Regulation
Law firm sees off HMRC demand for records of clients’ offshore activities
A law firm has fought off a demand by HMRC to hand over the details of clients who have sought advice on offshore structures, the prelude to similar requests to many more firms.
Solicitor struck off over housing benefit conviction
An experienced solicitor has been struck off after being conviction of fraudulently claiming housing benefit when she had savings that made her ineligible.
LSB told to share responsibility after SRA Handbook decision
The Legal Services Board has been told by its own consumer panel that it has to share the responsibility for ensuring that consumers do not suffer at the hands of solicitors working for unregulated firms.
Legal Services Board approves new SRA Handbook in full
The Legal Services Board has approved the new SRA Handbook, including the controversial proposal to allow solicitors to provide unreserved services to the public from unregulated businesses.
SDT postponed suspension of solicitor to save firm from closure
The Solicitor Disciplinary Tribunal postponed the suspension of a solicitor to given him time to hand over his firm and save it from closure and the loss of 30 jobs, in a highly unusual move.
Accountant involved in massive law firm fraud banned
An accountant and former partner of a law firm which became involved in a €100m money laundering operation, has agreed with the SRA not to work in the profession.
Law firm sanctioned over conveyancing conflicts
A law firm that also owns an estate agency and acted for seller, buyer and as the seller’s agent in 14 conveyancing transactions has been fined over conflicts of interest.
Top family solicitor opts for BSB entity regulation
The former national head of family law at Simpson Millar has set up his own firm and chosen to be regulated by the Bar Standards Board, which he described as a “good fit” for his business.
New rules to bolster legal regulators’ independence
New rules which clearly limit the influence the Law Society can have on the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and the Bar Council on the Bar Standards Board, have been published.
SRA warns against ‘mutual recognition’ in Brexit trade deals
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has urged the government not to agree to the mutual recognition of other countries’ legal qualifications in post-Brexit trade deals.
Blog
Our vision for 2026: A shared approach to AML
We want to see law firms start taking AML compliance as seriously as it deserves. This means treating it not as a tick-box exercise or a procedural necessity, but as a serious part of company culture.
Why later-life divorce requires a distinct professional framework
Later-life divorce, often described as ‘silver splitter’ or ‘grey divorce’ cases, is no longer a marginal feature of family law practice. It challenges long-standing assumptions about how divorce work is done.
Listening, learning and leading The Solicitor’s Charity with care
As I prepare to hand over the mantle of chair of The Solicitor’s Charity next month, it doesn’t feel like an end. Instead, it feels like a wonderful journey.
