CJC begins process for major reform of costs regime
A rethought costs system that puts digitisation, vulnerable court users and a properly functioning civil justice system is the goal set out in a Civil Justice Council consultation.
Take advantage of upfront information reform, conveyancers urged
Conveyancers have been urged to embrace the opportunities offered by new rules on the information that must be included in property listings.
Will invalidated after solicitor failed to check “delusional” client’s capacity
The High Court has invalidated a will prepared by a solicitor who was aware of the client’s “paranoid delusions” but did not investigate whether they affected his testamentary capacity.
Firm owner and consultant sanctioned for €9m supercar failures
A solicitor failed to supervise an unadmitted consultant who allowed his firm’s client account to be used by a foreign royal as a banking facility in a bid to buy three supercars.
Turnover and staff engagement soar at employee-owned firm
One of the first law firms to embrace employee ownership has said it is already seeing the benefits, with turnover up 27% in the first year and far greater levels of staff engagement.
Immigration advice scammer jailed for absconding while on bail
A man who fled to Dubai after he was found guilty of an immigration advice scam has been imprisoned on his return to the UK. He was one of three people convicted of multiple offences.
Complaints about claims management companies continue to fall
The number of complaints about claims management companies continues to fall, the Financial Ombudsman Service says as it consider charging professional representatives to make one.
Government approves increase in SRA’s fining power to £25,000
The government has today approved the increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s fining power, from £2,000 to £25,000, despite opposition from the profession.
Estate agents “discriminating” because of conveyancers’ referral fees
There are “too many instances” of estate agents only allowing potential buyers to view a property or make an offer if they use a recommended conveyancer and other service providers.
Signing CFA “not informed consent” to deduct costs from damages
A costs judge has ruled that a litigation friend did not give informed consent to deductions from a protected party’s damages simply by signing a conditional fee agreement.
