Compliance & Regulation
Solicitor labelled “dishonest fraudster” by court struck off
A solicitor, described by a district judge as a “dishonest fraudster” who “consistently lied” to the court and to his law firm, has been struck off.
FCA issues stark warning to law firms over motor finance scheme
The FCA has promised “robust action” against law firms and CMCs that engage in “sharp practices” around the finalised motor finance compensation scheme.
Barrister self-reports to BSB after citing fake cases in skeleton
A barrister has reported herself to the Bar Standards Board after submitting authorities hallucinated by artificial intelligence (AI) to the High Court.
Tribunal orders removal of law firm’s restriction on client’s property
A tribunal has found that a law firm did not have its client’s consent to place a restriction on her property in lieu of unpaid fees.
LSB caps ombudsman’s budget rise despite dire warning of impact
The Legal Ombudsman has been given a budget for its next financial year that it says will not be sufficient to meet its operational or strategic needs.
LSB introduces hierarchy in lawyers’ ethical duties
New requirements to strengthen ethical standards now expressly state that lawyers must place their duties to the court and to act with independence, above acting in the best interests of their client.
MPs probe chair-elect of LSB over conflict of interest risk
MPs yesterday grilled the prospective chair of the Legal Services Board over a potential conflict of interest with her existing role as chair of King’s Counsel Appointments.
No strike-off for solicitor’s “spontaneous dishonesty”
A solicitor who signed a deed as a witness to a signature when she had not actually been present has escaped being struck off.
Three-quarters of SDT cases take longer than six months
Only 24% of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal cases concluded within six months last year, according to new figures from the organisation.
Legal Ombudsman names eight firms over “serious” service failures
A Liverpool law firm ordered to bear the cost of redeeming a client’s mortgage because of mistakes made in a conveyancing matter is among eight named by the Legal Ombudsman.
Law firm wrongly paid out £2.5m of client monies, High Court rules
A law firm paid away £2.5m in client monies without instruction and also forged its client’s signature on multiple documents, the High Court has decided.
Junior solicitor lied about applying for grants of probate
A junior solicitor who told clients, colleagues and others that she had submitted applications for grants of probate when she had not, has been struck off.
Solicitor fails in challenge to suspension over litigation misconduct
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a solicitor suspended for a year for engaging in “persistent, abusive litigation conduct”.
Rapson sets out priorities for turning round SRA performance
Changes in how solicitors are supervised, taking more time to listen to the profession and reviewing the threshold for action are among the SRA’s priorities for this year.
Rebuke for senior partner who used client account for personal matter
The senior partner of a London law firm has been rebuked for using its client account as a banking facility to deal with a personal matter.
Blog
Is your Google Ads budget funding your competitors’ AI visibility?
If your cost-per-click has crept up again this year, you’ve probably assumed the market simply got more expensive. That’s the wrong way to read what’s happening.
Containing the spread of unapproved AI
Nearly 60% of fee-earners admit to using unapproved tools (like free versions of ChatGPT). Yet 68% of firm leaders are confident there is zero risk of unapproved AI being used for client work.
When AI adoption goes wrong, costs add up fast
City AM recently reported that London is fighting to claim the title of ‘global capital of legal AI’. However, it’s crucial we remember that adoption alone does not create value.
