Latest news
Solicitor agrees never to practise again in deal struck with SRA
A solicitor whose firm was shut down last year after failing to effect an orderly wind-down has agreed never to practise again in a deal struck with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. John David Arnott admitted to five charges relating to his practice in Witney, Oxfordshire.
Do you really know your clients? They prefer Corrie to EastEnders
A “typical” legal service user loves Strictly Come Dancing, prefers Coronation Street to EastEnders, regularly browses Facebook and follows Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross on Twitter. They are also married, in their later years of life, and financially stable – all according to the Legal Ombudsman.
Bodies representing criminal solicitors and barristers at loggerheads while Law Society sits on sidelines
Tensions between the bodies representing criminal law solicitors and barristers reached breaking point yesterday after the Criminal Bar Association was accused of showing a lack of courage and acting unworthily.
SRA to probe solicitor in relationship with client during “shameful” contact battle
A solicitor who is in a relationship with his client while she goes through an acrimonious contact dispute is to be investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with a High Court judge saying that the lawyer is “in a situation where he cannot give independent professional advice”.
Mr Justice Mostyn: Nobody anticipated “savagery” of legal aid cuts
Mr Justice Mostyn has delivered some of the strongest judicial criticisms yet of the legal aid cuts and warned that “more are in prospect” under a majority Conservative government. His comments, though largely targeted at family law, came on the eve of today’s strike over pay by criminal law solicitors.
‘Negligent’ firm escapes payout after court finds no causation
The High Court has dismissed a claim of professional negligence against a firm of solicitors because, although the claimant successfully established liability, no loss or damage was found to be have caused.
ABS news: R&D experts plot expansion, PI firm set to launch second ABS and plans third
A major international consultancy specialising in research and development grants and tax credits has launched an alternative business structure to offer a wider range of employment law services to its SME clients.
Will writers’ body is first to urge members to join paralegal register in voluntary regulation move
Will writers have become the first practitioners to sign up to a new register of paralegals, which is set to be launched next month as part of an effort to set standards for the non-authorised legal professionals.
Solicitor wins appeal against striking-off
A solicitor struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has won the right to a new hearing in front of a different tribunal after the High Court ruled that the tribunal was wrong to accuse her of dishonesty.
Solicitor escapes lack of integrity charge by pleading incompetence
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has allowed a solicitor to continue to practise despite the fact he used “his incompetence as a shield” against the lack of integrity that was alleged, after he unwittingly facilitated a mortgage fraud that cost his lender client £744,000.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
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.
