Regulation
Virtual legal business launches US subsidiary
A virtual law business that uniquely combines regulated and unregulated legal practices, with lawyers in the UK and across the world, has launched a subsidiary in the USA.
SRA defends decision to prosecute Matthews
The boss of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has told junior lawyers that he is satisfied that its handling of the Claire Matthews case was “appropriate”.
BSB to review rules on barristers’ conduct outside practice
The Bar Standards Board is to review its approach to policing barristers’ conduct outside of practice, including how they use social media, Legal Futures can reveal.
Solicitor “abandoned clients” after PI reforms wrecked firm
A solicitor who closed his firm in a chaotic manner after it was devastated by the personal injury reforms – even allowing two clients to attend court without representation – has been suspended.
Solicitor struck off for lying about counsel attending mediation
A solicitor who “reluctantly” admitted that he acted dishonestly in telling the other side of a dispute that counsel would be attending a mediation, when she had not been instructed, has been struck off.
Call for review of regulator costs in unsuccessful prosecutions
The Law Commission should review whether regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority should be insulated from costs orders in disciplinary actions they lose, a senior judge has suggested.
BSB outlines concern over post-virus ‘virtual’ chambers
Some chambers may choose to continue operating virtually once the Covid-19 crisis passes, with “significant implications” for their support services and collegiality.
Shut-down firm ordered to pay former staff £375,000
A law firm shut down by its regulator last year has been ordered to pay former staff £375,000 for multiple employment law breaches.
ODR and sandbox at heart of major lawtech push
An online dispute resolution platform for SMEs and a ‘lawtech sandbox’ were unveiled today as cornerstones of a concerted push to develop digital legal services in the UK.
Coronavirus prompts SRA to rethink closure of SIF
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to look again at whether to close the Solicitors Indemnity Fund – which covers claims made after firms’ run-off cover expires – in September this year.
Blog
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
Source of funds is where AML really gets tested
It’s a familiar story: a PDF of a bank statement lands in your inbox, your client leaves a cursory note explaining what some of the transactions mean, and you close the file.
