City solicitor avoids jail after criminal contempt finding
A senior City partner who told a client to “burn” a private messaging app after it was served with a search order has avoided jail for criminal contempt of court, in part because of the impact on his career.
Market for corporate and commercial work to “cool substantially”
The market for corporate, commercial and competition work is likely to “cool substantially” this year and next after the “ferocious” post-lockdown boom.
Pass rates – and racial disparities – steady in second sitting of SQE1
The results for the second sitting of SQE1 – part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination – show the exact same pass rate as the first, and the continuing racial disparity.
Balancing profit with purpose: Brabners becomes largest law firm B Corp
North-west practice Brabners has become the largest – and only the third– UK law firm with B Corporation status, meaning it has committed to balancing profit with purpose.
Number of lawyers at fee-share firms up by 45% in three years
The number of lawyers working at fee-share law firms has increased by 45% in only three years, research has found. The top five firms account for almost 59% of lawyers but “fragmentation continues”.
SRA allows struck-off solicitor to join firm after opposing return to roll
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has allowed a struck-off solicitor to work for a law firm, having successfully opposed his bid to return to the roll earlier this year.
Law firm’s “courageous conversations” help staff discuss taboo issues
A national law firm has developed an initiative called ‘Courageous Conversations’ to help staff discuss taboo issues such as menopause, mental health, disability and discrimination.
Hybrid working disconnect between fee-earners and support staff
Too many law firms have different and disconnected hybrid working arrangements for fee-earning and support staff, meaning lawyers end up undertaking more administrative tasks.
McFarlane urges shift away from mediation in mandatory pre-divorce meetings
Mediation should no longer be the focus of divorce information meetings and they should be run by “generalist” lawyers and social workers as well as mediators.
Solicitor had cannabis at courthouse to help with Covid anxiety
A solicitor caught with cannabis in a court building, which he said he had to calm his anxiety after the start of lockdown in 2020, has been censured for his misconduct.
