Compliance & Regulation
CMA launches investigation into unregulated legal services
The Competition & Markets Authority has returned to the legal market and launched an investigation into unregulated will-writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services.
Dentons to face disciplinary tribunal over AML “failures”
The world’s largest law firm is to be prosecuted before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal over alleged breaches of anti-money laundering rules.
“Risk of conflicting duties” in following SRA Proceeds of Crime Act guidance
Solicitors need to tread carefully in applying new Solicitors Regulation Authority guidance on the Proceeds of Crime Act as they could find themselves in conflict with existing obligations.
PII premiums rises to be lower than last year, says Law Society research
Professional indemnity insurance premiums will rise again this year but by less than in 2022, when it was 12% across the market, Law Society research has predicted.
SRA probes dozens of firms over bulk compensation claims
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been carrying out dozens of investigations into possible misconduct in bulk compensation claims, particularly around cavity wall insulation.
Drink-driving barrister cannot return to practice until “medically fit”
A barrister twice convicted of drink driving cannot return to practice for six months and only then with evidence that she is “medically fit”, a Bar disciplinary tribunal has decided.
CILEx Regulation claims support for retaining role
CILEx Regulation has claimed support for remaining the regulator of chartered legal executives from its recent consultation on how the present system can work better.
Diesel claim clients unhappy as firm corrects fees “error” in paperwork
Class action firm Pogust Goodhead has had to write to the 1.8m clients of its MyDieselClaim brand to correct a “typographical error” in its paperwork about the cap on its fees.
Legal profession “five years behind the curve” on diversity
The legal profession is “five years behind the curve” on diversity and inclusion and has “only in recent times” appreciated just how unequal access is, the chief executive of the LSB has said.
SQE will not “deliver on diversity” in current form
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination will not “deliver a more diverse profession in its current shape”, the founder of a campaign to achieve equality for women in the law has said.
Law firm owners suspended for accounts breaches dating back to 1980s
The veteran husband and wife owners of a Midlands law firm have been suspended for manifest incompetence after allowing dormant client balances to build up over decades.
CA rejects latest challenge to costs deduction from damages
The time for a client to challenge a solicitor’s deduction from their damages runs from the time the deduction is made, without the client having to agree the specific amount.
SRA happy with standards of law firms handling LPAs and deputyships
Law firms are maintaining a good standard of service despite increased demand for lasting powers of attorney and deputyship work, an SRA review has found.
LSB bids to reduce regulatory barriers to tech adoption
Regulators need to bring down the barriers to technology adoption and innovation in the interests of reducing unmet legal need, the Legal Services Board has said.
Solicitors to pay extra £13.5m to Law Society and SRA
Individual solicitors and their firms will have to pay an extra £13.5m to be regulated and represented in the coming year, it emerged today.
Blog
Why later-life divorce requires a distinct professional framework
Later-life divorce, often described as ‘silver splitter’ or ‘grey divorce’ cases, is no longer a marginal feature of family law practice. It challenges long-standing assumptions about how divorce work is done.
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.
