Latest news
Start-up partners with law firm to predict judges’ rulings
Litigation outcome prediction has taken a further step into the mainstream with a partnership between a major law firm and start-up crunching data on old cases.
LSB reforms to end “different treatment” for accountants
The Legal Services Board is to impose reform that will end the “different treatment” for accountancy regulators which also oversee legal services.
Conveyancers face statutory duty to check identities
Conveyancers will come under a new statutory duty to check the identity of clients and make indemnity payments to the Land Registry if they fail to take reasonable care.
MPs call for proper explanation of small claims rise
MPs on the justice select committee have called on the government to explain why it considers the proposed increase in the small claims limit to £5,000 “proportionate”.
£3m backing for lawyer’s document automation business
A legal tech business spun out of a law firm run by a former City solicitor and his technologist brother has secured £3.1m in private equity investment.
Bid to reduce “low-quality” money laundering reports
High numbers of low-quality suspicious activity reports are making it difficult to investigate money laundering, the Law Commission has warned.
Solicitors, surveyors and estate agents reach NI “understanding”
An agreement between solicitors, surveyors and estate agents in Northern Ireland to improve the conveyancing process could be a template for England and Wales.
Unqualified legal services company staff convicted of fraud
Four managers of an unregulated company that offered legal services have been convicted of defrauding clients and unlawfully providing immigration advice.
Court of Appeal cuts QC’s £1m penalty for tax late payment
A QC fined more than £1m for the late payment of both income and inheritance tax over several years has had the sanction reduced by 80%.
General counsel should recast themselves as “force for good”
In-house lawyers should assert themselves as a force for good in order to boost job satisfaction and improve their standing as respected professionals.
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.
