Compliance & Regulation

The Bar Standards Board has written to chief planning officers in central London to express concern at the difficulties chambers face in adapting historic buildings for disabled access.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is keeping a close eye on the growing number of law firm consolidators because of particular risks they raise – including being a vehicle for criminals.

A solicitor turned barrister, disbarred for dishonesty relating to earlier disciplinary action taken against him by the SRA, has failed in his appeal to the High Court.

A senior criminal law KC has failed in an appeal against a year-long suspension imposed for his decision not to disclose surveillance evidence which ultimately led to a conviction being overturned.

Barbara Mills KC is set to become the first Black person and person of colour to lead the Bar in 2025 after being elected as vice-chair of the Bar Council for next year, amid a flurry of appointments.

A former senior partner who admitted acting “disgracefully” and dishonestly by creating invoices for probate work that had already been paid for, has been struck off.

Law firms must avoid giving a “knee-jerk response” to complaints of sexual harassment, a leading reputation management lawyer has said.

A solicitor who continued working after going bankrupt, which automatically suspended her practising certificate, and also pursued a private property purchase, has been suspended indefinitely.

Lawyers being investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority should show “regulatory realism” and avoid acting as if they faced private litigation, an expert has cautioned.

A man who deleted emails to his wife, a fellow solicitor and co-owner of their firm, to try and hide an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has been struck off.

A solicitor who suggested a dishonest scheme that would allow his client to commit benefit fraud – and enrich himself – has been struck off.

A barrister who was suspended for four months in 2020 following an assault conviction, has been fined £5,500 by a Bar disciplinary tribunal for drink driving.

A lawyer who claimed she was unaware that she was a law firm’s partner has been sanctioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), two years after another partner said the same.

The BSB will not take action against barristers who have committed not to prosecute climate protestors or work for fossil fuel companies – at least until they actually refuse instructions.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has resisted pressure from the Law Society to impose a levy on the profession “as soon as possible” to raise funds for the Solicitors Indemnity Fund.