“Troubling inequality” persists for BAME consumers of legal services
A “troubling inequality” between BAME and White British consumers in the way they access legal services has changed little in the five years since it raised the issue, the consumer panel has found.
Veteran solicitor practised without insurance
A sole practitioner in his 70s has been struck off after practising for over six months without professional indemnity insurance, despite telling others he had cover.
Trainee specialist launches scholarships for Black graduates
Trainee specialist Accutrainee has launched a scholarship programme for Black law graduates to help provide the work experience they need to become solicitors and pay for the SQE.
High Court highlights “implausibility” of multi-hand fraud at City law firm
A court has highlighted the “implausibility” of multiple people from “a well-known firm of solicitors being involved in a fraudulent scheme” in dismissing a claim against Simmons & Simmons.
National Audit Office challenges basis of court reforms
A top National Audit Office official has asked fundamental questions of the government’s court reform programme, even as the head of the courts service extolled its performance during the pandemic.
SME firm eyes ABS licence to share fees with non-lawyer collaborators
A law firm that works with non-legal businesses to offer SME clients a multi-disciplinary service is to convert to an alternative business structure so that they can share fees.
Herbert Smith paralegal banned for fake overtime approval
A former paralegal at City giant Herbert Smith Freehills has been banned from the solicitors’ profession after submitting multiple overtime claims with fake approvals on them.
Transparency failures put three firms in the dock
Law firms in London, Manchester and Bath have become the first sanctioned for failing to publish price and service information, with compliance made a condition of their authorisation.
High Court rejects “unmeritorious claim” against barrister
The High Court has rejected an “unmeritorious” negligence claim against a barrister brought by a former law lecturer acting as a litigant in person.
Treasury cool on renewed call to extend SDLT holiday
The time-limited nature of the stamp duty land tax holiday is why people are looking to use it, the government has said in response to conveyancers’ call to extend it.
