Regulation
Now ex-Asons boss is disqualified as a director
The former boss of failed Bolton law firm Asons has been disqualified as a director for seven years because of serial overcharging by the one-time personal injury practice, it has emerged.
Solicitor got client to pay cheque into personal account
A solicitor who persuaded a vulnerable client to pay £4,700 into her personal bank account, pretending the money would be spent on repairs to a property she had inherited, has been struck off.
Barrister fails in appeal over “seriously offensive” tweet
The High Court has upheld the reprimand and fine issued to a barrister who sent a “seriously offensive” tweet in a private capacity that was “racially charged and derogatory to women”.
PI solicitor “put relationship with CMCs ahead of clients”
A personal injury solicitor put his own interests ahead of his clients, turning a “Nelsonian blind eye” when concerns were raised so as to maintain the flow of referrals from claims companies.
CMA worried about conveyancer reliance on developers
The Competition and Markets Authority has expressed concern that conveyancers’ advice to leasehold clients may be compromised by their relationships with developers.
Ex-Asons boss agrees not to return to profession
The former boss of failed Bolton law firm Asons has undertaken not to return to legal practice without the permission of a High Court judge after facing contempt proceedings.
Mayson: Activity based regulation not a radical step
Moving to a system of regulating lawyers by the work they do, rather than the professional title they hold, would not be a radical departure from the current regime, Professor Stephen Mayson has suggested.
Commercial lawyer is one of first freelance solicitors
A commercial lawyer based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, who wants to “be her own boss” is to become one of the first of the new breed of freelance solicitors.
Ban for paralegal convicted of online child abuse
A paralegal at a Cardiff law firm jailed last year after being convicted of 158 child abuse offences has been banned from the solicitors’ profession.
Peer calls for regulation overhaul as CMA plans review
A solicitor peer has urged the Ministry of Justice to act now and simplify the legal regulatory regime, saying nothing will change if it is left to the profession.
Blog
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
It’s time for law firms to ask tougher questions
For years, many law firms have treated ID verification as a box-ticking exercise. Run a liveness check, match a face to a document and move on. But that is no longer good enough.
Business fatigue to AI will risk job security
Whilst we know professional learning has always been part of career paths, to hire, retain and keep talent, AI needs to be embedded as a core part of this training.
