£250k fund will target legal tech that directly helps consumers
Government money aimed at accelerating the use of technology to widen access to justice will only go to ideas that directly aid consumers, rather than simply help lawyers do their jobs better, it has emerged.
Rebuke for solicitor who didn’t realise his client was dead
A solicitor who did not realise that his client had died seven years previously when he purported to act for her has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Freshfields partner to face tribunal over sexual conduct
A partner at magic circle firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is to face a disciplinary tribunal over his sexual conduct in relation to a more junior female member of staff.
LSB rethinks rule stopping rep bodies from “influencing” regulators
The Legal Services Board is pulling back on proposed rules that would not allow bodies like the Law Society and Bar Council to try and “influence” their regulatory arms.
Law firms “willing to draw up NDAs” that breach SRA guidance
Law firms are willing to draw up non-disclosure agreements that clearly breach Solicitors Regulation Authority guidance, according to the woman whose own NDA threw the spotlight on the issue.
Tribunal rejects law firm’s bid to strike out disability claim
An employment tribunal has said it would be “wholly inappropriate” to strike out a disability discrimination claim against a law firm from a legal secretary suffering from depression.
Union questions role of senior judges in court modernisation
The biggest civil service trade union has criticised senior judges for becoming too closely involved in the government’s £1bn court modernisation programme.
DWF unveils first acquisition since stock market listing
DWF has made its first acquisition since becoming a listed law firm, buying Polish practice K&L Gates Jamka for an estimated net asset value of £3m.
Gauke “hoping to make progress” on MoJ budget
David Gauke, the justice secretary, delivered an upbeat assessment this morning on his chances of boosting the Ministry of Justice budget after huge cuts. He also spoke about raising the judicial retirement age.
Leading firm held liable for asbestos case blunder
The High Court has ordered Cardiff-based Hugh James to pay six-figure damages to the family of an asbestos victim for professional negligence in abandoning their personal injury claim.
