Compliance & Regulation
SRA fines leading firm for money laundering check failures
Well-known law firm Taylor Vinters has been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for failing to undertake proper money laundering checks on millions of pounds paid into its client account.
Solicitor launches unregulated nanotech firm
A solicitor has launched what he believes is the first legal consultancy in the UK devoted entirely to nanotech firms, the latest to use the rules that allow solicitors to practise from unregulated firms.
“Extremely drunk” senior partner touched and kissed paralegal
The “extremely drunk” senior partner of a London law firm has been fined £10,000 for touching a paralegal on the bottom and kissing her on the neck while sitting next to her in a bar.
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.
Blog
How unstoppable AI is reshaping UK legal practice
At a time when most technology innovation still flows from the US and China, UK lawtech is attracting growing international attention and capital.
Modern vehicles: new injury profiles and new legal challenges
As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow year-on-year, it is important to address the risks that come with their increased adoption.
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
