Latest news
SRA providing solicitors’ data to just one comparison website
Almost three months after the Solicitors Regulation Authority opened up its database to comparison websites, only one is actually receiving any information, it has emerged. Meanwhile the Bar Standards Board has opened its Barristers’ Register to the public.
More lawyers demand independent review of their treatment by SRA
The number of lawyers demanding an independent review of their treatment at the hands of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has gone up, despite a decline in members of the public making a similar request.
Bar Council in deal with credit specialist to finance fees
The Bar Council has joined forces with a legal credit finance specialist to enable direct access barristers to offer payment plans to their clients. BARCO, the Bar’s escrow account, will hold the loans obtained for clients by Legal Cost Finance.
FoI adjudicator accuses SRA of putting profession before public
The Law Society’s outgoing Freedom of Information adjudicator has told the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it does not consider the public interest sufficiently in too readily refusing to release details of its investigations.
High Court awards £50,000 damages to lawyer libelled in online review
An American lawyer has successfully sued over an online review posted by a British man, winning £50,000 damages at the High Court. Timothy Bussey, a criminal law attorney based in Colorado, found himself the target of a review attached to his firm’s Google Maps profile.
Law Society warns government against moves that threaten independence
The Law Society has spoken out against government plans to impose on the Solicitors Regulation Authority a duty to promote economic growth, which it said threatened the independence of the profession.
Peers pave way for new breed of lawyer – licensed probate practitioners
The House of Lords has given the Council for Licensed Conveyancers the power to issue standalone licences for people to conduct reserved probate work without them having to become licensed conveyancers first.
“Tragedy” of struck-off solicitor – but High Court upholds dishonesty finding
A solicitor with an “unblemished” record stretching back many years has failed in his attempt to appeal a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal decision that found him guilty of dishonesty. Mr Justice Holman said it was a “great personal and professional tragedy”.
Innovation in providing legal services will be “paramount”, survey finds
A large majority of law firms think that, over the next five years, “innovation in providing legal services will be paramount” as they reach the limit of cost-cutting measures, a survey has found.
County court backs law student McKenzie Friend scheme
Huddersfield County Court has backed a scheme in which local law students act as unpaid McKenzie Friends to help litigants in person. Duty solicitors at the court will approve suitable cases when the scheme launches later this month.
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.
