Compliance & Regulation
Gary Senior case: “An extraordinary abuse of position,” says SDT
The former managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s London office committed “an extraordinary abuse of position” by sexually harassing a junior fee-earner in his hotel room, the SDT has ruled.
Climate protest lawyers block Chancery Lane
Lawyers for Extinction Rebellion blocked Chancery Lane outside the Law Society on Friday to highlight concerns about the potential impact on lawyers’ careers of being arrested for peaceful protests.
LeO presses ahead with plan to publish decisions in full
The Legal Ombudsman is to press ahead with plans to publish its full decisions, as well as annual reviews of the most complained-about lawyers and firms, it has decided.
Staff the main risk as firms report millions stolen by cybercriminals
Most incidents of cybercrime suffered by law firms are due to individual errors and misunderstanding rather than systems being hacked, research by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has found.
Lawyers for XR to perform “arrestable action” outside Law Society
Lawyers for Extinction Rebellion will perform an “arrestable action” outside the Law Society today to push the SRA to confirm lawyers’ rights to engage in non-violent protest without repercussions.
PII underwriters warn solicitors after failing to change terms
Indemnity insurers have warned solicitors that they will suffer the consequences of their regulator maintaining that policies cannot be cancelled for non-payment of premiums or excesses.
Licensed conveyancers attack CILEx deal with accountants
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has attacked a planned partnership between CILEx Regulation and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Legal profession must be “more open about menopause”
More openness about the menopause is needed, the Law Society said yesterday as it released guidance on experiencing menopause in the legal profession.
Second summary judgment issued against firm in three months
The High Court has issued a second summary judgment ruling against EAD Solicitors arising from the alleged fraudulent activities of a businessman in collusion with a former partner of the Liverpool law firm.
Barrister should have apologised to judge over behaviour
A hugely experienced criminal defence barrister who shouted and pulled faces at a judge should have sent her a letter of apology, a Bar disciplinary tribunal has said.
PI solicitor struck off for “stupid” decision to forge client’s signature
An experienced personal injury solicitor who forged his client’s signature on two court documents to progress her case “acted stupidly” and had to be struck off, a tribunal has decided.
Government pledges post-Brexit qualifications recognition
The UK government will put in place a temporary system to recognise the professional qualifications of EU lawyers post 1 January 2021 if no agreement is reached before Brexit.
Solicitor who didn’t understand transactions suspended
A solicitor who did not understand the complex financial transactions he was acting on – which potentially had connections to Mexican drug cartels – has been suspended from practice.
Judge rejects challenges to £13k award for age discrimination solicitor
A judge has refused applications from both sides to reconsider his decision to award an experienced property solicitor damages of £13,200 for age discrimination by a law firm.
Lawtech start-up focused on security raises further £1m
A lawtech start-up specialising in identity and source of funds checks for conveyancers has attracted high-profile investors including the co-founders of Funding Circle in raising £1m.
Blog
AI in family law – drawing the line for clients and lawyers
AI is becoming increasingly intertwined with family law. Clients are using it to draft initial enquiries, prepare statements and, in some cases, to support themselves as litigants in person.
Why AI and leadership choices will define law firm profitability in 2026
Despite rapid advances in legal technology, the future of law will not be determined by software alone. It will be shaped by leadership decisions.
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
