Latest news
Barco shuts as commercial escrow providers emerge
Barco, the Bar Council’s third-party escrow service used by barristers and solicitors, has shut down after “suitable” commercial providers entered the market.
LSB: SMEs attracted by firms with price transparency
When small businesses believe they can trust the transparency of legal providers on fees, they are twice as likely to seek the advice of lawyers, according to the Legal Services Board.
Inquest negligence claim against Leigh Day thrown out
A claim that Leigh Day was negligent in its representation of the family of the deceased at an inquest has been dismissed by the High Court.
Alcoholic solicitor struck off for stealing fees from clients
A solicitor with alcohol problems who took thousands of pounds in cash payments from clients and dishonestly failed to declare them to his firm has been struck off.
Jail for solicitor duped by “millionaire” conman
A lawyer who lost her firm, career and home after she stole client money to fund a penniless conman who falsely claimed to be a multi-millionaire has been jailed.
£100,000 fine for company that made nuisance PI calls
A marketing company that made nuisance personal injury calls to people registered with the Telephone Preference Service has been fined £100,000.
Solicitor who made fake legal aid claims is struck off
A solicitor who made thousands of pounds worth of fraudulent legal aid claims has been struck off. He created fake attendance notes for hearings that never took place.
SRA seeks to clarify threshold for reporting misconduct
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is looking to clarify the threshold used by law firms when deciding whether to report concerns over misconduct.
Increasing risk of no Brexit deal for law, says Bar chief
The prospect of a ‘no deal’ for the law after Brexit – whether for practice rights or civil justice cooperation – is growing, the chairman of the Bar has warned.
LegalZoom secures “largest ever investment in law”
LegalZoom, the US-based online legal services provider that owns an ABS, has received a $500m investment – believed to be the largest ever in the legal world.
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.
