Regulation

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.

A solicitors who recklessly exposed his firm to the risk of money laundering has been fined £12,500 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An experienced solicitor who faked documents, including a grant of probate, and forged signatures on conveyancing forms has been struck off by the SDT.

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.

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”.