Solicitor struck off for single incident of “manifest incompetence”
A solicitor whose incompetence enabled the transfer of an elderly man’s property to fraudsters for no consideration has been struck off, even although it was a single incident in a 19-year career.
Metamorph mystery deepens as Stockdale returns to group board
The mystery of what is happening at law firm consolidator Metamorph deepened last week after executive chairman Tony Stockdale returned as a director – just three weeks after quitting.
Court of Appeal rules against EasyJet again on flight delay claims
EasyJet’s latest effort to cut out solicitors from flight delay claims has failed, after the Court of Appeal found shortcomings in its automated system.
SRA uses enhanced fining power for the first time with £15,000 penalty
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has used its enhanced fining power for the first time, imposing a £15,000 fine on a solicitor who failed clients subject to deputyship orders.
“Win-win” as Sussex firm embraces employee ownership
A law firm in Sussex has become the latest employee-owned law firm, with its former owner saying he expected more to follow suit. Staff at a firm that did it last month are to receive £500 each already.
Turnover and profits continue to rise at first listed law firm
Turnover at pioneering listed law firm Gateley have risen by 22% so far this year, with profits up 11% – but its chief executive has said now is not the time for other firms to go public.
Barrister jailed for child sex offences disbarred
A barrister convicted of multiple child sex offences last year and jailed for three and a half years has now been disbarred. He did not know the children he had contacted were not real.
MPs back tougher economic crime fines and oversight for lawyers
MPs have backed giving the Solicitors Regulation Authority unlimited fining powers in cases of economic crime, as well as a new regulatory objective for the Legal Services Act.
Bar Council piles pressure on BSB over Dinah Rose case
The Bar Council has taken the unusual step of criticising the Bar Standards Board for its “unacceptable and inexcusable” handling of a complaint against Dinah Rose KC.
Quarter of firms in SRA review of immigration work face disciplinary action
Ten of the 40 law firms that took part in a Solicitors Regulation Authority review of immigration services have been referred for possible disciplinary action after it found “significant shortcomings”.
