Property
Digital property group aims to “accelerate use of AI”
Upfront information and accelerating the use of emerging technology such as AI are among the priorities that the Digital Property Market Steering Group has pledged to progress this year.
Land Registry pilot aims to stop lenders chasing conveyancers
HM Land Registry is working with mortgage lenders to ensure they no longer need to chase conveyancers for updates on the progress of registration applications.
Solicitor fined £15,000 fine for AML due diligence failures
A partner who failed to conduct proper client due diligence in property transactions that had signs of money laundering has been fined £15,000.
Solicitor who breached undertakings agrees to leave profession
A solicitor whose failure to comply with multiple undertaking he gave caused significant losses for investors in two property developments, has agreed to leave the profession.
Law firm specialising in wayleaves obtains Ofcom powers
A law firm specialising in wayleave agreements has obtained Ofcom code powers to support the roll-out of full-fibre broadband through its sister company in what is believed to be the first move of its kind.
Tribunal ends solicitor’s indefinite suspension after 15 years
The SDT has permitted a solicitor it indefinitely suspended 15 years ago to return to practise after he provided “full and comprehensive evidence of training in property law”.
Fine for solicitor who acted for both property developer and investor
A solicitor who acted for a property investment company and an investor has been fined just over £9,000 for breaking conflict of interest rules.
“Instruct conveyancers early”, Trading Standards tells sellers and agents
National Trading Standards has encouraged sellers and estate agents to engage conveyancers earlier than now after it made clear all the information that needs to be included in property listings.
Number of conveyancing solicitors slumps as market contracts
The number of conveyancing firms and particularly solicitors has dropped significantly over the past two years in line with the major downturn suffered by the property market.
Leading firm fined £101,000 for anti-money laundering failures
A leading South-West law firm has been fined £101,357 for failing to act over money laundering red flags on three property transactions, two of which may have involved a sanctioned entity.
Blog
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.
The formula for finance-enabled business development
Client concentration or over-dependence now counts as a top strategic risk for 26% of firms. Cross-selling is an antidote – a way to bolster revenue resilience without relying on client acquisition.
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
