Regulation
Mayson to lead review of legal regulation
The Centre for Ethics & Laws at University College London is to hold an independent review into the regulatory framework for legal services.
ICAEW takes voluntary approach to firms publishing prices
The accountancy regulator has decided not to force its firms that provide reserved probate services to publish their fees – unlike the legal regulators.
High Court judge berates leading law firm for “shameful” behaviour
A High Court judge has accused leading law firm Pinsent Masons of losing sight of “any basic standard of decent and compassionate behaviour” during a case.
“Disgraceful” solicitor who sent client money to girlfriend struck off
A solicitor who transferred over £64,500 from client account to his personal account has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. He also sent £5,000 to his girlfriend in Romania.
Firms advising on insurance policies “must comply with EU directive”
New rules that implement an EU directive which could affect the way PI solicitors, conveyancers and others advise clients on insurance policies have been approved.
SDT clears PI partner of acting without instructions
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has taken the rare step of dismissing all allegations, including dishonesty, made against a personal injury lawyer accused of bringing claims without instructions.
Rebuke and fine for latest referral fee ban miscreant
The ban on personal injury referral fees is in the spotlight once more after a Surrey law firm was rebuked and fined £2,000 for breaching it.
Barristers divided over value of mentorship
A survey of a barristers’ mentoring scheme has found a wide divergence of perceptions between the newly qualified and experienced advocates questioned.
CMCs turn from holiday sickness to housing disrepair cases
Claims management companies are moving into property related complaints as the surge in holiday sickness claims has been brought under control.
Solicitor who paid client money into own bank account leaves practice
A solicitor who paid cash received from clients into her personal bank account has agreed to remove herself from the roll for four years.
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”.
