Fine for solicitor who accepted £400,000 in loans from clients
A solicitor who provided two longstanding clients with banking facilities, and also accepted more than £400,000 in loans from them without insisting that they take independent legal advice, has been fined by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
CMA stresses need for consumers to shop around for lawyers
Choosing a lawyer based on recommendations from friends, family and peers can be “a sensible way to ensure a minimum level of quality”, but it means consumers are not checking for themselves what the market has to offer, the Competition and Markets Authority said yesterday.
The Brexit effect – EU law high on the list of searches for direct access barristers
Civil, property and employment matters are the most-searched for areas of practice on the Bar Council’s Direct Access Portal, figures released yesterday showed – with EU law fourth on the list as people and businesses try to come to terms with Brexit.
Tribunal strikes off solicitor who made false expenses claims
A solicitor who submitted a series of false business expenses to his firm – including three that were actually for a birthday dinner for his wife and friends – has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. He was also found guilty of charging false travel expenses to clients.
High Court upholds Legal Ombudsman order that firm repay most of £37k contingency fee
The High Court has rejected a solicitor’s appeal against a Legal Ombudsman order that he refund £34,000 of his £37,000 fee to a client he signed up to a contingency fee agreement. The ombudsman said the client had not been properly advised about the terms and effects of the agreement.
CMC that has piled up complaints named “in the public interest”
The Legal Ombudsman has exercised its “public interest” power under the Legal Services Act to name a claims management company responsible for a series of complaints. It is only the second time that the LeO’s board – the Office for Legal Complaints – has used the power.
Law Society backs ABS proposals but urges caution before declaring them a success
The Law Society has backed government proposals to remove restrictions on alternative business structures (ABSs) so as to encourage more to enter the market, but also recommended caution before declaring that they have increased competition and are no more risky than traditional law firms.
‘Regulator swapping’ to be put under the microscope
Research into the growing trend of law firms switching regulator has begun so as to assess any risks for consumers and whether there may be unintended consequences. The Legal Services Board is undertaking the work and will look, among other things, at the extent to which new regulators check and use a lawyer or firm’s previous regulatory history.
Rent rebates and room occupancy under spotlight as Bar Council urges chambers to embrace flexible working
Barristers still face a flexible working “penalty”, the Bar Council admitted this week as it urged chambers to consider rent reductions for those barristers seeking to work reduced hours or away from chambers because of care responsibilities.
High Court slaps barrister with civil restraint order over relentless challenges to disciplinary rulings
The High Court has issued a two-year civil restraint order against a barrister who has repeatedly and unsuccessfully challenged disciplinary findings made against him. The judge said he approached the task “with something of a heavy heart” given that it involved a member of the Bar.
