“Real challenges” for large law firms in improving diversity, says SRA
The biennial snapshot of the solicitors’ profession shows the “real challenges” for large firms in making progress towards diversity, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has said.
Electronic signatures “more reliable” than live witnesses
The most sophisticated kind of electronic signatures can be “more reliable” than wet signatures witnessed the traditional way, a government-backed industry working group has said.
Tribunal rejects return to roll for ex-solicitor 30 years after leaving
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has rejected an application for restoration to the roll from an ex-solicitor who it had sanctioned three times and had been convicted of fraud.
Judge excoriates “reckless and quite possibly dishonest” solicitor
The way a solicitor went about preparing a £100m will was “reckless and quite possibly dishonest”, the High Court ruled yesterday.
“Injured people will suffer twice” – furious reaction to clin neg fixed costs
Those harmed by the NHS will “have to pay again by losing access to justice” as a result of government plans to introduce fixed costs, campaigners have claimed.
Knights expands East of England presence with £11.5m deal
Listed law firm consolidator Knights announced its 16th acquisition in three and a half years yesterday and adding Lincoln to its locations in an £11.5m deal.
Compulsory ADR needed for smallest claims, says CJC
ADR should be compulsory for claims worth less than £500, the Civil Justice Council has said. Claimants who refuse to mediate should have their claims stayed for a period and then struck out.
Government sides with defendants in clinical negligence fixed costs plan
The government has finally published its proposals for fixed costs in low-value clinical negligence cases. Going with fees proposed by defendant representatives, it expects to save £454m over 10 years.
Written advice could have avoided negligence claim, courts tells firm
A law firm might have avoided a professional negligence case if its senior partner had provided more advice in writing rather than orally, the High Court has said.
Ex-regulator predicts big firm listing and urges fast lawtech approvals
A top-10 law firm will float on the stock market in the next couple of years, a senior former legal regulator has predicted. He also argued for rapid regulatory authorisation for lawtech start-ups.
