Tribunal’s “surprise” that Clifford Chance was not charged with lack of integrity over Excalibur case
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has expressed surprise that City giant Clifford Chance was not charged with a lack of integrity or acting recklessly in its conduct of the Excalibur case, it has emerged. However, despite being “very troubled” by the limited nature of the allegations of misconduct, the tribunal concluded that it could not go behind the SRA’s charge sheet.
Global lawyers survey finds “alarming level of bullying” amid failure of diversity policies
Lawyers have experienced a worrying level of bullying and intimidation, according to a massive international study, while diversity policies have failed to help women achieve equality in legal practice. It also found significant discrimination existed against women in the well-paid commercial law field, slowing their advancement.
Land Registry to publish workload and requisition count of top 500 conveyancing firms
The Land Registry is to publish how many incomplete applications it receives from the top 500 conveyancing firms as part of its commitment to opening up its data. It sends out 5,000 requisitions every day to conveyancers for further information or action before their applications can be completed.
Exclusive: LegalZoom accused of using ABS to “unlawfully practise law” in the US
Alternative business structure LegalZoom Legal Services is being sued in the United States as part of a claim that its American parent company is engaged in the unauthorised practice of law, Legal Futures can reveal. California-based LegalForce claims LegalZoom is using ownership of the ABS as a way to offer legal advice in the US.
Slater & Gordon becomes first law firm owned by hedge fund
The UK has its first law firm owned by a hedge fund after Slater & Gordon’s UK operation completed its separation from the Australian parent. The newly independent business has appointed a chief executive in the shape of the former vice-chairman of an American technology company.
Solicitor who brought hopeless JRs in bid to thwart removal of immigration clients struck off
A solicitor has been struck off for bringing judicial review claims on behalf of immigration clients that he knew were hopeless but would thwart or delay their removal from the UK and potentially even lead to their release from detention.
Heavy-hitting sports law firm becomes ABS
A boutique London sports and entertainment law practice has converted to an alternative business structure just three months after launching itself, with the aim of being “nimble” in future. It counts the likes of Usain Bolt, Anthony Joshua and Chris Froome among its clients.
Ombudsman urges “prescriptive template” for all lawyers in price publication push
The process of publishing up-front price information should be achieved through “prescriptive templates” across the legal profession, the Legal Ombudsman has suggested. It said publication needed to be more than simply displaying likely prices, stressing the importance of lawyers providing context to their quotes.
Confiscation order for doctor jailed after duping solicitors with fake invoices
A doctor who fraudulently submitted false medical claims worth £183,000 to unwitting solicitors has been jailed for two years has been ordered to repay the money or face another two years in prison. Benjamin Chang was found guilty of one count of fraud by false representation and for being in possession of articles for use in fraud and money laundering.
Put constitutional right of access to justice at heart of LASPO review, MPs say
The government review of its legal aid reforms should reflect this summer’s Supreme Court ruling on access to justice as a constitutional right, the justice select committee said. It has also highlighted the merits of investing in early legal advice, even though the government recently pushed back on the notion.
