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.
Interim chair for Legal Services Board named with no sign of recruitment process
A former chief executive of Natural England is to take over as interim chairman of the Legal Services Board next week after Sir Michael Pitt’s term comes to an end without the recruitment exercise for his successor having even begun.
High Court ruling on meaning of ‘lack of integrity’ to cause SRA and other regulators problems
The High Court ruling last week that said a lack of integrity on the part of a solicitor is the same as dishonesty could cause regulators real problems when prosecuting cases where they are not sure they have enough to establish dishonesty, it has been claimed.
LeO keen on bringing unregulated providers within its remit
The Legal Ombudsman has pledged to avoid pursuing an “expansionist” strategy when considering expanding its jurisdiction, but nevertheless welcomed the Competition and Markets Authority’s suggestion that it could handle complaints against unregulated legal providers.
Prisons and Courts Bill dropped
The Prisons and Courts Bill was today dropped ahead of the dissolution of Parliament as MPs prepare for June’s general election. The bill was set for the latest session in its committee stage this morning, but the debate did not happen after the government put forward a motion not to proceed with further consideration of the bill.
Paid McKenzie Friends “play on uncertainty and victimhood” of separating fathers
‘Professional’ paid McKenzie Friends associated with fathers’ rights groups play on their “uncertainty and sense of victimhood” to attract business, academic research has found, saying that there needed to be a code of conduct and a greater role for law school clinics in their place.
