Regulation
BSB delays introduction of written pupillage agreements
The Bar Standards Board has delayed plans to require chambers to enter into written agreements with pupils, which were due to come into force in just two months’ time.
Solicitors given insurance warning over freelance status
Solicitors who take on the new freelance status may find it difficult to return to working for law firms due to insurance problems, the Law Society has warned.
Strong public backing for independent regulation of lawyers
The Scottish public strongly backs regulation of lawyers that is separate from representative bodies, according to a survey, in the wake of a review recommending a single regulator.
Unregulated firms should offer solicitors “ethics guarantee”
Solicitors working for unregulated entities under new rules should seek contractual assurances from their employers that their professional obligations cannot be overridden, the Law Society has advised.
Law firms “need data-sharing guidance” to avoid GDPR breaches
The Information Commissioner needs to provide specific guidance to law firms on how they can lawfully share personal data, a leading City law firm has argued.
Solicitor’s rehabilitation insufficient to lift PC conditions
A disciplinary tribunal has refused to lift practising conditions imposed on a solicitor who breached a catalogue of accounts rules while specialising in conveyancing work.
Tribunal piles on second fine for solicitor’s contempt of court
A solicitor fined £5,000 by a judge after being convicted of contempt of court for breaching an injunction has been fined a further £7,500 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Deloitte launches three-year SQE training contracts
Big Four accountant Deloitte has launched a pioneering three-year training contract, allowing trainees to study at the University of Law for one day a week and work the remaining four.
Solicitor told SRA he didn’t “give a monkey’s” about firm
A solicitor who told the regulator that he didn’t “give a monkey’s” about the fate of his law firm because he had retired has been struck off.
Anonymous reporting tool to aid barristers facing harassment
Barristers will be able to make anonymous reports of bullying and harassment by their colleagues and judges after the Bar Council signed up to an online tool to aid the profession.
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.
