Regulation
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.
Accountant severely reprimanded over SRA report
An accountant found to have “improperly” issued a report to the Solicitors Regulation Authority about a law firm has been severely reprimanded by his regulator.
Blog
Listening, learning and leading The Solicitor’s Charity with care
As I prepare to hand over the mantle of chair of The Solicitor’s Charity next month, it doesn’t feel like an end. Instead, it feels like a wonderful journey.
Is competition in the legal sector stifling innovation?
As the legal sector’s competitive landscape continues to evolve, Nobel laureates remind us that innovation is not inevitable,and that competition may not always be an incentive to innovate.
What high-performing consumer claims firms get right
Recurring concerns about parts of the volume claims sector show that the gap between well-run firms and those struggling to manage volume effectively is widening.
