Criminal legal aid solicitor struck off for accounts rule breaches
A solicitor has been struck off after nearly 40 years in practice after admitting that the difficulties of relying on payment from criminal legal aid work overwhelmed him.
Law firm wrong to cling onto client’s sale proceeds
A law firm should not have refused to hand over £330,000 from the sale of a house in South London for nearly four years despite having “reasonable grounds for suspicion” over the seller’s identity.
Insurance woes ground freelance solicitor network
A network for freelance solicitors that is “ready to launch immediately” cannot get off the ground because it cannot secure professional indemnity insurance, it has emerged.
Wellbeing and cost of practice worrying barristers
Experienced barristers are largely confident for their own futures but face challenges around wellbeing, the rising cost of doing business and the late payment of fees, a major survey has found.
Trainee solicitor jailed after rape convictions
A trainee solicitor who admitted multiple offences, including rape, committed in quick succession against two women in July 2019 was jailed last week for 14 years.
MoJ: Still no whiplash rules but April remains the plan
The Ministry of Justice continues to insist that the whiplash reforms will come into force in April, even though the rules which will enable lawyers and compensators to prepare have still not been published.
Firm’s web-surfing employee loses dismissal challenge
A long-serving staff member at a national law firm who rowed with a colleague and had an “unacceptable” level of personal internet use has lost an unfair dismissal challenge.
Partner failed to warn off-plan investors about risks
A partner who admitted acting recklessly in failing to warn investor clients about the risks involved in off-plan property development schemes has been fined £17,500 by a disciplinary tribunal.
Law Society attacks “massively uncertain” Mayson reforms
Reforms to the regulation of legal services proposed by an independent review would lead to a “massively uncertain and costly system”, the president of the Law Society has said.
Knights enters Yorkshire as firms line up to be bought
Fast-growing listed law firm Knights is moving into Yorkshire this month as its chief executive says he is receiving an increasing number of approaching from potential acquisitions.
