Compliance & Regulation
‘Corporate’ chambers sets up ABS after significant growth
A chambers set up as a company to shake up the Bar has now obtained an alternative business structure nilicence after three years of strong growth.
Solicitor set for SRA probe after High Court overturns anonymity order
The High Court has removed a nine-year anonymity order in favour of a solicitor, meaning that the Solicitors Regulation Authority can now investigate his misconduct in later costs proceedings.
Chalk urges SRA to take action over immigration solicitors
The Lord Chancellor has urged the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to take more action over abuse of the immigration system by solicitors.
CA issues general civil restraint order against struck-off solicitor
The Court of Appeal has imposed a three-year general civil restraint order on a struck-off solicitor who has been issuing claims against the Solicitors Regulation Authority among others.
Sunak “undermining trust in lawyers”, says Bar Council
The Bar Council has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of undermining trust in the profession by claiming that a “subset of lawyers” are exploiting illegal migrants for profit.
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.
Blog
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
