Regulation
No-deal Brexit “will strip EEA lawyers of special status”
EEA lawyers operating in the UK post-Brexit will be stripped of their special status if there is no deal, the government has confirmed, causing issues for them and their firms.
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.
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”.
