Regulation
“Strong interest” from new and existing firms in seeking CILEx regulation
There has been strong interest from new and existing law firms in being overseen by the regulatory arm of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), it said yesterday, with over 50 enquiries.
MEPs denounce surveillance of lawyer-client communications
MEPs this week raised concerns about the interception of phone calls between lawyers and their clients by intelligence services across Europe, including the UK.
SRA issues warning over letting clients use law firms as banks
There are increasing reports of law firms allowing their client account to be used by others as a bank account in clear breach of the rules, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) warned yesterday.
Law Society to SRA: do not abandon training contract
The Law Society has called on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) not to abandon the training contract, which it is said was viewed by other jurisdictions as the “gold standard”.
SRA pledges “urgent” resolution to inquiry into al-Sweady law firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is looking to “urgently” conclude its investigation into the activities of the two law firms – Public Interest Lawyers and Leigh Day & Co – whose behaviour was heavily criticised by defence secretary Michael Fallon in the wake of the findings of the al-Sweady inquiry.
‘Named and shamed’ barrister banned from public access work
Tariq Rehman, the barrister who last month became the first lawyer to be ‘named and shamed’ by the Legal Ombudsman for a series of complaints, has been banned from taking on any new public access cases for the time being.
New appointments maintain City bias among solicitors on SRA board
The City bias among the solicitors who sit on the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been maintained with the appointment of two new members, including the ex-joint chief executive of Herbert Smith Freehills.
Exclusive: 1,000 barristers sign up to “game changing” public access scheme
More than 1,000 barristers have already signed up to a “game changing” initiative that aims to smooth the way for consumers and businesses to use public access, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA shuts Manchester firm – four months after banning director from conveyancing
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has closed down a Manchester law firm, more than four months after banning its director from conveyancing and ordering him to go on a mortgage fraud and money laundering course.
“Real appetite” for change as 18 barrister firms make contact with regulator
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has spoken of a “real appetite” for change as barristers aiming to set up 18 niche advocacy firms contacted the regulator.
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.
