Regulation
Bar Council attacks “overwhelming” handbook updates
The Bar Council has strongly criticised the Bar Standards Board for bombarding barristers with updates to its handbook which risked becoming “overwhelming”.
New law “to put more pressure” on solicitors’ NDA advice
A new law ensuring that employees signing non-disclosure agreements receive independent legal advice will “increase the onus” on solicitors to act properly when drafting them, the government has said.
7,000 firms to face AML check over compliance concerns
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to check 7,000 law firms’ compliance with anti-money laundering regulations after an initial sweep found that too many were not complying.
In-house lawyers’ ethics: “Bright spots amid the gloom”
The largest study of the ethics of in-house lawyers ever undertaken has shown a “gloomy picture” of lawyers wedded first to the commercial objectives of the companies they work for.
Serious misconduct “does not mean automatic strike-off”
A finding of serious misconduct against a solicitor does not require striking off or an immediate suspension from practice, the High Court has ruled.
Dozens of law firms enabling corruption, report finds
Dozens of UK law firms are providing corrupt individuals with services that enable them to “move, hide and defend their ill-gotten gains with impunity”, Transparency International has claimed.
Barrister fails in discrimination claims against chambers
An employment tribunal has rejected all the claims of discrimination, victimisation and whistleblowing made by a barrister who also acted as the chambers manager.
Barrister suspended for offensive Facebook postings
A barrister who posted a number of offensive and disparaging comments about a member of the public on Facebook has been suspended from practice.
Boss of bogus law firm disqualified as director
The head of a bogus solicitors’ firm has received a 10-year director’s disqualification for running the business with a total lack of integrity.
Lawyer protestors advised to do “risk analysis”
Lawyers keen to protest in the streets with Extinction Rebellion should carry out their own “risk analysis” before taking part, a regulatory specialist has said.
Blog
Is your Google Ads budget funding your competitors’ AI visibility?
If your cost-per-click has crept up again this year, you’ve probably assumed the market simply got more expensive. That’s the wrong way to read what’s happening.
Containing the spread of unapproved AI
Nearly 60% of fee-earners admit to using unapproved tools (like free versions of ChatGPT). Yet 68% of firm leaders are confident there is zero risk of unapproved AI being used for client work.
When AI adoption goes wrong, costs add up fast
City AM recently reported that London is fighting to claim the title of ‘global capital of legal AI’. However, it’s crucial we remember that adoption alone does not create value.
