Online probate process “taking longer than paper”
Private client lawyers believe the new online probate process is taking longer than the old paper-based system, with family solicitors and civil litigators also unhappy with digital processes.
“Relatively straightforward” for barristers to avoid cab-rank rule
It seems “relatively straightforward” for barristers to avoid the cab-rank rule and its importance to access to justice may be overstated, the Legal Services Board has said.
SRA: “Significant minority” of firms still falling short on AML
Nearly 30% of firms probed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for their adherence to anti-money laundering rules in the last year were non-compliant, new figures have shown.
Businessman sent law firm manure as part of harassment campaign
A businessman in a bitter dispute with fellow directors sent manure to one law firm and targeted an associate at another as part of a campaign of harassment, a court has heard.
PI lawyers attack “premature disclosure” of OIC medical reports
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has condemned plans for the “premature disclosure” of medical reports on the Official Injury Claim portal.
SDT rejects employment tribunal finding of solicitor’s discrimination
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has cleared a leading solicitor of pregnancy discrimination against a paralegal despite an employment tribunal finding him guilty of it.
“No evidence” that barristers need new AML regime
There is “absolutely no evidence” that barristers and other advocates need a new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime, their UK representative bodies have argued.
Lawyer jailed for fraud fails in bid to reduce seven-year sentence
A lawyer jailed for seven years for fraud after stealing money from an estate and failing to provide conveyancing services he was paid for has failed in a bid to reduce the sentence.
Tale of two cities as smaller London law firms seek shorter leases
Smaller commercial law firms in the City of London are pushing for short leases to give them more flexibility, while big firms signed five “mega-deals” on new offices last year.
Judge rules public access barristers’ payment terms unfair
Two public access barristers have failed in their bid to be paid nearly £125,000 in fees after the High Court found the terms of their retainer unfair.
