Latest news
Solicitor who took £1m from clients jailed
A solicitor who took almost £1m from the estates of dead clients has been jailed for six years. He charged hugely inflated fees to deal with probate, in one case charging 50 times the estimated fee.
Vos: “Court technology can speed up progress on diversity”
Lawtech can provide a “virtuous circle” that simultaneously both improves access to justice and delivers social and gender mobility to the upper reaches of the judiciary, according to a senior judge.
Female barristers highlight clash between work and family
Research led by female barristers has highlighted the stark choices faced by women trying to balance working in private practice with looking after children.
Mini-pupillages could “indirectly discriminate”, BSB review finds
Unpaid mini-pupillages could “indirectly discriminate” against would-be barristers from poorer backgrounds, a review by the Bar Standards Board has found.
Listed law firm’s shares soar on positive trading update
Keystone Law – the most successful listed law firm in 2018 when judged by share price – saw it soar a further 15% yesterday after a positive trading update.
VAT risk for law firms handling insurers’ claims work
New guidance on delegated authority claims handling by lawyers may create additional VAT costs for law firms and lead to disputes with their insurance clients, accountants have warned.
Immigration chief hits out as “abuse” by lawyers
The appeal system for failed asylum-seekers has been “heavily abused by some lawyers”, the former Home Office director-general of immigration enforcement has claimed.
Struck-off solicitor turned claims manager cannot return to roll
A struck-off solicitor who became a claims manager, and was fined £220,000 for cold calling, cannot return to the profession, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has decided.
Struck-off solicitor disbarred over legal aid fraud
A dual-qualified solicitor and barrister who was struck off after being convicted of conspiracy to defraud the Legal Aid Agency has now been disbarred. He was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Exclusive: Acquisition vehicle eyes PI firm deal rush
The law firm which bought private equity-owned Roberts Jackson out of administration is planning several more deals to help others exit the personal injury market, Legal Futures can reveal.
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.
