Regulation
Foreign Office warns Spanish holidaymakers over CMCs encouraging them to make false sickness claims
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to holidaymakers visiting Spain about claims management companies encouraging them to make false compensation claims that they fell ill while abroad. It is the latest move in a growing backlash against what is seen as a “surge” in such claims.
Solicitor agrees to end 50-year career after multiple rule breaches
A solicitor who qualified more than 50 years ago has agreed to remove his name from the roll after admitting to multiple rule breaches, including failing to register clients as owners of a property and pay the stamp duty land tax due. He then over-charged them for the work he did.
High Court ruling on meaning of ‘lack of integrity’ to cause SRA and other regulators problems
The High Court ruling last week that said a lack of integrity on the part of a solicitor is the same as dishonesty could cause regulators real problems when prosecuting cases where they are not sure they have enough to establish dishonesty, it has been claimed.
Paid McKenzie Friends “play on uncertainty and victimhood” of separating fathers
‘Professional’ paid McKenzie Friends associated with fathers’ rights groups play on their “uncertainty and sense of victimhood” to attract business, academic research has found, saying that there needed to be a code of conduct and a greater role for law school clinics in their place.
LSB to lead push for “minimum disclosures” by law firms on price and service
The Legal Services Board has said it expects frontline regulators to introduce compulsory “minimum disclosures” by law firms on price and service. The LSB was responding to the Competition and Market Authority market study of legal services.
SRA attacks “disproportionate and unnecessary” money laundering regulations
New anti-money laundering regulations planned by the Treasury would impose “disproportionate and unnecessary” burdens on law firms, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned. It was particularly unhappy about a ‘criminality test’ for lawyers.
New system sees insurers refer 26 law firms to SRA over fraud fears
Insurance companies have referred 26 law firms to the Solicitors Regulation Authority in recent months through a new process that aims to “better facilitate exchange of information” between the regulator and the Insurance Fraud Bureau, it has emerged.
Tribunal lays out Clyde & Co’s “glaring” failures
The failures which led to a record fine for Clyde & Co were “particularly glaring” as it was “a large and, previously, reputable firm”, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has declared in approving the sanction. It emerged earlier this month that the City practice had been fined £50,000 but the full ruling has only just been published.
ABS start-up led by CILEx Fellow bids for rapid growth
A chartered legal executive has launched a start-up alternative business structure specialising in personal injury but with ambitious plans for expansion into a variety of legal areas, including sports law.
Tribunal sanctions partners who borrowed from Axiom fund at second time of asking
Two partners found by the High Court to have displayed “manifest incompetence” in accepting £573,000 lent to their law firm by the controversial Axiom Legal Financing Fund, have been respectively suspended and fined by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
