Identity of those instructing solicitors not protected by litigation privilege
There is no general rule that the identity of those instructing solicitors on behalf of a corporate client is protected by litigation privilege, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
“Honorable” solicitor and practice manager fined for misusing legal aid cash
A law firm owner and his practice manager have both been fined for mismanaging legal aid funds, although a tribunal found they were “honourably motivated”.
Solicitors “coercing” hospital patients into signing legal papers
Solicitors have been accused of visiting vulnerable patients in hospital wards in Leeds and “coercing” them into signing legal documents.
SRA bid for maximum £805,000 fine for solicitors “excessive and unjustified”
SRA plans to double the upper limit on fines for law firms to 5% of turnover and to £805,000 for individuals are “excessive and unjustified”, the Law Society has argued.
Complaints to SRA can constitute acts of stalking, Court of Appeal rules
Complaints to a lawyer’s employer and professional regulator can amount to acts of stalking, the Court of Appeal has ruled in a case where a senior government lawyer was targeted.
Solicitor’s “blind spot” led to vulnerable client being defrauded
A very experienced solicitor who showed a “complete blind spot” with regard to his obligations to ‘know your client’ and recognise the risks of conveyancing fraud has been suspended for a year.
Leggatt: Witness demeanour as guide to truth “like spinning a coin”
A Supreme Court Justice has cast doubt on the value of the centuries-old practice of taking witness testimony in person, suggesting demeanour is of little help to judges or juries in determining the truth.
UK lawtech competitive lead “not what it was”
Regulatory certainty is the key to the U.K.’s success in a future global legal market dominated by technology, but access to justice and the rule of law should also be built in, a seminar heard this week.
Criminal solicitor fined £40k for pro bono work in family dispute
A criminal solicitor who helped out a friend in a family law dispute pro bono has been fined £40,000 for how he conducted the case, which “detrimentally impacted” all those involved.
Court of Appeal expedites hearing of whiplash mixed claim test cases
The Court of Appeal is to hear the expedited appeals in the first two cases on mixed injury claims – those involving both whiplash and non-whiplash injuries – in three weeks’ time.
