Latest news
Criminal barristers attack “counterproductive” QC reforms
Proposed changes to the system for appointing QCs are “too onerous” and “potentially counterproductive in addressing issues of diversity”, criminal barristers have warned.
SRA wins right to recover £800,000 costs from Blavo
The Court of Appeal has allowed the Solicitors Regulation Authority to try and recover the £800,000 it spent intervening in collapsed law firm Blavo & Co.
LSB: Regulators making “good progress” on publishing prices
The frontline regulators are making “very good progress” in improving price transparency, the Legal Services Board has said – but its consumer panel was far less impressed.
Solicitor operated under radar for 12 years without insurance
A sole practitioner who practised without authorisation or indemnity insurance for 12 years to 2016 has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Land Registry aims for first digital property transfer
The Land Registry has set itself the target of completing the first fully digital transfer of a property in the coming year to prove the value of smart contracts.
Court quadruples sexual assault solicitor’s suspension
The suspension handed out by a disciplinary tribunal to a solicitor found guilty of sexual assault was too lenient, the High Court has ruled in quadrupling its length.
Conveyancing clients “not as satisfied as surveys suggest”
A member of the Legal Services Consumer Panel has questioned the findings from its own research that showed consumer satisfaction with conveyancing is high.
“Despicable” partner used client money to prop up firm
A partner who abused his position of trust “in the most despicable way”, raising false bills and using client money to “prop up” his law firm, has been struck off.
Solicitors launch app to ease CPD compliance
Two solicitor-advocates have launched a web-based phone app to help other solicitors fulfil their annual continuing professional development obligation.
SRA: Sharp rise in reports of harassment and NDAs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has seen a sudden rush in reports of sexual harassment and improper use of non-disclosure agreements, it has emerged.
Blog
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
Motor finance – the FCA is more worried about banks than consumers
The Financial Conduct Authority’s motor finance redress scheme announced last week amounts to one of the largest ever consumer failures by the regulator.
