Government accused of “pulling its punches” over PI cold-calling ban
The government was accused yesterday of “pulling its punches” and “shilly shallying” over introducing a ban on cold-calling for personal injury claims. The comments came after work and pensions secretary Esther McVey appeared to fudge the commitment the government had previously given in the House of Lords.
Solicitors and technologists form CLC-licensed ABS to launch digital conveyancing venture
An alternative business structure set up by ex-government IT specialists has launched an online service that hopes to harness technology to simplify the conveyancing process. The co-founders of Juno Property Lawyers have worked on some of the highest-profile government IT projects and hired two senior solicitors.
Solicitor struck off for taking money from vulnerable clients while acting as their deputy
A sole practitioner who misappropriated over £170,000 from four vulnerable clients in her role as court-appointed deputy has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. She admitted all the allegations against her, apart from dishonesty, arguing instead that she “got into a muddle”.
Exclusive: Unique ABS joining licensed conveyancers with accountants looks to expand
A multi-disciplinary alternative business structure is looking to build on its unique combination of licensed conveyancers and chartered accountants. Known as Optimum Professional Services, it is hoping to expand into commercial property work and possibly other areas of law.
Regulator cracks down on unauthorised holiday sickness CMCs as cold-calling ban reaches Commons
There has been a “significant decrease” in unauthorised businesses operating in the holiday sickness market, the Claims Management Regulator has reported. It comes as MPs debate the government’s surprise u-turn late last year to legislate for a ban on cold-calling.
Lack of jurisdiction ends former Simmons & Simmons partner’s discrimination claim
An employment tribunal has rejected claims of race and sex discrimination by a former equity partner of leading City firm Simmons & Simmons because the events complained of took place in Paris and so outside of its jurisdiction.
More accountants target legal work after ACCA is approved to regulate probate
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants was yesterday given the green light to regulate its members in handling probate work. Approving the regulatory scheme it is putting in place, the Legal Services Board said ACCA members would make a “positive contribution” to the legal market.
Digital court services “already starting to deliver”
The courts service is already seeing benefits from the early stages of the digital delivery of justice, it said yesterday as it outlined its plans for further rationalisation of the physical court estate. The proposals included the potential closure of eight courts, including Blackfriars Crown Court, which was meant to be one of venues for the flexible operating hours pilot.
Ombudsman faces shortfall after unexpected rise in complaints
Solicitors have demanded to know how the Legal Ombudsman intends to reduce the cost of its work to an all-time low at the same time that it is seeking extra funds to deal with an unexpected rise in complaints. Meanwhile, the Bar has urged LeO to investigate the reason behind a drop in the confidence lawyers have in the service.
Licensed conveyancers confident about growth in coming year, survey finds
More than half of firms of licensed conveyancers expect their workloads to increase over the next year, according to their regulator. Some 53% of firms expected volumes of work to increase over the next year, with only 10% anticipating a fall.
