Solicitors
SRA could tell law firms to pay for trainees’ SQE skills tests
The SRA could ask law firms to pay for their own research and writing skills tests when hiring trainees, instead of testing them in stage 1 of the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam, it has emerged.
SRA “wrong” to sanction solicitor for nanny discrimination
The Solicitors Regulation Authority was wrong to sanction a senior finance partner at City giant Hogan Lovells for discriminating against his children’s pregnant nanny, a leading regulatory QC has said.
Solicitor and practice manager husband jailed for legal aid fraud to face SDT
A solicitor and her practice manager husband jailed last year for legal aid fraud and facing a £7m civil claim from the Ministry of Justice have now been referred to a disciplinary tribunal.
Legal Access Challenge finalists revealed
A chatbot for people with learning disabilities, tools to help women facing domestic violence, and data-supported advice on employment disputes are among the Legal Access Challenge finalists.
Solicitor suspended after being taken in by scam
A solicitor has been suspended for five years after becoming entangled in a financial scam and unwittingly using her professional status to rope in other victims, as well as losing money herself.
Marketing chief cleared of Axiom fund ‘kick-backs’
The marketing chief of a failed Manchester law firm who successfully appealed against an order banning him from working for the profession, has been cleared of all charges by a fresh tribunal.
Tribunal hits out at “flawed” SRA investigation
A disciplinary tribunal has heavily criticised a Solicitors Regulation Authority investigation that was so “flawed” that its investigator’s evidence disintegrated under cross-examination.
Experts highlight problem areas in SRA’s new rules
Specialists have warned of problems for solicitors arising from the new Standards & Regulations being introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in November.
Leaseholders condemn solicitors’ services
A survey of home-buyers has issued a “resounding indictment” of the lack of information provided by their lawyers and rising concern about developers forcing them to use recommended solicitors.
“Chaotic” solicitor struck off after 45 years in practice
An experienced solicitor has been struck off for a litany of failures which showed “chaos and disorganisation” in his practice and included dishonestly under-valuing estate assets by nearly £50,000.
Blog
On good authority? GenAI and the reputational risks to law firms
As GenAI’s influence grows, so do the risks which are already playing out in courtrooms across England and Wales, where some early adopters are setting precedents they would rather not.
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
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.
