MoJ wants research on improving legal market’s competitiveness
Competitiveness in the legal market and the impact of lawtech on access to justice are among the research priorities the Ministry of Justice has set out for the next three to five years.
Commercial sets back scheme to fund criminal law pupillages
Eight commercial chambers have signed up to a Bar Council scheme to fund criminal law pupillages that would otherwise not be available because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consumers willing to work with wills and probate solicitors online
More than a third of consumers believe that video witnessing of wills is “a good alternative” to being there in person, according to a major study, while a majority are happy to have an online consultation.
Solicitor agrees to leave profession over multiple AML failures
A solicitor who failed in his “basic duties” around anti-money laundering has been fined £2,000 – rather than up to £50,000 his misconduct deserved – because he has agreed to leave the profession.
Many PI law firms yet to decide on post-whiplash reform strategy
Just 18% of claimant personal injury solicitors say their firm has settled on a strategy to deal with next April’s whiplash reforms, while most expect behaviours to change under the new regime.
Tribunal “right” to disbar barrister over misconduct in case involving own children
A tribunal was entitled to disbar a barrister over her conduct of a dispute with the father of their children, the High Court has ruled in the latest case to consider the reach of regulation into personal lives.
Male and BAME solicitors still disproportionate focus of SRA action
Men and solicitors from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds continue to feature disproportionately in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s enforcement work, new figures have shown.
Solicitor who lied to new employer struck off
A solicitor who lied when she told her new employer that she was not under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been struck off.
AI pioneer closes in face of Thomson Reuters claim
A pioneering lawtech business is shutting down in the face of litigation from Thomson Reuters that it says means it cannot raise funds.
Solicitor who sold firm’s letterhead for £10 a case is struck off
A solicitor has been struck off for selling his firm’s letterhead to a company for use in compensation claims for £10 a letter where the claim was successful, along with improper transfers from client account.
