Compliance & Regulation
Cost of regulation would “drop like a stone” with no client account
The cost of regulation would “drop like a stone” if solicitors were not allowed to hold client money, the chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority said yesterday.
SSB victims group expresses concern over regulators’ investigations
The SSB Victims Support Group has expressed concern about the way the Solicitors Regulation Authority is conducting its investigation into the collapsed Sheffield law firm.
Litigation funding supports the public interest, major research finds
Litigation funding supports the public interest and access to justice but will remain niche in aiding consumers, according to major research which identified 44 cases in the last five years.
Big fine for firm that failed to replace client money wrongly paid out
A Norwich law firm has been fined £121,000 for failing for eight years to replace client money which it had wrongly paid out to beneficiaries of an estate.
Firm found guilty of multiple failures in financial mis-selling claims
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has decided not to enforce at £65,000 fine it has issued against a financial mis-selling law firm because it is in liquidation.
Exclusive: Allow courts to fine lawyers who bring SLAPPs, says Browder
The courts should have the power to issue big fines for law firms that bring SLAPPs, global anti-corruption campaigner Bill Browder has told Legal Futures.
High Court rejects SRA appeal against £75,000 costs order
The High Court has rejected the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s appeal against a £75,000 costs order made after its failed prosecution of a solicitor.
Barrister disbarred for making false allegations about colleague
A barrister who made false allegations of homophobia, harassment and discrimination against a colleague while both worked at a leading law firm has been disbarred.
MPs welcome SSB victims to Parliament as campaign steps up
Eight MPs met with victims of defunct Sheffield law firm SSB Group this week as pressure on both the government and the Solicitors Regulation Authority ramped up.
Law firms’ complaints records to be published in improvement push
Law firms’ performance in handling clients’ complaints should be published to improve transparency, the Legal Services Board has told the frontline regulators.
Solicitor fined for client loan is fined again for misleading SDT
A solicitor fined £20,000 five years ago by the SDT for loaning a client money at 60% APR, has been fined a further £30,000 for misleading the tribunal about other loans.
SRA’s plans for CILEX paralegals “risk to reputation of solicitors”
Plans by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to regulate CILEX paralegals are a risk to the “reputation of the solicitor profession” and unnecessary, the Law Society has argued.
Solicitor struck off for role in husband’s unlicensed medicines crimes
A solicitor caught up in her husband’s supply of unauthorised medicines and controlled drugs, as well as money laundering, has been struck off.
Peers support widening SRA’s fining and investigative powers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority needs more powers to prevent misconduct by law firms involved in strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs), peers have urged.
Civil Mediation Council bids to push up standards in profession
The Civil Mediation Council is creating an independent regulatory body and applying for a Royal charter in a bid to drive up standards in the profession, it has emerged.
Blog
Listening, learning and leading The Solicitor’s Charity with care
As I prepare to hand over the mantle of chair of The Solicitor’s Charity next month, it doesn’t feel like an end. Instead, it feels like a wonderful journey.
Is competition in the legal sector stifling innovation?
As the legal sector’s competitive landscape continues to evolve, Nobel laureates remind us that innovation is not inevitable,and that competition may not always be an incentive to innovate.
What high-performing consumer claims firms get right
Recurring concerns about parts of the volume claims sector show that the gap between well-run firms and those struggling to manage volume effectively is widening.
