Latest news
Partners failed to keep track of client money for six years
Four partners at a Birmingham law firm have been fined a total of £35,000 for failing to keep dealings with client money in order for almost six years.
Bogus lawyer convicted for second time
A man has pleaded guilty to five counts of providing unqualified immigration advice and services, some 13 years after an identical conviction.
Solicitors convicted of GBH and expenses fraud struck off
Solicitors convicted separately of head-butting another parent at a children’s rugby match and making fraudulent expenses claims to the CPS have both been struck off.
Free online wills “not trying to replace solicitors”
A company offering probate and funeral director broker services has insisted its free will service is not aimed at replacing solicitors where matters are complex.
Blockchain and AI “could underpin” future law firms
A future where law firms are ‘distributed entities’ based on blockchain and smart contracts and lawyers will add value by being trusted advisers assisted by AI.
Overheard pub talk “showed solicitor’s redundancy was bogus”
A solicitor has been allowed to use a leaked internal email and overheard pub conversation as evidence for a discrimination claim against his former firm.
PE-backed firm unveils first-ever merger in growth push
Setfords – the consultant-led law firm with private equity backing – has secured its first-ever merger as it targets firms to speed up growth.
SRA outlines new concerns around holiday sickness claims
More types of poor conduct by claimant solicitors in the holiday sickness market have been uncovered, their regulator has warned.
Unconscious bias against women holding back ‘New Law’
Unconscious bias in the legal profession against women is so deep-rooted that ‘NewLaw’ businesses trying to reshape legal services are just as affected.
LSB treads carefully as it warns over legal aid cuts
The Legal Services Board has stepped carefully into the debate over legal aid cuts by highlighting the increasing number of people handling legal problems alone.
Blog
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.
The power of participation for trainees and apprentices
It’s important as a trainee or an apprentice to get involved in the life of your firm – even under the pressure of discovering how to navigate professional life and now the demands of the SQE.
