Regulation
“Release QC money” to support Bar during Covid-19
The Bar Council has been urged to call in its share of the surplus held by QC Appointments to support barristers struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, as the Inns of Court looks at measures too.
Legal Access Challenge winners scoop extra £50k each
A technology platform which supports survivors of domestic abuse and a chatbot helping people with learning disabilities understand their social care rights, have won the Legal Access Challenge.
Law Society hives off SRA – but who keeps £73m of reserves?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to become a distinct legal entity within the Law Society Group, potentially triggering a difficult debate over the division of £73m of reserves.
Barrister lied to police “to help close friend”
An unregistered barrister who lied about her status to extract information about an investigation by North Yorkshire Police has been disbarred.
Barrister breached court order to see ex-girlfriend
An experienced barrister has been suspended for three months and fined £1,000 for twice breaching a non-molestation order to see his ex-girlfriend.
CLC allows firms to defer payment of regulatory fees
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has become the first regulator to offer financial help during the coronavirus crisis, allowing the firms it regulates to defer the regulatory fees they pay.
Tribunal rejects SRA deal with flight delay solicitor
A disciplinary tribunal has taken the unusual step of rejecting an agreement between the SRA and a solicitor who broke the rules through his involvement with flight delay compensation claims.
Bar Council calls on LSB not to recruit staff during crisis
The Bar Council has called on the Legal Services Board not to recruit more staff during the coronavirus crisis for the task of overseeing legal bodies’ internal governance.
Junior solicitor who lied about lost documents struck off
A junior solicitor at the SRA’s external advisers lied about losing documents while acting for the regulator in a data protection case. She has been struck off despite questions over her mental health.
Scottish Bar chief resigns over train chat indiscretion
The head of the Scottish Bar has announced his intention to resign after being caught talking on a train about his client, Alex Salmond, in a derogatory manner.
Blog
SEO is changing: Are you measuring the right things?
AI means firms may see falling organic traffic and wonder if SEO is still working. The more interesting question is whether traffic is still the right measure of success.
Forms are evolving – and more interesting than you might think
I have spent much of my working life thinking about something most people would probably prefer not to think about at all: legal forms.
The questions that determine if the SRA’s client money reforms will work
Both reforms respond to real and well-evidenced gaps in the current framework. The SRA’s changes after consultation feedback shows it’s listening. But structural change on paper is only half the job.
Reports
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