Regulation
Partner lied to client about settlement that never was
A partner at leading regional firm Clarke Willmott has been struck off for lying to his client that settlement monies were on the way when he had not actually negotiated any settlement.
Solicitor struck off over falsified decree absolute
A solicitor who led a client to believe he was divorced after she falsified a decree absolute has been struck off. She also admitted having the client pay her in cash, rather than pay her firm.
Barrister suspended after appearing in court when unauthorised – again
An experienced barrister who appeared in two courts without having a practising certificate has been suspended for four months, having been fined twice in previous years for the same offence.
Barrister asks Shariah law specialist to stop quoting Quran on LinkedIn
The head of Sharia law at a well-known chambers has expressed his shock after another barrister asked him to stop posting quotes from the Quran on LinkedIn.
Solicitor fell in love with architect of translation fraud
A solicitor who described how she fell in love with the architect of a translation fee fraud – who used her to facilitate it – has accepted that she had to be struck off.
Tribunal explains three-month suspension for “sexual touching” barrister
The actions of a barrister suspended for three months for the “intentional sexual touching” of two junior colleagues could amount to sexual assault and unlawful harassment, a tribunal has found.
Top 100 firms have “trust issues” because of online failures
Many of the top 100 law firms have online trust issues because they do not comply with an SRA rule requiring them to display the regulator’s badge prominently and fail to engage with reviews.
Legal Services Board under fire for “neglecting impact of Covid”
The Bar Council and Law Society have accused the Legal Services Board of failing to take into account the impact of the pandemic on the profession in its latest draft strategy.
Exclusive: 20 firms and seven websites sign up to online reviews trial
Twenty law firms and seven comparison and review websites have signed up to a regulator-run pilot that will test how they can best work together to improve the information available to consumers.
Solicitor and banker brother charged with insider trading
A solicitor who was at City giant Clifford Chance has been charged with insider trading and fraud along with his younger brother, who was an analyst at investment bank Goldman Sachs.
Blog
Containing the spread of unapproved AI
Nearly 60% of fee-earners admit to using unapproved tools (like free versions of ChatGPT). Yet 68% of firm leaders are confident there is zero risk of unapproved AI being used for client work.
When AI adoption goes wrong, costs add up fast
City AM recently reported that London is fighting to claim the title of ‘global capital of legal AI’. However, it’s crucial we remember that adoption alone does not create value.
Gen Z lawyers vs identity, sacrifice and success
This conversation began with my training principal, who admitted something many senior lawyers quietly feel: “I struggle to understand what motivates Gen Z lawyers.”
