Regulation
Solicitor “turned blind eye” to pension scam
A solicitor who “turned a blind eye” to the “clear and obvious hallmarks of fraud” in an early release pension scam – as he was looking to replace a lost income stream – has been struck off.
Jail for fraudster who was both accident victim and lawyer
A former government lawyer who used multiple identities in order to play the victim of a motor accident and then legally represent the other driver has been jailed for eight months for contempt of court.
Barristers warned over social media misuse “at all times”
Barristers who use social media inappropriately will face disciplinary action even if they believe they are doing so in their private capacity, the Bar Standards Board has warned.
High Court upgrades solicitor’s “lenient” fine to strike-off
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal was too lenient in only fining a solicitor who had clients pay money into his personal bank account, High Court has ruled.
Legal Services Board eyes its own transparency push
The Legal Services Board could steal a march on the Solicitors Regulation Authority by holding at least one of its board meetings in public, it has emerged.
Solicitor used account as bank facility “to save client”
A solicitor acting as a company’s in-house lawyer who said he had to use his client account to make various payments while its bank account was frozen has been sanctioned by the regulator.
Barristers take over pioneering motor trade law firm
Husband and wife barristers have taken over a niche motor trade law firm this month, which has been offering fixed fees since the 1990s and offers an end-to-end legal service.
LSB could start reviewing regulators’ disciplinary files
The Legal Services Board could start reviewing regulators’ case files to increase its oversight of the quality of their disciplinary decisions in the wake of the Leigh Day case, it has emerged.
Partners asked clients to “absolve” them of any liability
Two partners who asked clients to sign a declaration in their retainer letters stating that they absolved their law firm “from any liability whatsoever” – including professional negligence – have been fined.
Survey: Law firms benefit from efforts to help disabled
Solicitors’ firms that adjust the way they present information to disabled people – and make explicit how they can accommodate their needs – will see the business benefits, a major study has found.
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.
