Regulation
Controversial client protection rules for freelance solicitors approved
The Legal Services Board has approved client protection arrangements to back the new breed of freelance solicitors, despite opposition from the Law Society and Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Law Society and SRA budgets rise but cost of practising to fall
The costs of practising for solicitors is set to fall this year even though both the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority’s budgets are on the rise.
Immigration lawyers sanctioned for ‘totally without merit’ JRs
Two immigration lawyers who clocked up 14 judicial review applications in a single year found to be totally without merit have been fined and made subject to conditions on their future practice.
Charity pours scorn on quality of immigration detainees’ advice
Legal representation for immigration detainees is poor, including the quality of advice given by solicitors, according to a charity that challenges detention in removal centres and prisons.
Criminal lawyer was “duped by fraudster” over football club deal
A criminal law solicitor who “appeared to have been duped by a convicted fraudster” has been fined for letters he produced to give comfort to potential business partners.
Law Society’s defence of NDA guidance draws heavy fire
The Law Society’s defence of its practice note on non-disclosure agreements has not silenced its critics, with the leading academic in the field accusing Chancery Lane of “putting PR before principles”.
Solicitor hit with £500k POCA fine for using house as office
A West London solicitor has hit with a £500,000 confiscation order for repeatedly disregarding warnings from his local council to stop using a terraced home as an office for his firm.
Law lecturers “free to embrace diversity”, says academic
Academics who decline to pursue diversity in their teaching wrongly think that the content of curriculums for qualifying law degrees is detailed by legal regulators, a leading academic has suggested.
Consumers see technology as key to unlocking access to law
A majority of people in England and Wales think the legal system is not set up for ordinary people, with only half seeking advice from a lawyer when faced with a legal problem, new research has found.
Report calls for end to “macho culture” of chambers
The “macho culture that can pervade chambers” must go if the Bar is to improve its gender balance, a report by a specialist discrimination law firm run by a QC has concluded.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
