Solicitors
LeO “going too far” with bid to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain
The Legal Ombudsman is going too far in proposing to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain about lawyers, the Law Society has claimed. Chancery Lane found support from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
New QASA row erupts over role of solicitors in youth court cases
A key section of the final consultation on the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates has been condemned as “misleading and inaccurate” by a member of the Bar Standards Board, amid controversy over advocacy standards in the youth courts.
Version 4 of Handbook goes live as SRA promises no further COLP/COFA delay
The fourth edition of the SRA Handbook in less than 10 months was published yesterday. It includes the delay in the introduction of the compliance officer regime, and the SRA has guaranteed that there will be no further hold-ups.
SDT throws out case against solicitor over SRA abuse of process
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has taken the highly unusual step of throwing out proceedings taken against a solicitor, finding that the actions of the Solicitors Regulation Authority constituted an abuse of process.
SRA: referral fee ban could drive many firms out of business – and may not even stop dodgy claims
The impending ban on referral fees in personal injury could result in a “steep increase” in the number of financial failures amongst small law firms – but may not actually discourage spurious claims – the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
SRA warned over ABS risk if it changes rules on referring clients to financial advisers
Insurance companies could buy law firms and use them as conduits to sell their products to consumers if the Solicitors Regulation Authority changes the rules on referring clients to financial advisers, it has been warned.
Complaints reviewer warns SRA over appearing that it is “intent on looking after solicitors”
Dissatisfaction with the response of the Solicitors Regulation Authority to allegations of misconduct by solicitors is the most common source of complaints against the authority, with the introduction of risk-based regulation making the situation worse, its independent reviewer has found.
LSB urges SRA to speed up review of “unsustainable” in-house lawyer rules
The Legal Services Board has told the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it needs to complete its review of in-house practice as soon as possible because the current regulatory arrangements are not sustainable.
SRA defends bid to increase power to fine law firms from £2,000 to £250m
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has rejected calls for it to have greater powers to fine ABSs than traditional law firms. It has also dismissed suggestions by the Law Society that it should not have substantial fining powers at all.
High Court rejects bid to replace “kiss of death” practising certificate conditions with undertakings
The High Court has rejected a bid to replace conditions on a solicitor’s practising certificate with undertakings despite claims that the current state of the professional indemnity insurance market made them the “kiss of death” to a continuing career.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
