Regulation
Probate solicitor took money from estates to keep firm afloat
A probate solicitor took money from the estates to shore up his practice over eight years and produced false accounts to clients to hide what he had done, it has emerged.
Rebuke for solicitor who made offensive comment to blind client
An experienced partner has been rebuked for making an offensive comment to a registered blind client in front of others after she asked for a form to be enlarged so that she could read it.
Number of law firms shut down falls to 10-year low
The number of law firms shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority fell to a 10-year low in 2018, but payouts to victims of dishonest solicitors have increased, new figures have shown.
Men twice as likely to run CLC-regulated firms as women
Men are twice as likely as women to be in managerial roles at law firms overseen by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers despite women making up 74% of the licensed conveyancer community.
Dental regulator named new chief executive of LSB
The executive director of strategy, policy and communications at the General Dental Council has been named as the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board.
High Court refuses employed lawyer pupillage exemption
The High Court has a rejected a challenge to a decision by the Bar Standards Board refusing to grant an exemption from the first non-practising stage of pupillage.
Need to swear an oath? Soon you can ask an accountant
David Gauke, the Lord Chancellor, has decided to allow the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to regulate the administration of oaths.
Green light for new regime on when to report rule breaches
New requirements for reporting rule breaches to the Solicitors Regulation Authority have been approved by the Legal Services Board. The changes include a new ‘early investigation’ rule.
Warrant issued for barrister who harassed solicitor
A judge has issued a warrant for the arrest of a barrister accused of harassing a solicitor who refused to represent her on a pro bono basis.
Principles for lawyers dealing with offshore structures published
International standards for lawyers advising on offshore commercial structures have been put forward at the same time as parliamentarians called for stronger laws on foreign ownership of UK property.
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.
