SRA bows to pressure and puts SQE on hold
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has bowed to fierce opposition from universities and law schools, and put its plans to introduce a new centralised assessment test for future solicitors on hold. The SRA’s board was due to decide on whether to go ahead at its meeting yesterday.
Bogus solicitor who ‘stole’ law firm’s name given suspended sentence
A bogus solicitor who provided immigration advice while using the name of a legitimate law firm has been handed a suspended prison sentence. Peter Campbell, 40, of Forest Gate, London, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to 10 charges of providing unregulated immigration advice and services.
Niche contract ABSs aim to rewrite the rules
Two separate alternative business structures specialising in commercial contracts went live today – each offering clients a non-traditional alternative to corporate law firms. Wavelength.law makes sophisticated use of new technology, while Ember Contract Solutions is part of a management consultancy.
LSB not convinced by plan to force law firms to publish prices
The Legal Services Board has said that “further discussion and evidence” is needed before it is prepared to back proposals to force law firms to publish average prices. The LSB was responding to a report by the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
AIM-listed business makes fourth law firm acquisition with Abney Garsden deal
Fairpoint Group, the AIM-listed company that has become a predominantly legal business, unveiled its fourth acquisition in two years yesterday after snapping up south Manchester firm Abney Garsden, best known for acting for victims of child abuse.
Metamorph kicks off acquisition strategy by buying Linder Myers in pre-pack
Alternative business structure Metamorph Law has taken the first step in its plan to consolidate dozens of law firms by acquiring north-west firm Linder Myers in a pre-pack deal. Assure Law, the business consultancy that in 2014 saved Linder Myers from administration and installed its chief executive as the firm’s CEO, is also a minority shareholder in Metamorph.
High Court rejects appeal from solicitor who “neither thought nor cared about” the rules
The High Court has rejected an appeal against striking off from a solicitor who “neither thought nor cared about” the rules governing his profession. Robert Scott argued that because he had been found not to have acted dishonestly, he could not be found to have lacked integrity.
Third judge sacked for viewing pornography at work failed to disclose it to SRA
A third judge removed from the bench for watching pornography on judicial IT equipment has admitted not telling the Solicitors Regulation Authority about it when applying for a practising certificate shortly afterwards.
Government eyes stronger powers to discipline solicitors as part of insurance fraud crackdown
The government yesterday accepted recommendations for stronger fining powers for the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a lower burden of proof before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, and the need to introduce further measures to discourage ‘late’ personal injury claims, in the next stage of its crackdown on fraudulent behaviour.
Dual-qualified barrister disbarred 10 years after being struck off as solicitor
A barrister turned solicitor has been disbarred 10 years after he was struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. He did not tell the Bar about the decision and the Bar Standards Board only became aware of it last year when Lloyd Aneke applied for restoration to the roll of solicitors.
