Legal Ombudsman misses targets as number of complaints rises
The Legal Ombudsman badly missed its targets over the last year following an unexpected surge in complex complaints against lawyers.
‘Death threat’ solicitor struck off over client money
A solicitor who claimed she transferred over £250,000 from her firm’s client account to third parties amid threats to her life has been struck off.
New barrister firm offers fixed fees for arbitration
A barrister who worked as an advocate at City law firms has set up a niche commercial firm regulated by the BSB, offering arbitration clients fixed fees.
Blockchain deployed in courts to safeguard digital evidence
The company digitising trial bundles in courts has filed a patent application to tie blockchain security to its digital evidence software to ensure records cannot be altered.
SDT condemns Asons for “disgraceful” client letters
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has described letters sent to clients by failed Bolton law firm Asons as “disgraceful” and “self-serving”.
All sides welcome whiplash reform delay
There was surprising unanimity yesterday in support of the Ministry of Justice’s decision to delay implementation of its whiplash reforms by a year to April 2020.
Share bonanza for Gateley partners amid strong results
The UK’s first listed law firm, Gateley, unveiled strong annual results yesterday, as the partners from when it went public have seen a “healthy return” on their shares.
CILEx to become ABS regulator no.6
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives is set to become the sixth body allowed to license alternative business structures after its application was approved by the Lord Chancellor.
Whiplash reforms delayed a year to April 2020
Implementation of the government’s whiplash reforms is to be delayed by a year to April 2020, the Ministry of Justice has announced, with the new online portal tested six months earlier.
SDT consults on adopting civil standard of proof
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal inched closer to adopting a civil standard of proof yesterday when it published a consultation on ditching the criminal standard.
