Regulation
Tribunal suspends first solicitor called to account for breaching SRA settlement agreement
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has for the first time sanctioned a solicitor who breached a regulatory settlement agreement that ended a Solicitors Regulation Authority investigation into him.
LeO “going too far” with bid to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain
The Legal Ombudsman is going too far in proposing to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain about lawyers, the Law Society has claimed. Chancery Lane found support from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
New QASA row erupts over role of solicitors in youth court cases
A key section of the final consultation on the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates has been condemned as “misleading and inaccurate” by a member of the Bar Standards Board, amid controversy over advocacy standards in the youth courts.
In brief: regulators reassure firms over RBS ‘breaches’, £1m apprenticeships boost and more
Our latest round-up of key news includes the SRA and CLC offering relief to solicitors in breach because of RBS/NatWest computer problems, £1m of government money for legal apprenticeships, a destination for dormant client money, the Co-op’s new will-writing partnership, and much more.
Version 4 of Handbook goes live as SRA promises no further COLP/COFA delay
The fourth edition of the SRA Handbook in less than 10 months was published yesterday. It includes the delay in the introduction of the compliance officer regime, and the SRA has guaranteed that there will be no further hold-ups.
SDT throws out case against solicitor over SRA abuse of process
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has taken the highly unusual step of throwing out proceedings taken against a solicitor, finding that the actions of the Solicitors Regulation Authority constituted an abuse of process.
Revealed: new “bias” concern ramps up Bar disciplinary controversy
The controversy brewing over faulty appointments to Bar disciplinary panels – and the impact this could have on the decisions they took over recent years – has taken a new turn, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA: referral fee ban could drive many firms out of business – and may not even stop dodgy claims
The impending ban on referral fees in personal injury could result in a “steep increase” in the number of financial failures amongst small law firms – but may not actually discourage spurious claims – the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
SRA warned over ABS risk if it changes rules on referring clients to financial advisers
Insurance companies could buy law firms and use them as conduits to sell their products to consumers if the Solicitors Regulation Authority changes the rules on referring clients to financial advisers, it has been warned.
Will-writers accused of mis-selling and conducting reserved legal work
North East Trading Standards Association has joined forces with the Law Society to warn consumers about unregulated will-writers mis-selling wills and delivering reserved legal activities.
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.
