Regulation
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.
SRA wins right to recover £800,000 costs from Blavo
The Court of Appeal has allowed the Solicitors Regulation Authority to try and recover the £800,000 it spent intervening in collapsed law firm Blavo & Co.
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.
Solicitor operated under radar for 12 years without insurance
A sole practitioner who practised without authorisation or indemnity insurance for 12 years to 2016 has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Court quadruples sexual assault solicitor’s suspension
The suspension handed out by a disciplinary tribunal to a solicitor found guilty of sexual assault was too lenient, the High Court has ruled in quadrupling its length.
“Despicable” partner used client money to prop up firm
A partner who abused his position of trust “in the most despicable way”, raising false bills and using client money to “prop up” his law firm, has been struck off.
Solicitors launch app to ease CPD compliance
Two solicitor-advocates have launched a web-based phone app to help other solicitors fulfil their annual continuing professional development obligation.
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.
Banks’ solicitors “bullying defrauded customers into silence”
Solicitors are “aiding and abetting concealment of potential criminal activity” by bullying the victims of business banking fraud into silence, an MP has claimed.
Solicitor who “deliberately misled” regulator is struck off
A solicitor who “deliberately misled” the Solicitor Regulation Authority and continued to practise after telling the regulator his law firm was closed has been struck off.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
