Regulation
Law Society pledges action over solicitors’ use of NDAs
The Law Society has told MPs that it is to take action over the inappropriate use of non-disclosure agreements by solicitors, with guidance for both lawyers and clients.
Solicitor “ignored money laundering duties”
A solicitors who recklessly exposed his firm to the risk of money laundering has been fined £12,500 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
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.
Government and SRA work to build BAME trust in solicitors
The Ministry of Justice is working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to build greater trust in solicitors among black and minority ethnic people in custody.
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.
Jail for PI lawyer who lied in witness statements
A solicitor described by a High Court judge as a “thoroughly dishonest man” has been jailed and a medical expert who produced 32 reports a day handed a suspended sentence.
Survey: Home-buyers “in the dark” over referral fees
Most home-buyers do not know if their conveyancer paid a fee for a recommendation from their estate agent, according to new research from the CLC.
Solicitor faked documents and signatures “to cover up mistakes”
An experienced solicitor who faked documents, including a grant of probate, and forged signatures on conveyancing forms has been struck off by the SDT.
Standard of proof: SRA “already most successful prosecutor”
The SRA enjoys the “highest prosecution success rate of any regulator we have found”, making it unnecessary to lower the standard of proof, the Law Society has said.
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”.
Blog
A new era of legal operations
What we are seeing in the UK legal market is extraordinary change that will greatly influence how firms operate and compete for years to come.
Strong AML controls are meaningless with incomplete data
One expectation as the FCA takes control of anti-money laundering oversight is a move towards more supervision rather than simply writing new rules.
Navigating the legal AI productivity-profitability paradox
Firms are achieving efficiencies through AI, especially in the practice of law. Yet many are struggling to see that reflected in their financial outcomes
