Compliance & Regulation
Suspension for solicitor who ran firm without authorisation
A solicitor who practised as a sole practitioner for over three years without authorisation after her partner left has been suspended for nine months.
Ethical working cultures “vital” for law firms, indemnity insurer says
An “ethical and supportive working culture” has become “not just beneficial, but vital” to the future of law firms, a leading professional indemnity insurer has said.
Solicitor struck off for misleading judge about location
A solicitor who “wasted valuable court time” by telling a recorder that he was in London when he was actually in Munich has been struck off.
Client account interest scheme “could create meaningful change”
An Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme “could create meaningful change” by delivering a justice system that works for more people.
Training of lawyers “not good enough”, MPs told
The training of lawyers in England and Wales, both at law schools and through CPD, “is not good enough” and could be improved by regulation, a leading legal academic has told MPs.
Non-AI technology-only law firm authorised by SRA
A technology-only law firm built around a “fully deterministic legal model” has been authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the first of its kind.
Solicitor faces probe after putting client documents into ChatGPT
The Upper Tribunal has warned lawyers against putting client documents into ChatGPT and other open-source AI tools after a solicitor admitted doing so.
SRA puts conditions on practice of controversial solicitor Milne
Controversial solicitor Andrew Milne has been put under a supervision condition by the Solicitors Regulation Authority following a conviction for stalking.
Restrictions on compliance roles “will harm access to justice”
Preventing the owners of law firms from being compliance officers could lead to “additional regulatory expenses” which will be passed onto clients, the Law Society has warned.
High-powered Court of Appeal gears up to hear Mazur
Master of the Rolls Lord Justice Vos, Chancellor of the High Court Lord Justice Birss and Lady Justice Andrews will today hear the Mazur appeal.
Judge refers barrister to BSB for including “false fact” in particulars
The High Court has referred a direct access barrister to the Bar Standards Board for signing a statement of truth that pleaded a false allegation of fact.
Rapson: Time for the SRA to go “back to basics”
The SRA’s new chief executive has pledged a ‘back to basics’ drive that will see it focus on its core responsibilities and try and avoid having to take enforcement action.
Solicitor struck off for extreme pornography conviction
A solicitor has been struck off after being convicted of distributing an indecent image of a child and possessing extreme pornography.
Dismay as HMRC lays out register plan for conveyancers
Conveyancers have expressed severe disappointment that the government is not shifting on its controversial plan that will require them to register as tax advisers with HMRC.
Ombudsman boss set to swap housing for legal services
The current housing ombudsman, Richard Blakeway, is set to become chair of the Office for Legal Complaints, which is the board of the Legal Ombudsman.
Blog
Don’t be fooled by the civil court statistics
The latest civil justice figures look deceptively upbeat, with faster claims. But these numbers mask a deeper truth: people are still waiting more than a year for justice.
SEO is changing: Are you measuring the right things?
AI means firms may see falling organic traffic and wonder if SEO is still working. The more interesting question is whether traffic is still the right measure of success.
Forms are evolving – and more interesting than you might think
I have spent much of my working life thinking about something most people would probably prefer not to think about at all: legal forms.
Reports
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