Compliance & Regulation
Row over contempt action against KC for defying judge’s order
Contempt of court proceedings against a KC for a closing speech that allegedly breached the judge’s directions could have a “chilling effect on the Bar”, his set has argued.
Multi-office firm fell into administration after sale fell through
West of England law firm BLB Solicitors was forced into administration after a sale fell through at a late stage, its administrators have revealed.
SRA seeks extra £25m from profession “to fix the foundations”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority today set out the initial cost of fixing its problems – a 29%, or £25m, increase in its funding for the 2026-27 practising year.
SRA and CILEX end talks on transferring regulation of legal executives
Work to transfer the regulation of CILEX members to the Solicitors Regulation Authority has come to an end, it has emerged.
“Panicked” solicitor who backdated document struck off
A solicitor who backdated a document and sent a misleading email to a client has been struck off, despite evidence he was experiencing significant mental health difficulties at the time.
BSB seeks power to appeal decision of health panels
The Bar Standards Board is to take a right of appeal against decisions of its health panels, which is currently restricted to the affected barrister.
LSB puts SRA under pressure amid fears of more law firm collapses
The Legal Services Board is to bear down on the Solicitors Regulation Authority amid concern that more collapses could follow the likes of Axiom Ince and PM Law.
FCA review to turns up heat on law firms and CMCs over claims work
The Financial Conduct Authority is stepping up pressure on claims management companies and law firms by launching a review of the claims management market.
Partner struck off for ‘witnessing’ unsigned leases
A partner who witnessed two leases as having been signed in his presence when they had not has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Barrister accidentally sent “life-threatening information” to journalist
A barrister who accidentally sent confidential information about an immigration client to a journalist without his permission has been fined £10,000.
Dual FCA and SRA-regulated business goes into administration
A wealth management firm that a decade ago became one of the first to adopt dual regulation by the SRA and FCA has gone into administration after its key lawyer left.
Exclusive: AI-powered US firm targets UK after $60m fund-raise
A US company that last week announced a $60m Series A fund-raise is set to bring the model of a law firm backed by its AI system to England and Wales, Legal Futures can reveal.
Solicitor’s failure to redeem charges “a warning to profession”
The case of a solicitor who wrongly thought charges on a property had been removed is “a warning that even experienced professionals could make serious errors in judgment under extreme stress”.
Bar Council faces discrimination claim over Black interns scheme
The Bar Council is facing a discrimination claim over its 10,000 Black Interns programme by a white woman who says her application was rejected because of her race.
Partner who acted on Ponzi scheme fined £30k over conflict of interest
A partner who acted on what turned out to be a fraudulent Ponzi scheme has been fined £30,000 for accepting a role to protect the interest of the scheme’s bondholders.
Blog
The SRA’s strict liability gamble has failed. Good
The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in Dentons v SRA on 27 April, and the profession is right to welcome it. It is the second time in short succession that the court has corrected the SRA.
How AI presents real opportunities for barristers
AI presents real opportunities to improve access to justice and to support barristers in day-to-day legal practice. But we all need to understand and mitigate the risks.
Not everything can be a competition issue – a new dawn for consumer redress
Last month, the Law Commission launched a new project to “consider the potential introduction of a consumer class actions regime” in England and Wales.
