Solicitor struck off for lying about counsel attending mediation
A solicitor who “reluctantly” admitted that he acted dishonestly in telling the other side of a dispute that counsel would be attending a mediation, when she had not been instructed, has been struck off.
Law firms were paid out of frozen bank account
A property investor breached the terms of a freezing order by using company funds to pay outstanding fees to two London law firms, which repaid the money when they found out.
Call for review of regulator costs in unsuccessful prosecutions
The Law Commission should review whether regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority should be insulated from costs orders in disciplinary actions they lose, a senior judge has suggested.
Covid-19 remote hearings “must not become settled norm”
Remote hearings have been a successful emergency measure but should not be taken as establishing a settled mode of operation for the family courts after Covid-19, a leading judge has warned.
BSB outlines concern over post-virus ‘virtual’ chambers
Some chambers may choose to continue operating virtually once the Covid-19 crisis passes, with “significant implications” for their support services and collegiality.
Law firm unlocks new funding to develop redaction tool
Weightmans has become the first law firm to secure Bridging for Innovators funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which will help it develop a legal redaction tool.
Signs of market “stabilising” but listed firms cut dividends
There are “early signs” that the market is stabilising after the initial impact of lockdown saw instructions fall 20%, listed firm Knights has said. But it will not pay a dividend, while Rosenblatt has cut its payout.
Shut-down firm ordered to pay former staff £375,000
A law firm shut down by its regulator last year has been ordered to pay former staff £375,000 for multiple employment law breaches.
ODR and sandbox at heart of major lawtech push
An online dispute resolution platform for SMEs and a ‘lawtech sandbox’ were unveiled today as cornerstones of a concerted push to develop digital legal services in the UK.
Consumer law firm nets big acquisition and investment
Fast-growing consumer law firm Taylor Rose TTKW has more than doubled in size after taking over private equity-backed McMillan Williams – and has taken investment of its own, we can reveal.
