Regulation
Think tank calls for compulsory pro bono and oaths for newly-qualified lawyers
An influential think tank has called for the introduction of compulsory pro bono for lawyers, set at 10% of their “work output”. It said that for many lawyers, the law had become “no more than a revenue-generating business”.
Time for law firms to go back to school, says BPP chief
Legal apprenticeships “are going to be massive” and law firms will have to respond by recruiting A-Level students straight from school, the dean of BPP Law School has predicted. Peter Crisp said he also believed the SRA would “force through” a centralised assessment test for would-be solicitors.
QC to offer free direct access video surgery
A leading QC is to take part in a pioneering free direct access video surgery later this month. Stephen Harvey QC will be discussing business risk and regulation via a new online video platform. The approach has also won the backing of the Bar Council.
BSB criticises its training course but remains tight-lipped on future
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has strongly criticised the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), while remaining tight-lipped as to whether it should be scrapped. The criticisms came in a Future Bar Training consultation paper.
SDT rejects plea to avoid strike-off from solicitor convicted of possessing indecent images
A solicitor convicted of child pornography offences has been struck off after his plea to be suspended instead so that he might retain some dignity and as an acknowledgement of his efforts in the profession was rejected.
Government not keen on more regulation, warns LSB chief – despite issues around unregulated providers
The new government is not keen to extend regulation of legal services, including will-writing, the chief executive of the Legal Services Board (LSB) has warned. Richard Moriarty said innovation was key to tackling the “trilemma” facing legal services.
SRA floats end to both compulsory minimum PII and compensation fund
An end to a compulsory minimum level of professional indemnity insurance (PII) and replacing the compensation fund with an insurance policy are among the ideas for reform of client protection arrangements put forward by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Law firm should have warned property investors about “notoriously crime-ridden” Calabria
A law firm with offices in Italy and England was under a duty to warn British and Irish property investors of the risks of investing in a part of Italy associated with organised crime, the High Court has ruled.
Osborne: CMCs face fundamental review and fees cap
A “fundamental review” of claims management companies – along with a cap on the fees that they can charge consumers – was announced by Chancellor George Osborne in today’s Summer Budget.
Bar student who failed single module loses JR over having to retake entire BPTC
A mature Bar student has lost a judicial review against the Bar Standards Board after a two-time failure to pass a single module on opinion writing meant he in turn failed the Bar Professional Training Course and would have to take entire course again before moving onto pupillage.
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.
