Grant programme has helped 10,000 LiPs, says government
A government-funded grant scheme which funds early advice services for litigants in person helped over 10,000 people in its first year, a report has revealed.
BSB considers regulating intermediaries after Absolute Barrister collapse
The Bar Standards Board is considering whether intermediaries to direct access barristers should come within its regulatory control following the demise of Absolute Barrister.
Collapse in number of motor claims continues but clin neg cases jump
The number of motor injury claims reported to the Compensation Recovery Unit fell by nearly 20% last year, new figures have shown. However, the volume of clinical negligence claims increased.
Immigration solicitor certified LPA without checking client’s capacity
An immigration solicitor certified a lasting power of attorney for a walk-in client without checking his capacity, allowing the man’s son and attorney to misuse some of his money.
Bid to improve consistency of sanctions for sexual and racial misconduct
The Legal Services Board is aiming to reduce inconsistencies in the sanctions imposed across the legal profession in cases such as sexual misconduct, racial harassment and bullying.
Barrister suspended for lewd comments to mini-pupil fails in appeal
The High Court has rejected an appeal from a criminal law barrister suspended for six months by a Bar disciplinary tribunal for lewd comments to a female mini-pupil.
Accountancy body refused permission to exit probate regulation
The Legal Services Board has refused to ‘de-designate’ an accountancy body as a probate regulator over concerns that its members are now practising unregulated.
Flaux: Remote hearings robbing junior lawyers of vital experience
Judges will be doing more to encourage the involvement of junior barristers and solicitors in remote hearings, the Chancellor of the High Court has said.
Solicitor “failed to notice” client’s judicial review had been struck out
A solicitor who admitted “not having noticed” that his client’s judicial review had been struck out and not working on the case for almost two years has been fined £12,500.
Law firms eye M&A as route to private equity or listing
Nearly half of law firms are considering mergers and acquisitions, with a surprising number looking to grow in a bid to attract private equity investment or to go public, according to new research.
