Compliance & Regulation
Solicitor’s inadequate AML checks led to property frauds
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended the owner of a London law firm whose “failings” resulted in two fraudulent property transactions.
Solicitor fabricated court order to hide lack of progress with case
A solicitor who fabricated a court order to hide his lack of progress with a case – as well as an email purporting to seek enforcement of it – has been struck off.
Post Office lawyers referred to SRA over ‘without prejudice’ letters
Campaigning lawyer Dan Neidle has referred the Post Office’s legal team to the SRA over ‘without prejudice’ letters sent to victims of the flawed Horizon computer system.
SDT refused to disclose witness statements in sexual misconduct case
The SDT refused to disclose the witness statements of three young women who gave evidence of sexual misconduct by City lawyer Oliver Bretherton to journalists, it has emerged.
BSB to lobby councils over disabled access to listed chambers buildings
The Bar Standards Board has written to chief planning officers in central London to express concern at the difficulties chambers face in adapting historic buildings for disabled access.
SRA “keeping close eye” on law firm consolidators
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is keeping a close eye on the growing number of law firm consolidators because of particular risks they raise – including being a vehicle for criminals.
High Court rejects solicitor-turned-barrister’s disbarment appeal
A solicitor turned barrister, disbarred for dishonesty relating to earlier disciplinary action taken against him by the SRA, has failed in his appeal to the High Court.
KC loses appeal against suspension for disclosure failure
A senior criminal law KC has failed in an appeal against a year-long suspension imposed for his decision not to disclose surveillance evidence which ultimately led to a conviction being overturned.
Bar Council set for first Black chair after Mills election
Barbara Mills KC is set to become the first Black person and person of colour to lead the Bar in 2025 after being elected as vice-chair of the Bar Council for next year, amid a flurry of appointments.
Senior partner who admitted acting “disgracefully” is struck off
A former senior partner who admitted acting “disgracefully” and dishonestly by creating invoices for probate work that had already been paid for, has been struck off.
Firms must avoid “knee-jerk response” to sexual misconduct claims
Law firms must avoid giving a “knee-jerk response” to complaints of sexual harassment, a leading reputation management lawyer has said.
Suspension for bankrupt solicitor who continued to practise as locum
A solicitor who continued working after going bankrupt, which automatically suspended her practising certificate, and also pursued a private property purchase, has been suspended indefinitely.
Lawyers facing SRA investigations need “regulatory realism”
Lawyers being investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority should show “regulatory realism” and avoid acting as if they faced private litigation, an expert has cautioned.
Strike-off for solicitor who deleted SRA emails to co-owner wife
A man who deleted emails to his wife, a fellow solicitor and co-owner of their firm, to try and hide an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has been struck off.
Solicitor put forward benefit fraud scheme to client
A solicitor who suggested a dishonest scheme that would allow his client to commit benefit fraud – and enrich himself – has been struck off.
Blog
Why AI and leadership choices will define law firm profitability in 2026
Despite rapid advances in legal technology, the future of law will not be determined by software alone. It will be shaped by leadership decisions.
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
It’s time for law firms to ask tougher questions
For years, many law firms have treated ID verification as a box-ticking exercise. Run a liveness check, match a face to a document and move on. But that is no longer good enough.
