Latest news
BSB: Telling would-be clients they can ask for a quote shows transparency
Making chambers’ websites tell clients that they may contact the set for a quote “demonstrates a commitment to transparency and facilitating ‘shopping around’”, the BSB has insisted.
Standard of proof: Barristers warned against “defensive lawyering”
It would be “extremely disappointing” if barristers became more defensive in their behaviour once the standard of proof for disciplinary matters was lowered, the BSB has said.
Hale to lead Supreme Court in solicitors’ negligence case
The president of the Supreme Court is to head the five-judge panel that will review what needs to be proved when a solicitor is sued for failing to advise a client of a potential claim.
Law firm rebuked after overcharging for deputyship work
A Dorset law firm has been rebuked after taking more money in costs than it was entitled to from a man subject to a deputyship order.
Tories hold off Labour changes to Civil Liability Bill in 23 votes
The government stood firm against Labour efforts to amend the Civil Liability Bill yesterday, although indicated that it might move on cases involving children.
Positive start to listed life for one of law’s latest PLCs
The credit hire and legal services group that floated in June has announced positive maiden results as a listed company as it looks to expand its fee-earning capacity.
Fine for solicitor repeatedly caught drink-driving
A solicitor who was caught drink-driving three times in four weeks has been fined £8,000 – reduced to £2,000 due to his finances – by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Small businesses “less price sensitive” than expected, research finds
Small businesses are less price sensitive than expected, but value price certainty, unpublished research by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has found.
Solicitor not entitled to “guaranteed basic salary” of £40,000
An employment tribunal has rejected claims by a solicitor that he was entitled to a “guaranteed basic salary” of £40,000 and found instead that he was working on a commission basis.
Bogus lawyer who stole £68,000 from clients jailed
A woman who falsely claimed to be a qualified immigration lawyer, and did not deliver on what clients paid her £68,000 for, has been jailed for five years.
Blog
The SRA’s strict liability gamble has failed. Good
The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in Dentons v SRA on 27 April, and the profession is right to welcome it. It is the second time in short succession that the court has corrected the SRA.
How AI presents real opportunities for barristers
AI presents real opportunities to improve access to justice and to support barristers in day-to-day legal practice. But we all need to understand and mitigate the risks.
Not everything can be a competition issue – a new dawn for consumer redress
Last month, the Law Commission launched a new project to “consider the potential introduction of a consumer class actions regime” in England and Wales.
