Female Australian lawyers face “high levels” of sexual harassment
The Australian state of Victoria has launched a review into sexual harassment in the legal profession following a “deeply disturbing” survey that found that a majority women had faced it.
BSB: Exams problems “worse than thought” as it rejects alternative plan
Problems with the Bar exams were far more extensive than previously reported, the Bar Standards Board admits as barristers warn that ‘pen and paper’ resits next month could breach equality law.
Firm fined for secretly charging clients to repay loan
A law firm which surcharged more than 2,000 clients to help repay the loan it took out for a new case management system has been fined £30,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Listed firm records good results despite Covid-19
Listed law firm Keystone Law saw its turnover rise 6.5% in the first half of its financial year despite new instructions shrinking by nearly a third in the wake of lockdown.
High Court rejects challenge to foreign in-house lawyers’ privilege
Legal advice privilege extends to communications with foreign lawyers working in-house even if they are not recognised or regulated as “professional lawyers”, the High Court has ruled.
Community Justice Fund grants hit £6m in four months
The Community Justice Fund has now handed out more than £6m in grants since it was set up in May to support not-for-profit legal advice providers through the pandemic.
Solicitor used jailed client’s money to prop up firm
A criminal law solicitor who used money from a jailed client for an appeal to stabilise his firm’s “precarious financial position” has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Demand for fraud partners “to rise dramatically” after pandemic
Demand for partners who specialise in white collar crime will increase just as dramatically after the pandemic as it did after the financial crisis in 2008, a report has predicted.
Metamorph leads way in autumn merger rush
Law firm consolidator Metamorph has unveiled its latest acquisition as one of a slew of mergers and acquisitions that has been announced. Insurance renewal season usually sees activity increase.
“Caring” solicitor undone by accounting system
A “passionate, caring and in many respects competent” solicitor, whose firm got into a financial mess in part because of the accounting software she used, has escaped removal from practice.
