Solicitors “target of money launderers but not terrorists” says government as it warns of legal innovation risk
Legal services continue to be at high risk of attracting criminals intent on money laundering, but are not considered to be a target for terrorist financing, according to the latest government assessment, which also warned that innovation in the legal sector could provide criminals with new opportunities.
Government in unexpected u-turn on CMC cold-calling ban
The government has unexpectedly reversed its opposition to a ban on cold-calling by claims management companies. Minister Baroness Buscombe said: “We have already committed to ban cold calls relating to pensions, and are minded to bring forward similar action in relation to the claims management industry.”
Solicitor rebuked for beginning PI claims without checking details of referred clients
A personal injury lawyer has been sanctioned for launching claims without checking that the details he received from a claims management company were correct. Taher Zia Shad has accepted a rebuke and £2,000 fine, the most the Solicitors Regulation Authority can do without referring him to a tribunal.
Niche referral network expands 800% by acting as firms’ “international department”
A niche law firm referral network set up last year by Peterborough solicitors has increased its members from 30 to 245. Duncan Jackson, head of BUCKLESconnect, said the network specialised in French and Spanish law, and acted as an “international department” for many member firms.
Warwickshire council becomes latest to launch ABS aimed at securing work from other public bodies
Warwickshire County Council has become the latest local authority to launch an alternative business structure to expand the work it already does for other public bodies. Unlike some of the other local authority ABSs, this is not a case of the entire legal department transferring into the new business.
HMCTS launches new consultation on flexible court hours pilots after heeding objections
HM Courts and Tribunals Service has launched a new consultation on flexible operating hours pilots which accepts the possibility that extending the hours of courts, although desirable, might not be possible. It presented a range of options to be trialled, including double shifts and mixed Crown Court and magistrates’ court sittings.
Lidington confirms rise in small claims limit for personal injury cases
The small claims limit for RTA cases will rise to £5,000 – as they are not cases where people should usually need a lawyer – and the limit for other personal injury cases to £2,000, the justice secretary, David Lidington, confirmed today. But he could not say when. He also said the government would make an announcement in the “very near future” on its review of LASPO.
Direct access website in High Court dispute with recruiters over number of barristers signed up
Efforts to recruit an initial 2,500 barristers to direct access website MyBarrister failed miserably, it has emerged in a court ruling that details an ongoing dispute with the recruiters charged with signing them up. “These were, as things turned out, demanding targets,” the judge observed.
SME firms under fraud attack but see business benefits in risk management
Almost half the staff at SME law firms say their firms have been attacked by fraudsters within the past 12 months, a survey has found. At the same time, the research into how firms are responding to risk management and compliance found evidence more generally that firms are “turning regulation into a business driver”.
New rules on the way for solicitors who provide insurance
Personal injury lawyers, conveyancers and other solicitors who arrange or advise on insurance policies face new rules under a European directive coming into force next February, dealing with issues such as conflicts of interest and commissions.
