Regulation
Tax barrister aims to make virtual chambers “biggest of its kind”
A barrister specialising in civil and criminal tax disputes has set up a virtual chambers with the aim of making it the biggest of its kind by the end of next year.
Legal executive banned for purporting to witness signatures
An experienced chartered legal executive who purported to have witnessed her clients’ signatures on a property transfer form has been banned from working in law firms.
CLC highlights compliance risks facing licensed conveyancers
Money laundering, buyer-funded developments, and acting for both sides are among the risks highlighted in the Council for Licensed Conveyancers’ first Compliance Risk Agenda.
Solicitor struck off for harassment convictions fails in appeal
A solicitor struck off after it emerged he had been convicted of harassing a woman in Norway nearly 20 years ago has failed in his challenge to the decision.
Solicitor lied to High Court in claim brought by former partner
A solicitor who lied to a High Court judge during the trial of a dispute with a former partner in his law firm has been struck off. The tribunal said the public would be “horrified” by his misconduct.
CILEX unveils revamped non-graduate route into profession
CILEX has unveiled a redesigned qualification that allows students without degrees to qualify as lawyers with full practice rights or achieve recognised paralegal standards.
LSB to press ahead with continuing competence regime
The Legal Services Board is pushing ahead with plans to introduce continuing competence checks for lawyers. This could include feedback from consumers, judges and peers, assurance visits or revalidation.
SRA to cut office space with hybrid homeworking move
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has decided to cut its office space in Birmingham and close its small London office, with most staff working at least three days a week from home.
A cheaper route to qualifying? ULaw unveils SQE pricing
The University of Law has unveiled a range of courses to prepare students for SQE, costing from £500 to £16,500 – the latter being little different from the existing legal practice course.
Partner who told client to “burn” messages faces contempt hearing
A senior City partner who told a client to “burn” a private messaging app after it was served with a search order should face a hearing for contempt of court, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
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.”
