Solicitor lost in “fog of confusion” over failed investment scheme is fined £50,000
A Sussex solicitor lost in a “fog of confusion” over a failed multi-million pound investment scheme has been fined £50,000 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, one of the highest individual fines it has handed out. It found that despite being a “very experienced solicitor” and former law lecturer, her “primary failings” had been incompetence.
A&O names the tech companies it is to incubate
City giant Allen & Overy has named the seven companies which will work in Fuse, its new lawtech incubator, including a well-known artificial intelligence business and a charity working on a platform to assist asylum seekers in gaining access to pro bono advice.
SRA issues “banter” warning in bid to curb offensive online comments by solicitors
Solicitors have been warned about what they say in emails and on social media in both their professional and personal lives, in the wake of an increase in reports about offensive and inappropriate posts. Just last week, we reported on a solicitor who was sanctioned for “violent” anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist comments he made on Facebook.
Alpha Rocks lawyers on way to SDT after intervention challenge fails
The High Court has rejected a challenge by two solicitors to an intervention into a south London law firm which was accused by a judge last year of making “largely dishonest” claims for unpaid fees. The SRA has now referred them to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to face multiple allegations.
Paralegal who pretended to be a barrister to defraud cancer-sufferer jailed for eight years
A paralegal who pretended to be a barrister with several people, including a terminal cancer sufferer he tricked out of her life savings, has been sent to jail for eight years. The police described him as “a fantasist and vindictive when challenged”. He also falsely claimed to have a law degree from the University of London.
Solicitors’ legal templates start-up ambitious to take on crowded market
Two commercial solicitors are attempting to break into the online legal templates market with an ambitious strategy to expand into non-law professional services. So far Legalo has around 100 templates for sale and plans a further 250. Its website also has a find-a-solicitor type referral service.
Government aims to “mirror closely” current system of civil justice co-operation with EU post-Brexit
The government said yesterday that it is seeking a “close and comprehensive” framework of civil justice cooperation with the EU post-Brexit, which would “mirror closely” the current system. In an announcement welcomed by lawyers, it said it intended to incorporate into domestic law the Rome I and II regulations on choice of law, while remaining part of the Hague and Lugano Conventions.
SRA brings paralegals to book over fake court document and stolen client money
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has banned a series of non-solicitor fee-earners from working in the profession in the wake of one faking a document after missing a court deadline, and two being convicted of fraud. Under section 43 of the Solicitors Act 1974, they cannot be involved in an SRA-regulated firm without its permission.
Top sports consultancy breaks new ground with ABS launch
Specialist sports and events agency The Sports Consultancy has launched an alternative business structure to add to its services for rights holder, major event, venue and city clients. It described The Sports Consultancy Legal as “the next step in the evolution of the business’s offering and the first ABS of its kind.
Family law solicitor “fabricated and backdated” letters to cover up lack of progress on cases
A family lawyer found to have fabricated and backdated letters across of host of cases – including child contact and domestic violence matters – has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. It said “significant harm” had been done to the reputation of the profession and of her firm, Bridge McFarland.
