Regulation
BSB urged to take over ‘fit and proper person’ tests from inns
The Bar Standards Board has been urged to take control from the Inns of Court of deciding whether someone is ‘fit and proper’ to be called to the Bar.
Disciplined solicitor blames failings on legal aid cuts
A criminal sole practitioner has been fined for offences which he blamed on having dispensed with his accounts manager after the firm suffered from legal aid cuts.
Heat rising over SRA plan for solicitors in unregulated firms
The Legal Services Board has received unprecedented lobbying against the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s plans to allow solicitors to practise from unregulated businesses.
Leading firm ordered to hand over part of client file to HMRC
National law firm DAC Beachcroft has had mixed success in fighting off a bid by HM Revenue & Customs to access a conveyancing file involving offshore clients.
Four solicitors struck off after leaving firm in £61m debt
Four solicitors have been struck off for their role at a Preston law firm which collapsed owing the scandal-hit Axiom Legal Financing Fund £61m.
“Olympics bomb hoax” barrister disbarred
Barrister Michael Shrimpton – who was jailed for a bomb hoax at the London Olympics – has been disbarred by a disciplinary tribunal.
CMC owners face an end to ‘phoenixing’
An end to owners of CMCs closing down a distressed firm and opening another – known as ‘phoenixing’ – is on the cards under new proposals from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Solicitor and barrister both sanctioned for drink driving
A solicitor and barrister have separately been sanctioned for drink-drive offences, although only the latter appeared before a disciplinary tribunal.
Bar Council slams BSB’s “dilution” of barrister brand
The Bar Council has reacted with outrage to training reforms that it says would automatically ‘passport’ solicitors with higher rights of audience to become barristers.
City lawyer “diverted client cash to own bank account”
A Spanish lawyer who sent “misleading” emails to divert £183,000 intended for his client to his personal bank account, has been struck off the register of European lawyers.
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
