Keep calm and carry on: BSB finds no evidence of “widespread change” at the Bar
Widespread change” is yet to happen at the Bar, with only a small minority of barristers planning to change the way they work or charge fees, a report for the Bar Standards Board has found. Despite the presence of “strong drivers for change”, the report said this did “not necessarily equate to a need or desire for a new approach”.
High Court strikes out negligence claim against private client firm
The High Court has struck out a negligence claim against London private client specialists Harcus Sinclair on the grounds that it was statute-barred. The judge said it could not be argued that a partner had deliberately concealed his conduct when it was “done in plain sight” of his client and other parties’ lawyers.
Secretary at top City firm and paralegal banned from profession for misconduct
A secretary at a leading City law firm who submitted false cash advances and a paralegal who drafted misleading grounds of appeal in judicial review cases have both been banned from working in the profession.
Law firm loses £110,000 after e-mail scam as serial conveyancing fraudster faces jail
A law firm has lost more than £100,000 from a property transaction after falling for an e-mail scam, it has been reported. It comes as a conveyancer who had already been convicted of fraud and banned from working in law firms has been convicted again after defrauding three firms where she secured employment after changing her name.
National Accident Helpline plots second ABS joint venture
NAHL plc – the AIM-listed owner of National Accident Helpline – has lined up a second alternative business structure joint venture as it bids to double the cases it handles over the coming years, it has emerged in the wake of last week’s announcement of its first, Your Law, in association with NewLaw Solicitors.
Family law solicitor opts for “quick and transparent” BSB entity regulation
A high-profile family law sole practitioner solicitor has acquired a Bar Standards Board-regulated entity because the no-frills regulation it offered was, she said, an “easy fit” for her low-risk practice. Oxford-based Alexandra Lewis Family Law Limited received BSB authorisation at the end of last month.
Law Society “abused dominant position” with CQS training monopoly, competition tribunal rules
The Law Society abused its dominant position by requiring over 3,000 law firms to buy its own training in order to maintain their Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, the Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled. It is likely that the case will cost the society at least £1m.
From leads to legal advice: National Accident Helpline sets up ABS
NAHL, the marketing business that owns National Accident Helpline, is to launch its own law firm after being awarded an alternative business structure licence and signing a deal with Cardiff-based NewLaw Solicitors. It will trade under the name Your Law LLP and is expected to start business on 1 July.
Ex-government lawyer struck off for falsifying court documents in attempted cover-up
A government solicitor has been struck off for dishonestly backdating documents in an attempt to cover up his mistake after missing a court deadline in a high-profile case on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. He backdated the documents in order to resist an application for default judgment.
“Don’t call them McKenzie friends” – Court of Appeal looks to counter growth of unqualified advisers in crime cases
The term ‘McKenzie friend’ is not appropriate in the criminal division of the Court of Appeal, the vice-president of the court has said in a ruling detailing the problems that the increasing number of “unqualified third parties” is causing. It also said there needed to be clearer guidance to aid law schools with projects to help convicted people.
