Solicitors
SDT “wrong” to strike out prosecution of Law Society president
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal was wrong to throw out a private prosecution brought by a former client against the current president of the Law Society, the High Court has ruled.
City dominance of SRA board ends with ABS appointments
Senior figures from three alternative business structures are among the latest appointments to the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, introducing non-City backgrounds to its membership.
QC and accountant set up ABS regulated by SRA
A commercial QC has taken the unusual step of setting up an alternative business structure with an accountant, in contrast with what he described as the “outmoded” chambers structure.
Solicitor fined for role in £29m off-plan development schemes
A solicitor has been fined £8,000 for failing to advise clients of the risks inherent in three off-plan development schemes which were not completed, putting nearly £30m at risk.
Profession backs reforms to Law Society council
Solicitors have voted in favour of changes to the make-up of Law Society council and limits on how long members can sit on it, although only 6% of the profession took part in the ballot.
Solicitor used disbursement cash to keep firm afloat
A solicitor who used disbursements meant for experts and counsel to keep his firm afloat – and lied to his regulator about the debts he was being chased for – has been struck off.
Law Society to investigate historical links with slave trade
The Law Society has become the latest institution to start researching its relationship with historical slavery and colonialism through its activities during the 19th and early 20th century.
Solicitor who hid evidence of error “didn’t know what she was doing”
An assistant solicitor who had a panic attack after missing a hearing and tried to destroy evidence that she had been notified about it has avoided being struck off.
Young solicitor who faked email in “moment of madness” avoids strike-off
A young solicitor who amended an email to give a client a false impression of when it was sent has avoided being struck off for what a tribunal described as a “moment of madness”.
Court rejects solicitor’s claim that she hand-delivered files to SRA
A solicitor failed to comply with court orders to produce files to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a High Court master has ruled, despite her claim that she hand-delivered them.
Blog
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
The formula for finance-enabled business development
Client concentration or over-dependence now counts as a top strategic risk for 26% of firms. Cross-selling is an antidote – a way to bolster revenue resilience without relying on client acquisition.
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
