No “big bang” on fixed costs, Lord Chief Justice predicts
The Lord Chief Justice has predicted that the use of fixed costs will be extended gradually and not in “one big bang”, which people would find “uncomfortable”. Lord Thomas also indicated that litigants at the planned online court would be allowed “minimal legal assistance”.
SDT lifts suspension of solicitor so he can work as will-writer
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has lifted the indefinite suspension of a solicitor who retrained as a will-writer after suffering a “major depressive illness”. The suspension prevented him from carrying out any work as a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
Three Fladgate partners to face SDT over client account allegations
Three partners at well-known London law firm Fladgate have been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The 73-partner firm has said it is “fully supporting” the lawyers, who have all been accused by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of using the firm’s client account as a “banking facility”.
Legal IT entrepreneurs tempt law students onto alternative career path
Tech-savvy law students were last week invited to pursue careers delivering legal services via technology businesses instead of the conventional route of joining a legal firm, at a meeting of IT executives committed to establishing London as a global hub for lawtech start-ups.
Barristers who outsource work must avoid referral fees, Bar Council warns
Barristers who outsource work must not “ask for or accept” any payment from third parties, the Bar Council has warned. However, third parties can “for commercial reasons” offer services to barristers at lower than normal rates, so long as the “entire benefit” is passed to lay clients.
High Court awards Lord Chancellor £1m in battle with legal aid firm
The Lord Chancellor has been awarded almost £1m by the High Court in its battle with a legal aid firm over payments on account. Mr Justice Holgate said the evidence showed “over-claiming to a substantial extent in a substantial number of cases” by Charles Ete & Co.
Justice ministers pushed ahead with policies despite being told they would probably lose in court
The former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice has spoken of how some of her political masters in the coalition would press ahead with controversial policies even if advised that they were likely to be challenged successfully in court.
Local government lawyers get advice from QC in dispute with SRA
Local government lawyers have obtained a QC’s opinion in a dispute with the Solicitors Regulation Authority over their ability to provide reserved legal activities to external bodies and individuals, it has emerged. The move follows complaints that the SRA was forcing councils to set up ABSs.
Solicitor who brought “cataclysm” upon himself is struck off
A sole practitioner who brought a “cataclysm” upon himself by failing to protect the interests of children when acting as a trustee, leading to them not receiving the legacies they should have done from two wills, has been struck off and ordered to pay £65,000 in costs. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal said Timothy John Wilkinson “blamed everyone else”.
SQE could create “even greater diversity problem”, Law Society says
Plans by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to introduce a centrally assessed Solicitors Qualifying Examination could create an “even greater diversity problem” for the profession, the Law Society has warned. The society said it could be a “huge issue for those without financial support”.
