Regulation
High Court grants SRA power to destroy millions of documents held after interventions
The High Court has backed an application by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to destroy millions of documents seized from firms it has intervened in and had to store since, at significant cost to the profession.
SDT to SRA: Giving accountants more responsibility will encourage law firms to play “blame game”
Giving reporting accountants more responsibility in identifying risks to client money will encourage law firms to play the “blame game”, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has warned.
CLC moves closer to regulating probate specialists
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has moved closer towards its goal of regulating specialist probate lawyers who do not have to be conveyancers.
Sham marriages solicitor loses appeal against conviction
A solicitor convicted of assisting unlawful immigration into a European Union member state this week lost his appeal against conviction, shortly after being struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
MoJ announces huge fee rises for claims management companies
The Ministry of Justice has announced huge increases in the regulation fees paid by claims management companies. The MoJ said that despite the drop in the number of firms, regulation could not be similarly scaled back.
BSB launches CPD pilot as it moves away from hours-based scheme
The Bar Standards Board has launched a pilot scheme to test plans to replace its hours-based CPD system with a new scheme in 2017. The pilot, launched last month, will run until March next year.
Law Society report: City firms consider themselves “way ahead” on diversity
The big City firms believe they are “way ahead” of the Law Society on diversity and inclusion, a report for the society has found. But the only LBGT network that had supported the victim of a homophobic comment was at a large City firm.
Former diplomat becomes chair of IPS as Bradley leaves CLC
Quinton Quayle, a former British ambassador to Thailand, has been appointed chair of ILEX Professional Standards. Meanwhile, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers has announced that Anna Bradley is stepping down as chair after five years.
BSB investigates complaints about 17 barristers at same chambers
The Bar Standards Board is investigating complaints about 17 barristers at the same chambers, it has emerged. Meanwhile, there have been 55 expressions of interest and seven formal applications to form BSB-regulated entities.
Lord Chief Justice calls for independent review of legal market
There needs to be an independent review of the operation of the legal market to investigate whether the Legal Services Act 2007 is working and why fees have not fallen in the light of greater competition, the Lord Chief Justice said today.
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.
