Holiday sickness claims activity “much reduced”, CMC regulator reports
Activity by claims management companies in the area of holiday sickness is “much reduced”, the regulator has claimed. The Claims Management Regulator said it made the finding after completing an “intensive audit” and investigation.
Solicitors fined by SDT for taking fees from client accounts to cover others’ bills
Two solicitors and a registered foreign lawyer at an immigration firm in north-west London have been fined by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal for misappropriating client money. The tribunal said there was no evidence that the sole owner of the firm had “taken an interest” in its financial”.
Specialist ‘elder care’ solicitor jailed for “sickening” neglect that led to mother’s death
A solicitor who specialised in acting for the elderly and their families has been jailed for two and a half years for the wilful neglect of her own 79-year-old mother, who died in squalor despite her daughter having power of attorney to act on her behalf. The prosecutor described it as “one of the most shocking and sickening cases of neglect I have come across”.
Solicitor “who left his moral compass at home” used client money to prop up firm
A solicitor who “left his moral compass at home” as took money from client account to try and keep his firm afloat has been struck off, and the cashier who assisted him banned from the profession. The firm, Handley Brown in Preston, had three county court judgments against it and faced a winding-up petition.
CMCs that want to advise and represent clients “will need to prove competence”, says Treasury
Claims management companies that want to advise clients, rather than just find and refer claims to others, will have to show that they are competent to do so when regulation is transferred to the Financial Conduct Authority, it has emerged. It could have significant implications for CMCs eyeing up the chance to run personal injury small claims.
High Court judge flays conduct of immigration solicitors and refers three firms to SRA
A furious High Court judge has castigated immigration solicitors for playing the system and referred three law firms to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for conduct displaying “a serious and persistent failure to adhere to proper standards”.
Government and Labour to keep talking on details of CMC cold-calling ban
The government has agreed to further talks with the Labour opposition about the nature of the proposed ban on cold-calling by claims management companies. The Financial Guidance and Claims Bill had its report and third reading earlier this week with the two sides yet to agree on whether the government’s proposed ban goes far enough.
Stressed junior lawyers looking to move jobs, survey finds
Two-fifths of junior lawyers have looked for another job as a result of the level of stress their current role is causing them, according to a survey out today. Over 82% of the 959 respondents reported either regularly or occasionally feeling stressed in the month before completing the survey, with 26% of them being severely or extremely stressed.
Leveson sounds warning bell over lawyers shunning careers in criminal law
Failure to make criminal practice – whether for the prosecution or the defence – an attractive career choice will have “long term and detrimental consequences” for the quality of justice, the president of the Queen’s Bench Division has warned.
SDT criticises solicitor for “misleading” evidence on husband’s £80,000 investment in firm
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has strongly criticised a solicitor who gave “misleading” evidence on her husband’s £80,000 investment in a personal injury firm, which it said encouraged her to pay banned referral fees.
