Regulation
MoJ wants research on improving legal market’s competitiveness
Competitiveness in the legal market and the impact of lawtech on access to justice are among the research priorities the Ministry of Justice has set out for the next three to five years.
Commercial sets back scheme to fund criminal law pupillages
Eight commercial chambers have signed up to a Bar Council scheme to fund criminal law pupillages that would otherwise not be available because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Solicitor agrees to leave profession over multiple AML failures
A solicitor who failed in his “basic duties” around anti-money laundering has been fined £2,000 – rather than up to £50,000 his misconduct deserved – because he has agreed to leave the profession.
Tribunal “right” to disbar barrister over misconduct in case involving own children
A tribunal was entitled to disbar a barrister over her conduct of a dispute with the father of their children, the High Court has ruled in the latest case to consider the reach of regulation into personal lives.
Male and BAME solicitors still disproportionate focus of SRA action
Men and solicitors from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds continue to feature disproportionately in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s enforcement work, new figures have shown.
Solicitor who lied to new employer struck off
A solicitor who lied when she told her new employer that she was not under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been struck off.
Solicitor who sold firm’s letterhead for £10 a case is struck off
A solicitor has been struck off for selling his firm’s letterhead to a company for use in compensation claims for £10 a letter where the claim was successful, along with improper transfers from client account.
Children’s charities urge action over youth court advocacy standards
Children’s charities have criticised the failure to take forward recommendations that youth court advocates receive mandatory training to ensure they have the right skills.
Second national newspaper settles libel claim brought by barrister
A barrister has secured a second retraction and damages from a national newspaper after being wrongly accused of making death threats to a law student.
LSB eyes legal expenses insurance expansion and “approved” products
The LSB has sketched out a future where most households have a legal expenses insurance policy to access a wide range of legal services, and there are approved ‘simple legal products’ in the market.
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.”
