Regulation
Consumer panel urges regulators to publish complaints data
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has criticised legal regulators’ continuing “resistance” to publishing complaints data about the lawyers they oversee.
Immigration regulator has “deep concerns” about SRA reforms
The immigration regulator has expressed its “deep concern” at the rules that will allow practising solicitors to operate from unregulated businesses.
Struck-off solicitor made bankrupt by SRA agrees nine-year order
A struck-off solicitor made bankrupt by the Solicitors Regulation Authority because he owes it nearly £150,000 has agreed to a further nine years of bankruptcy restrictions.
Solicitor who forged certificates to qualify is struck off
A solicitor who only qualified because he lied about having passed certain tests – and even forged certificates to convince the Solicitors Regulation Authority – has been struck off.
Solicitor who lied to Mueller inquiry is struck off
A solicitor who was jailed for 30 days after pleading guilty to making false statements to the Mueller inquiry into Donald Trump has been struck off.
Rocket Lawyer chief: SQE will “transform access to justice”
Four times as many law graduates will be able to practise as solicitors after the solicitors qualifying examination comes in in 2021, a move that will be “transformative” for access to the law.
Inns of Court to be first provider of new Bar training course
The Inns of Court College of Advocacy is set to be the first organisation approved to run the new Bar training course, which it is doing on a not-for-profit basis.
Solicitor who owed barristers £146,000 fails to overturn strike-off
A solicitor who admitted owing barristers over £146,000 in unpaid fees has failed to overturn his strike-off at the High Court. He issued “disingenuous and misleading” defences when sued for payment.
Law firms resolve over 80% of complaints in-house for first time
The proportion of complaints about poor service successfully resolved in-house by law firms without reference to the Legal Ombudsman has topped 80% for the first time, it has emerged.
‘Sham marriage’ solicitor appeals against striking off
A second solicitor who told an undercover television reporter that he would help them apply for a visa on the back of a bogus marriage has been struck off – but is also appealing the decision.
Blog
Strong AML controls are meaningless with incomplete data
One expectation as the FCA takes control of anti-money laundering oversight is a move towards more supervision rather than simply writing new rules.
Navigating the legal AI productivity-profitability paradox
Firms are achieving efficiencies through AI, especially in the practice of law. Yet many are struggling to see that reflected in their financial outcomes
Regulation, growth and access to justice: why legal services need a reset
Well-intentioned consumer protections embedded in the regulation of legal services increasingly act as barriers to innovation, competition and access to justice.
