Advertising watchdog backs law firm’s claim over success rate
The Advertising Standards Authority has rejected a complaint over the way a Devon law firm marketed its success in representing drivers. Patterson Law said on its website that 3,314 out of its last 3,436 clients at risk of a driving ban avoided disqualification or got a significantly reduced driving ban
SDT throws out wide-ranging allegations against solicitor
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has dismissed all charges made against a solicitor including alleged breaches of accounts rules and money laundering regulations, and failing to supervise properly a consultant who had been struck off the roll. It is unusual for charges to be thrown out wholesale.
150 firms and counting – “proper” legal comparison website gears up for consumer launch
The Law Superstore, which claims that it will be the UK’s first true legal comparison website, has hit 150 ‘partner’ firms as it gears up to launch to consumers on 1 August. It said firms across the country have signed up to the site, including Blacks, Hansells, McMillan Williams, FBC Manby Bowdler, Redkite Law and Express Solicitors.
Bar Council investigates whether ‘third six pupils’ need protection
The Bar Council is looking at whether it needs to take action to protect ‘third six pupils’ from exploitation by chambers as they try to stay in the profession and find a tenancy. It is asking barristers for views on whether this area should be regulated and/or offer guaranteed earnings among other possible reforms.
SRA places restrictions on solicitor taken in by ‘Pope’s banker’ conman
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has placed conditions on the practising certificate of a solicitor who safeguarded more than £100,000 of stolen cash for a charismatic conman posing as the Pope’s banker, and is investigating whether further disciplinary action should be taken.
After £7m Veyo loss, now Law Society writes off £5m for failed internal IT project
The Law Society has suffered a £5m loss on a botched internal IT project to go with the £7m loss caused by failed conveyancing portal Veyo, it has emerged. The news came as it announced a 9% fall in the proposed practising certificate fee for 2016-17 to £290 – mainly thanks to the society dipping into its reserves.
Barrister who withdrew from case at end of hearing “to be advised” on conduct
A barrister who withdrew from acting for her local authority client at the end of an eight-day planning appeal is to be advised as to her future conduct, but has otherwise avoided sanction at a Bar disciplinary tribunal.
Neuberger urges debate over ethical implications of artificial intelligence
The president of the Supreme Court last week called for a debate on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and for “greater prominence” for ethics in legal training. Lord Neuberger also warned once again of increased potential for ethical conflicts in alternative business structures owned by non-lawyers.
Leigh Day “breached duty” to thousands of Trafigura claimants who did not receive share of £30m settlement
Leading group action law firm Leigh Day has been found guilty of professional negligence after 6,624 of the claimants it represented in the high-profile Trafigura case were not paid their share of the £30m settlement. Leigh Day said it tried its “damnedest” to ensure everyone received their payments.
SRA rebukes paralegal who sent abusive text messages to client
A paralegal who sent abusive text messages to a client has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Ewelina Niemczyk agreed to the sanction after admitting her conduct was unacceptable.
