Birss: Data standards can deliver “transformative” civil justice change
The deputy head of civil justice has called for a “standards first” approach to digitisation, enabling those involved in a dispute to arrive “at any point” in the system.
Law firm innovator takes practice forward as unregulated firm
Law firm innovator Alice Stephenson has turned her business into an unregulated practice, citing problems with HM Revenue & Customs and the costs of running a regulated law firm.
Struck-off solicitor jailed for stealing £880,000 from clients
A struck-off solicitor has been jailed for nearly six years for defrauding clients of £880,000, which he used to prop up his practice and pay off loans.
CAT “wrong” to identify ban on defendants contacting claimants directly
The Competition Appeal Tribunal was wrong to identify a rule that prevents defendants communicating directly with members of an opt-out class action, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Time for small claims to reach trial hits all-time high
The average time from issue to trial on the small claims track hit an all-time high in the last quarter, with litigants having to wait an average of 55.6 weeks.
Bullying, harassment and discrimination a “systemic” problem for the Bar
Bullying, harassment and discrimination at the Bar is a “systemic” problem, the Bar Council said yesterday, with 44% of barristers saying they have experienced or witnessed it in the past two years.
Lawyers and CMCs face fee to complain to Financial Ombudsman
Lawyers and CMCs making complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service on behalf of clients will be charged for doing so in future, under plans published this week.
Transferring Pakistan and Bangladesh advocates causing BSB headache
The Bar Standards Board is setting up a taskforce to help it cope with a surge of lawyers from Pakistan and Bangladesh seeking to be called to the Bar in England and Wales.
Litigant unwittingly put fake cases generated by AI before tribunal
Nine authorities put before a tribunal by a litigant in person challenging a penalty from HMRC were fakes generated by an artificial intelligence system like ChatGPT, a judge has ruled.
Lincoln’s Inn looks to tackle “unacceptable” bullying and harassment
One in eight members of Lincoln’s Inn have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination in using a service or event organised by the inn.
