Electronic signatures “largest area of change” for property industry
The use of electronic signatures has been the “single largest area of change” in technology for the property industry over the past 18 months, a survey has found.
Returning instructions a “last resort”, Bar Council tells criminal barristers
Criminal defence barristers should recognise that returning instructions where they are not under a professional duty to do so “should always be a last resort”, the Bar Council has said.
Green law firm pledges 10% of fees to environmental causes
A new specialist tree damage claims law firm will donate 10% of the fees on a matter to a carbon or biodiversity credit scheme so as to offset the carbon produced in handling it.
MoJ bids to help consumers better understand whiplash portal
The Ministry of Justice has published a simplified guide to using the Official Injury Claim portal in the wake of a low take-up by litigants in person. But there are still big obstacles.
Revolutionary Australian conveyancing platform to launch in the UK
Property Exchange Australia (PEXA), which processes 80% of conveyancing completions in Australia, has announced plans to launch in England and Wales this autumn.
Leading firm ditches training contracts for apprenticeships
Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson is to scrap training contracts for would-be solicitors and replace them with a graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme.
“Hysterical woman” barrister to argue free speech in reprimand appeal
The barrister reprimanded for describing his opponent’s instructing lawyer as a “hysterical woman” says he is being “persecuted for expressing inconvenient truths”.
Ex-Nissan solicitor ordered to hand over confidential documents
The solicitor who used to be Nissan’s global general counsel has been ordered to hand over confidential documents he said he retained to take legal advice.
Law Society backs “moderate” increase in SRA fining powers
The Law Society has backed a “moderate” increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s fining powers to between £5,000 to £7,500, rather than its proposed £25,000.
Press panel pleads with government to introduce legal costs incentive
The government’s failure to commence legislation on costs in libel and other publication proceedings is denying members of the public justice, the Press Recognition Panel has argued.
