Solicitors
“Confrontational” trainee was not a whistleblower
A trainee who complained of “a perceived lack of training” a few weeks after starting work at a small Norfolk law firm was not a whistleblower, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Asylum lawyers “suffering from emotional toll” of work
Cuts to legal aid and the stigmatisation of clients seeking asylum arising from Brexit have added to the emotional toll suffered by those lawyers practising in the field, research has found.
Cross-regulator IP law firm merger breaks new ground
A law firm regulated by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board has merged with one regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, in what is believed to be the first deal of its kind.
Solicitor taken in by “Pope’s banker” fails to remove PC conditions
A solicitor convicted of a money laundering offence after being taken in by a charismatic conman posing as the Pope’s banker has failed in a bid to remove the conditions from her practising certificate.
SRA considers ditching skills testing from first part of SQE
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is considering whether to abandon the skills element of the first stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, meaning it would consist entirely of multiple-choice questions.
Partners fined for conflict of interest in coal mine deal
Two former partners in a Welsh law firm have each been fined for acting in the sale of four opencast coal mines where they had a direct interest in the companies that bought them.
Ex-Baker McKenzie boss to face tribunal over harassment allegations
The former managing partner of the London office of Baker McKenzie is to face a disciplinary tribunal over allegations that he sexually harassed a member of staff.
Unregulated firms employing solicitors “must be clear with clients”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has spelled out the importance of unregulated firms that employ solicitors under its new rules ensuring that clients understand the limitations of the arrangement.
Green light for civil standard of proof at SDT
The Legal Services Board has approved the change in the standard of proof used by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal from the criminal to the civil standard.
“Put your house in order,” court tells solicitor over higher rights
The High Court has told a solicitor who accidentally exercised higher rights of audience without the formal qualification to do so “to put his house in order”.
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.
