Government promises “integrated online dispute resolution”
More “innovative technologies” and an “integrated online dispute resolution process” have been promised by the Ministry of Justice in a fresh bid to reduce the amount of litigation.
Partner who lied to SRA and indemnity insurer is struck off
A partner who lied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and her indemnity insurer, and allowed her firm to continue trading without insurance, has been struck off.
Volume litigation business targets 30,000 new cases a year
PURE Business Group – which owns two alternative business structures – is targeting a 150% increase in new instructions to 30,000 a year after securing a multi-million-pound funding facility.
Court to tackle law firm’s authority to act in Nigerian oil spill case
The question of whether listed law firm Rosenblatt has authority to act for 27,380 claimants and 479 communities taking action against Shell “must be grappled with”, the High Court judge ruled.
Solicitor agrees to leave profession over property sale irregularities
A solicitor involved in property transactions where due diligence on clients and funds was severely lacking has agreed to leave the profession rather than face a disciplinary tribunal.
Standardised NDA goes live with plan to develop further ‘modules’
A standard non-disclosure agreement for use when beginning negotiations over corporate transactions has gone live with the aim of having 1,000 organisations commit to its use.
Law firm’s pupillage offer to tetraplegic student “not a publicity stunt”
An employment tribunal has firmly rejected a tetraplegic law student’s claim that he was offered a pupillage by a well-known law firm so it could benefit from positive publicity.
Civil Justice Council pushes ahead with guideline hourly rates changes
The Civil Justice Council working group charged with reviewing the guideline hourly rates has doubled down on its interim recommendations following consultation.
BTAS rejects calls to soften sanctions for ‘low level’ sexual misconduct
The Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service has rejected the argument that a starting point of 12 months’ suspension for sexual misconduct is too much for some less serious types of behaviour.
Evaluation of flexible court hours stresses need to get lawyers onboard
Flexible operating hours can make it easier for people to access civil and family justice, but there needs to a lot more work to bring solicitors and barristers on board, research has said.
