SDT rejects drug dealing solicitor’s plea for a second chance
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off a solicitor who was convicted for conspiring to supply cocaine and sentenced to three years in prison, despite his plea for a second chance. He was himself an addict and claimed he was trying to rid himself of the drug when he supplied one gram to an undercover police officer.
Metamorph heads south with deal securing trio of offices
The expansion of consolidator Metamorph Law has continued after it took on the private client practice of a firm in Hampshire, its first venture in the south of England. Some 17 fee-earners and six support staff have set up new offices in Southampton, Lymington and Basingstoke.
SDT shows “humanity” with low-level sanction for solicitor convicted of stalking
A solicitor convicted of stalking her husband’s former lover has been fined £1,000 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. In what it described as “wholly exceptional circumstances”, the tribunal said that “the reputation of the profession is enhanced by some consideration of humanity”.
Barristers fined for data protection breaches after case papers end up in bin and online
A criminal law barrister whose case papers were found in bin bags has been fined by a Bar disciplinary tribunal, while the Information Commissioner’s Office has fined another barrister after a software update on her home computer placed hundreds of unencrypted client documents online.
Law firm rebuked after paying out client money to fraudster
A law firm which was duped into paying away the £333,532 proceeds of a property sale after failing to confirm a client’s email changing their bank details – which turned out to be faked – has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Treasury slaps down SRA call for full independence from the Law Society
The Treasury has rejected an argument by the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it needs full separation from the Law Society to avoid any interference in its operation of anti-money laundering rules. Instead it indicated that operational independence – which the regulator already has – was sufficient.
Exclusive: LSB to have new chair after Pitt decides against applying for reappointment
The Legal Services Board is to have a new chair after incumbent Sir Michael Pitt took himself out of the running for a second three-year term, Legal Futures can reveal. His predecessor was appointed for a second term without the position being advertised, but this time there will be an open competition.
Kennedys paves way for AI-based future with version of virtual defence lawyer that instructs counsel
City law firm Kennedys has launched an extended version of its virtual defence lawyer, which for the first time enables clients to send cases directly to counsel without the need for a solicitor. The firm is currently building a more advanced version of litigation management system KLAiM using AI.
Director of CMC that received – but didn’t pay – record fine accepts ban
The director of the claims management company that was the subject of the largest-ever fine handed out by the Claims Management Regulator has accepted a ban from being a director for the next nine years. Meanwhile, the Information Commissioner has executed a search warrant while investigating the illegal access of customer details from a major car repair company.
National Accident Helpline eyes ABS joint ventures in response to PI reforms
National Accident Helpline is set to invest in personal injury cases for the first time through alternative business structures, it revealed today. It said the government’s PI reforms would catch “less than” 30% of the enquiries it generated for firms but still meant major changes were needed.
