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
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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