Non-solicitor shareholder of ABS banned and fined by SRA for lying to clients
A former manager of Cheshire firm Bott & Co’s flight delay team has been fined £4,000 by the Solicitor Regulation Authority for lying to clients. He was also banned from owning or working in ABSs, in a rare use of the power in section 99 of the Legal Services Act 2007.
Partner who made “improper withdrawals” from client accounts worth £2m is struck off
A partner who made a series of improper withdrawals from law firms’ client accounts totalling almost £2m has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Though he had used money from his father-in-law’s client account to pay his own tax bill, in general the tribunal could not identify his motivation.
CMC teaches law firms how to handle mortgage mis-selling claims
A Cheshire claims management company (CMC) is training law firms on how to handle mortgage mis-selling claims, it has emerged. The ME Group, set up by non-lawyer managers from Liverpool law firm High Street Solicitors, opened for business in September last year with only five staff. It has already expanded to 110.
Website aims to help cyclists pursue personal injury claims without lawyers
A website offering free legal advice to injured cyclists has been launched with the aim of removing the need for solicitors and saving victims “an average of £800”. It offers a possible vision of the future if the small claims limit goes up as intended by the government.
US-owned medical reports giant buys law firm as part of accident management deal
US-based medical reports giant ExamWorks – which owns leading UK provider Premex – has bought a personal injury firm as part of its acquisition of leading accident management group Kindertons. Jigsaw Law was originally a claims management company but was granted an alternative business structure licence in late 2012.
Ex-Locke Lord partner struck off for misconduct that landed his firm record fine
The former partner whose conduct in a dubious investment scheme led to the record £500,000 fine for US law firm Locke Lord last year has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Multiple allegations against Jonathan Denton – including that he acted dishonestly – were found proven and it emerged that he is now also facing criminal charges.
Law firm launches diploma in psychological supervision of family lawyers
A law firm in London has launched what it believes is the first training scheme in psychologically based supervision to help family lawyers manage work-related stress. Its creator said: “I think it should be compulsory for all family lawyers, both for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of their clients.”
Just four of 100 highest-earning criminal defence barristers are women
Women barely feature among the top 100 criminal defence barristers when judged by earnings, new figures have shown, and the Bar has been warned that the government could use EU rules on equality in procurement to force change. It all comes as the Bar Standards Board has laid out its plan to improve the position of women in the profession
Gateley buys Surrey property law firm for £4m in biggest acquisition to date
Listed law firm Gateley has made its biggest acquisition to date, and first of a law firm, with a £4.15m deal to buy Surrey property firm GCL Solicitors, while also announcing an 8% increase in turnover over the past year. The deal brings in 79 new members of staff, including six partners.
Courts Service to use lessons of online divorce pilot to develop digital family law service
The Courts Service has laid out how it will develop its new online divorce facility, starting with enabling lawyers to submit petitions on behalf of clients and also developing both public and private family law services that are fully accessible online.
