Latest news
Probate solicitor took money from estates to keep firm afloat
A probate solicitor took money from the estates to shore up his practice over eight years and produced false accounts to clients to hide what he had done, it has emerged.
Claimant PI market will “contract sharply” after whiplash reforms
The Civil Liability Act reforms will lead to a sharp contraction in the claimant personal injury (PI) market, with firm closures and staff redundancies, according to a survey of solicitors.
Wills firm embraces four-day week for all staff
A wills and probate business in Plymouth has made headlines by becoming one of the first to embrace the embryonic trend of switching staff to a four-day week.
Survey: recruitment fears head mid-sized firms’ concerns
Recruiting and retaining talent is the top priority among mid-sized law firms, ahead of efficiency and financial performance, according to a benchmark survey of preoccupations as they devise strategy.
Rebuke for solicitor who made offensive comment to blind client
An experienced partner has been rebuked for making an offensive comment to a registered blind client in front of others after she asked for a form to be enlarged so that she could read it.
Number of law firms shut down falls to 10-year low
The number of law firms shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority fell to a 10-year low in 2018, but payouts to victims of dishonest solicitors have increased, new figures have shown.
Men twice as likely to run CLC-regulated firms as women
Men are twice as likely as women to be in managerial roles at law firms overseen by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers despite women making up 74% of the licensed conveyancer community.
Dental regulator named new chief executive of LSB
The executive director of strategy, policy and communications at the General Dental Council has been named as the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board.
High Court refuses employed lawyer pupillage exemption
The High Court has a rejected a challenge to a decision by the Bar Standards Board refusing to grant an exemption from the first non-practising stage of pupillage.
Need to swear an oath? Soon you can ask an accountant
David Gauke, the Lord Chancellor, has decided to allow the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to regulate the administration of oaths.
Blog
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.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
