Scotland launches McClementi review to promote innovation and competition in legal market
The Scottish government has launched its own version of the Clementi review by appointing a panel of non-lawyers and lawyers to examine the regulation of the profession, with a particular focus on unregulated providers and their impact on consumers.
SDT strikes off solicitor who plundered client funds to play the property market
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last week struck off a solicitor who used more than £500,000 from the estates of deceased clients over seven years, mainly to play the property market and repay debts. His own brother complained to the SRA after the solicitor failed to administer the estate of his own late father.
QualitySolicitors looks to exploit network with national retailer deal
The QualitySolicitors network is to enter a three-month trial to supply legal services to retail chain Nisa, as it pushes to exploit its national network. Nisa is the UK’s leading member-owned organisation, providing benefits to 1,300 independent food and drink markets.
Blockchain technology will be “game changer” in conveyancing
Blockchain-backed ‘smart contracts’ will be a “game changer” in property transactions, increasing certainty for buyers and sellers as well as speeding up the house-buying process, it has been claimed. It follows the successful pilot of a fraud-resistant blockchain-based title registration system by Sweden’s land registry.
No LPC or training contract required: SRA confirms plan to revolutionise training
Would-be solicitors will not have to go through the legal practice course and a two-year training contract to qualify in future, after the Solicitors Regulation Authority confirmed it is pressing ahead with its new training regime – but it has delayed implementation by a year to September 2020.
ABS preparing to launch group negligence action against conveyancers
An alternative business structure is preparing to launch a group negligence action against conveyancers working for the developers and purchasers of ‘help to buy’ leasehold housing. Louie Burns, managing partner and co-owner of Leasehold Law, said the total damages claimed could potentially top £500m.
ABS turns thumping loss into profit with financial backing of corporate owner
One of the country’s largest personal injury practices has highlighted the benefits of being an alternative business structure owned by a large business after the write-off of a multi-million pound inter-company loan, and an £11m cash injection, helped it turn a huge loss into a profit in its last financial year.
Fine for non-practising barrister who held himself out as a solicitor in court
An unregistered barrister has been fined £1,000 by a Bar disciplinary tribunal for falsely describing himself as a solicitor and appearing in court when he did not have the right to do so. Another non-practising barrister has been disbarred, meanwhile, for stealing from her law firm employer’s petty cash and her colleagues’ handbags.
Foreign Office warns Spanish holidaymakers over CMCs encouraging them to make false sickness claims
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to holidaymakers visiting Spain about claims management companies encouraging them to make false compensation claims that they fell ill while abroad. It is the latest move in a growing backlash against what is seen as a “surge” in such claims.
Solicitor agrees to end 50-year career after multiple rule breaches
A solicitor who qualified more than 50 years ago has agreed to remove his name from the roll after admitting to multiple rule breaches, including failing to register clients as owners of a property and pay the stamp duty land tax due. He then over-charged them for the work he did.
