Law Society of Northern Ireland in turmoil over CEO’s “gross misconduct”
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is in turmoil over a row about its chief executive giving a character reference for a relative convicted of historical sexual offences.
SRA “adding to confusion” around COLP/COFA changes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is only adding to the confusion as it changes the rules on who can be compliance officers, its former head of legal has said.
Employment tribunal judge sexually harassed female staff
A male judge found guilty of inappropriate conduct towards junior female tribunal staff would have been sacked had he not already retired.
Solicitor fined £20k but avoids SDT for multiple rule breaches
A solicitor responsible for multiple rule breaches – including a shortage in client account – has been fined £20,150 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Family justice “at risk from AI transcription tools”
The use by social workers of AI transcription tools is “impacting the integrity of written documents”, with “significant risks” for family justice.
FCA to start taking on AML oversight from 2028
The Financial Conduct Authority expects to start overseeing the anti-money laundering efforts of some lawyers “before the end of 2028”, the government has said.
Two more bolt-on deals for PE-backed Lawfront firms
Two of Lawfront’s group firms – Fisher Jones Greenwood and Farleys – have announced bolt-on acquisitions, taking the number of such deals since 2021 to 10.
Pogust Goodhead goes to court to retain control of dam case
Pogust Goodhead is seeking a court declaration that would deny the legality of the notice purporting to terminate its retainer for the Mariana Dam litigation.
Legal costs the wrong target for clinical negligence reform, MPs told
There is no radical ‘silver bullet’ solution to achieve “significant savings” in NHS clinical negligence compensation costs – but legal costs are not the real problem, MPs have been told.
Small firms join forces to step up compliance officer campaign
Small and medium-sized law firms opposed to rule changes on who can hold compliance officer rules have banded together to lobby both the SRA and Law Society.
