MoJ pumps £5.4m into not-for-profit advice sector
The government has announced a £5.4m cash injection for law centres and other advice charities to help people with housing, debt, discrimination and employment problems during the Covid-19 crisis.
Barrister who “took advantage of BSB’s generosity” is suspended
A veteran barrister who “took advantage” of the Bar Standards Board by refusing to pay a fine for almost four years has been suspended for two months.
Mergers keep coming despite coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus crisis has not stopped a series of mergers taking place across the country in recent weeks, as well as specialist law firms starting up.
LSB to check random sample of disciplinary decisions
The Legal Services Board is planning to review a “random sample” of regulators’ disciplinary decisions to ensure the right processes and procedures are in place.
Arrested children may be given legal advice automatically
The government is considering whether children in police stations should have to opt out of receiving legal advice, rather than opt in as now, it has emerged.
Solicitor struck off for sub-letting council home
A solicitor convicted of illegally subletting his council flat knew “right from wrong” despite ill health and personal problems, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has found.
Partners fined for sitting on almost 1,000 residual balances
Four partners in a Welsh law firm have been fined for sitting on 979 residual balances, totalling over £468,000, for “lengthy periods of time” and where there had been no activity for six months.
Small law firms fear collapse as Covid-19 drains work
Nearly three-quarters of small law firms believe they may have to close their doors in the next six months as result of the coronavirus crisis, Law Society research has found.
Ex-Lord Chancellor Gauke returns to old firm
Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who lost his seat at December’s general election, has returned to his old firm Macfarlanes as head of public policy.
SRA paralegal banned after child offences conviction
A paralegal who was working at the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been banned from the profession after being jailed for online sexual offences involving children.
