BSB: “self-certification” the way forward for youth court barristers
Barristers in the youth courts will have to make a declaration that they have reached the standards set out by the Bar Standards Board to continue providing the service, it has emerged. But there will be no compulsory training so as to avoid discouraging counsel from doing low-paid youth court work.
Just 10% of people with legal problems turn to a solicitor, major research finds
Only 10% of people with legal problems use a solicitor, and often only after approaching other sources of advice first, major government research involving over 10,000 people has revealed. However, when they did use a solicitor or a barrister, almost all said they were satisfied with the advice provided.
A solicitor can lack integrity without being dishonest, says High Court
A lack of integrity on the part of a solicitor is “not synonymous” with dishonesty and is subject to a less stringent legal test, the High Court has ruled. Mr Justice Morris also said that it was wrong to define lack of integrity as requiring recklessness.
Solicitor fined for failing to read “grossly misleading” JR claim forms
Complaints about the work of solicitors handling immigration appeals have finally reached the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which has fined a solicitor £10,000 for acting recklessly by signing judicial review claim forms with inaccurate grounds of appeal and failing to supervise an employee who drafted the applications.
SRA investigating law firm at centre of grooming gang immigration row
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has launched an investigation into a law firm accused by the senior immigration judge of weakening the rule of law through its “cavalier and unprofessional” approach in acting for the Rochdale grooming gang.
Consolidator Metamorph makes niche property firm its latest deal
Alternative business structure and consolidator Metamorph Law has completed its second deal by taking over niche practice SLC Solicitors. SLC, based in Shrewsbury, is an award-winning 50-person firm that acts for commercial and residential landlords and managing agents.
Family law firms finding ways to help clients afford their services
The vast majority of family law firms are offering alternative ways to pay legal fees post-LASPO – such as unbundling and monthly payment plans – and more than eight out of 10 clients were able to find the money themselves rather than rely on friends and family, a survey has revealed.
MPs warn government that PI reforms “risk injustice for genuine claimants”
The government’s personal injury reforms appears more likely to put genuine claimants at the risk of injustice than reduce the number of fraudulent claims, an influential group of MPs has warned. The MPs also said there was “little direct evidence that tackling fraud has reduced premiums”.
Slater & Gordon shares “nearly worthless”
Slater & Gordon’s shares are “nearly worthless”, an analyst has claimed on the back of its dire half-year results earlier this week. He has set a target price of just 1c. The firm’s share price on the Australian Stock Exchange fell to an all-time low of 7c this week, although it jumped 40% in trading today to 10c.
Solicitor who used firm’s accounts to conceal tax fraud sent to prison
A criminal defence solicitor who used his law firm’s accounts to lie about his income to HM Revenue & Customs and steal more than £60,000 in a tax fraud, has been jailed for 18 months. Meanwhile, two barristers have been disbarred after separate criminal convictions, one involving supplying cocaine.
