Barristers
Bar lays out cost of LASPO to public and barristers
The Bar Council has laid out the demoralised state of legal aid barristers as it urged the government to reverse key elements of LASPO.
High Court upholds suspension of barrister who stole purse
The High Court has upheld the year-long suspension of a barrister who was captured on CCTV stealing a purse in a Cardiff night club after the BSB admitted to a procedural error.
BSB reprimands added to solicitor sanctions for dual-qualified lawyers
Two dual-qualified lawyers have been reprimanded by the Bar Standards Board after receiving disciplinary sanctions for their work as solicitors.
Criminal barristers attack “counterproductive” QC reforms
Proposed changes to the system for appointing QCs are “too onerous” and “potentially counterproductive in addressing issues of diversity”, criminal barristers have warned.
LSB: Regulators making “good progress” on publishing prices
The frontline regulators are making “very good progress” in improving price transparency, the Legal Services Board has said – but its consumer panel was far less impressed.
SRA: Sharp rise in reports of harassment and NDAs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has seen a sudden rush in reports of sexual harassment and improper use of non-disclosure agreements, it has emerged.
Civil standard of proof a “positive incentive for solicitors”
Adopting the civil standard of proof for SDT prosecutions could act as a “positive incentive for solicitors to deliver good services”, it was said as the Bar’s change was approved.
Barrister wins right to see reports his bank made to police
A barrister has won the right to see suspicious activity reports that his bank made to the National Crime Agency about money received into his accounts.
Bar Council targets chambers’ “ineffective” harassment policies
The Bar Council is to publish new guidance for barristers and chambers on dealing with sexual harassment, amid claims that many chambers’ existing policies are “wholly ineffective”.
Barristers not making harassment complaints to regulator
Reports of sexual harassment at the Bar are not turning into formal complaints to barristers’ regulator, new figures have shown.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
