non-disclosure agreements receive independent legal advice, and work with the SRA on updated guidance.
Cost of practising as a solicitor should fall, SRA board decides
Individual practising fee levels for 2019/20 should remain at the same level as the current year, with Compensation Fund contributions falling, the board of the SRA has decided.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
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.
