SDT clears partner in “accidental overcharging” case
A former head of private client accused of overcharging an estate by up to £30,000 when acting as executor has been cleared of misconduct by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Community care practitioners “could disappear”
Community care legal aid “could disappear altogether” as a specialism as advice deserts expand, the Law Society has warned. Some 79% of local authorities now have no publicly funded services.
Family lawyers “disproportionately female and white”
Three-quarters of family lawyers are women, while those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, ground-breaking research has indicated.
“Dishonest” ABS owner banned for multiple breaches
A non-lawyer owner of an alternative business structure responsible for multiple rule breaches – including a £3.6m shortfall on his firm’s client account – has been banned.
Standards committee backs AI “regulatory assurance body”
A body that identifies gaps in the regulatory landscape on the use of artificial intelligence and advises individual regulators is needed as the technology develops, the government has been told.
New setback in race to begin whiplash reform in April
The Civil Procedure Rule Committee last week put off approving the rules for the new whiplash portal until next month, making the April start-date all-but impossible.
Solicitor’s “manifest incompetence” in employing banned barrister
A solicitor who employed a banned barrister as a consultant without checking his identity or his record with the Bar Standards Board has been fined £20,000.
Top politician and ex-chief of defence staff join ABS
An alternative business structure that combines legal and political advice has hired Theresa May’s former chief of staff as well as a former chief of the defence staff.
Seven advice services to benefit from foundation grants
Seven legal advice services have received support in the latest round of grants from the Access to Justice Foundation, which has been boosted by a major pledge from a well-known London law firm.
Age discrimination solicitor awarded £13k in damages
An experienced property solicitor who won a claim of age discrimination after being rejected for a job at a law firm, has been awarded damages of £13,200. Nearly half of this was aggravated damages.
