Compliance & Regulation
BSB will not investigate barrister over misgendering trans lawyers
The Bar Standards Board has decided not to investigate a gender-critical barrister who was accused of being transphobic by misgendering two trans lawyers.
Ministers tighten NDAs rules a little – five years after promising it
The government last week closed what campaigners called a “small loophole” to ensure that NDAs do not prevent victims from accessing legal and other advice relating to criminal conduct.
Bar Council issues warning over Garrick Club membership
The Bar Council said yesterday that membership of the men-only Garrick Club creates “the potential for unfair advantage” when it came to practitioners needing references to become judges.
MPs urge SRA to speed up investigation into SSB collapse
The Solicitors Regulation Authority needs to speed up its investigation into the collapse of Sheffield law firm SSB Law, MPs said this week, with one calling out “dodgy” solicitors.
Legal Services Board adds £1.75m to levy on legal profession
The Legal Services Board is set to trim back the increase in its budget for the coming year to 10%, while also approving a 7% rise in the Legal Ombudsman’s budget.
MPs’ support for Legal Services Act review divides opinion
MPs’ backing for a review of legal regulation has split opinion in the market, pitching the Legal Services Consumer Panel and Professor Stephen Mayson against the Law Society.
SRA fines “unfair” and “schizophrenic”, solicitors argue
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s approach to fines has been branded unfair and “schizophrenic” in the wake of hefty penalties handed out to solicitors convicted of drink-driving.
Ex-solicitor struck off for bribes fails in bid to return to profession
A former solicitor struck off after being jailed for five years for perverting the course of justice has failed in his attempt to return to the profession.
MPs: Case to review Legal Services Act “growing stronger and stronger”
The case for re-examining the regulatory framework created by the Legal Services Act 2007 is “growing stronger and stronger”, MPs have told the government.
Miller: Who lawyers decide to act for is not a regulatory issue
Who lawyers choose to act for is not a regulatory issue – and the Solicitors Regulation Authority needs to be clear on this, a leading legal regulatory specialist said yesterday.
Prove you will practise here, BSB to tell transferring overseas lawyers
The Bar Standards Board could ask foreign lawyers seeking to be called in England and Wales to prove they intend to practise here, it has emerged.
SRA sets out plans to regulate CILEX paralegals and students
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has outlined its plans to regulate the thousands of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives members who are paralegals and students.
Newly qualified solicitor struck off for false time recording
A newly qualified solicitor who “falsely recorded time across a number of files” to show his law firm that he was meeting his billing target has been struck off.
Lady Chief Justice speaks out in support of cab-rank rule
The Lady Chief Justice yesterday spoke out in support of the cab-rank rule, arguing that without it “law and justice become an arbitrary concept”.
Strike-off for solicitor who lied to SRA about firm’s closure
A solicitor who lied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority after failing to renew his firm’s professional indemnity insurance has been struck off.
Blog
A two-point plan to halve the size of the SRA
I have joked for many years that you could halve the size (and therefore cost) of the Solicitors Regulation Authority overnight by banning both client account and sole practitioners.
Key cyber and data security questions to ask a legal IT provider
One of the growing priorities that law firms face when considering a legal technology provider is cyber and data security, such as their responsibilities and cyber incident management.
Navigating carer’s leave: A personal journey and call for change
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023, which came into force on 6 April 2024, was a pivotal moment for the UK. It allows workers to take up to five unpaid days off a year to carry out caring responsibilities.
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