MoJ: 2021 is set to be a “big year” for legal aid
This is set to be a “big year” for legal aid, a senior Ministry of Justice official has predicted, amid warnings of the heavy strain alternative advice sources are under.
Former government minister takes helm at costs lawyer regulator
Former government minister David Heath takes over as the new chair of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board this week, arguing for greater protection of the costs lawyer profession.
NewLaw to charge whiplash clients up to 30% under DBA
Leading personal injury law firm NewLaw will charge clients up to 30% of their damages to handle small claims going through the new whiplash portal, it has revealed.
Solicitor who plundered client account struck off – and now has unregulated firm
A solicitor who plundered his firm’s client account for nearly £400,000, while failing to redeem a mortgage or pay stamp duty as required, has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
BSB “should set tribunals free” from sanctions guidance in sexual misconduct cases
The Bar Standards Board has been urged to give disciplinary tribunals a clear and immediate message that they can depart from the current sanctions guidance for sexual misconduct cases.
Law firms “should remove printers before staff return”
Law firms have been advised to remove many of their printers before staff returning to the office this summer from lockdown start using them again and increase costs.
Goodwill and co-operation needed to make whiplash reforms work
Goodwill and co-operation between claimant and defendant representatives and compensators will be needed to overcome some of the problems the new whiplash regime throws up.
Impact on lawyers of traumatic cases “worsened by pandemic”
Covid-19, coupled with the savage cuts in legal aid, have greatly added to the vicarious trauma suffered by social justice lawyers from being immersed in clients’ day-to-day problems.
Conveyancers offered digital ID check ‘safe harbour’
HM Land Registry published its first Digital Identity Standard last week, offering conveyancers a ‘safe harbour’ if they use it to verify their client’s identity digitally.
Lawtech boss calls for new approach to contracting
A new approach to contracts based on legally binding principles of conduct and comprehensive model terms has been put forward by a leading figure in the lawtech community.
