Practice Management
Third of Scottish solicitors “have faced threats or actual violence”
A third of Scottish solicitors have been victims of violence or threatening behaviour in connection with their work, according to an “alarmed” Law Society of Scotland.
Conveyancers liable for registration error despite mortgage fraud
There is “no public interest” in allowing a negligent conveyancer to avoid liability when they did not know that their client was actually engaged in mortgage fraud, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
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.
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.
Sheffield looks to put itself on lawtech map
A conference in Sheffield later this year will attempt to bring together tech start-ups and lawyers across the north of England to put the city on the map as a lawtech hub.
MoJ halts enforcement upgrade due to cash shortage
The Ministry of Justice has suspended the £58m project to change the way court orders are enforced and historic criminal debt is collected because it does not have enough money.
Investment and blockchain fuel digital legal giants’ expansion
A major developer of contract review AI software has raised $50m in investment from venture capitalists, while Rocket Lawyer is to introduce blockchain security.
Free wills website recruits firms in bid to become top brand
The founder of an online service centred on free wills is recruiting law firms and national charities in a bid to become “the leading will-writing brand in the UK”.
Knowledge platform aims to foster barrister entrepreneurs
The owner of the Bar Directory’s new online home has said his ultimate goal is to create a platform where individual barristers could earn subscription income through self-publishing.
Supreme Court “may change approach” to ‘lost litigation’ claims
The Supreme Court may look to change the courts’ approach to dealing with claims over negligently conducted litigation later this year in a case involving miners’ compensation.
Blog
On good authority? GenAI and the reputational risks to law firms
As GenAI’s influence grows, so do the risks which are already playing out in courtrooms across England and Wales, where some early adopters are setting precedents they would rather not.
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
