Technical problems hit 11% of BPTC students
Some 11% of Bar professional training course students taking their first exam online this week have experienced technical problems, the Bar Standards Board said today.
Chambers blames government approach to justice system for decision to close
The impact of Covid-19 on the justice system and the government’s response has led a mid-sized London set to announce its closure, saying members are not prepared to take the financial risk they are facing.
Muslim Bar student “forced to defer exam” over headscarf removal demand
A Muslim Bar student felt forced to defer her exams because the BSB said she had to remove her headscarf for ID purposes but could not guarantee that it would be a woman who would watch.
LSB demands greater transparency on practising fees
Legal regulators will have to explain more clearly how they spend their practising certificate fees under revised rules proposed by the Legal Services Board.
67% of solicitors tell Law Society PC fee is not value for money
Two-thirds of solicitors do not consider the practising certificate fee value for money, with many expressing concern at the level being charged given the impact of Covid-19.
Barristers step in to support beleaguered Bar students
Barristers have offered to support the dozens of Bar students who have so far reported major problems with taking their exams, including having to urinate into bottles and buckets at their desks.
What price solidarity among legal aid lawyers?
Solidarity – or not – between legal aid lawyers is under the spotlight this week, with solicitors from 200 law firms coming together to force a change to immigration fees, but criminal firms falling out.
SRA shuts down 16-office law firm consolidator
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has today shut down a 16-office law firm consolidator with 180 staff across the country. It is highly unusual for the regulator to intervene in such a large practice.
Bar students hit by technical failures in first online test
A “small number” of Bar students were affected by technical issues that prevented them from completing their first online exam, the BSB said yesterday amid a stream of complaints.
Dentons to add non-legal services amid global growth
The chairman of the world’s largest law firm, Dentons, has outlined a future of continued expansion, merging with both law firms and in time non-legal businesses around the world, including the UK.
