HMCTS extends court modernisation programme by a year
HM Courts and Tribunals Service has put back completion of the court modernisation programme by a year to 2023, it announced yesterday. It was originally planned to finish in 2020.
LSB “should focus on tackling sexual harassment”, says Law Society
The Legal Services Board should focus on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace instead of pushing its agenda of ‘change for change’s sake’, the Law Society has said.
High Court rejects evidence from law firm ‘whistleblower’
The president of the family division has rejected a wife’s application to admit the statement of a ‘whistleblower’ inside her former husband’s legal team who sent the court privileged information.
Susskind named chair of expert group to advise judges on AI
The Lord Chief Justice has set up an advisory group to provide senior judges with guidance on artificial intelligence, chaired by Professor Richard Susskind and including judges, academics and practitioners.
Groundbreaking animal rights law firm launched
A law firm dedicated to animal protection, believed to be the first of its kind, has been launched by two solicitors experienced in the field. Advocates for Animals aims to work for charities and NGOs.
Trading Standards publishes guidance on conveyancing referral fees
The clock on a possible ban on referral fees from lawyers to estate agents has started running after new guidance on disclosure was published by National Trading Standards.
Addict solicitor struck off after hiding cocaine offence
An experienced solicitor has been struck off after accepting a caution for possession of banned drugs, failing to report it to the regulator, and misleading police.
Solicitors and QC “cannot rely” on without prejudice negotiations
Allowing a City law firm and QC to rely on ‘without prejudice’ communications to defend allegations of professional negligence could “undermine the policy of encouraging parties to settle disputes”.
PI claims and motor premiums falling, says ABI
There has been a “slowly decreasing volume” of personal injury claims since 2016, the Association of British Insurers has said, but LASPO only helped reduce PI costs “slightly”.
Three law firms now invested in fintech innovator
City giant Linklaters and US firm Orrick have joined Allen & Overy by investing in tech company Nivaura, a cloud-based service for the issue and administration of financial instruments.
