SDT strikes off solicitor who left “trail of destruction” behind her
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off a solicitor after she was convicted on four counts of providing immigration advice or immigration services while suspended from practice. The judge at Luton Magistrates’ Court had described “a trail of destruction towards vulnerable people she left in her wake”.
National Accident Helpline eyes expanded role in handling PI claims
NAHL Group plc – the AIM-listed legal marketing and services business that owns National Accident Helpline – expects to play a “more pro-active role in the entire conduct and financing of a PI case” following the government’s next round of reforms, it told the stock exchange today.
Pair face bribery charges over alleged leak of customer data from insurer to CMC
Two people have been charged with bribery over the alleged leak of customer data by a former employee of insurance company LV= to a claims management company. It is the first time that officers from the City of London Police’s insurance fraud enforcement department have charged suspects with offences under the Bribery Act.
Law Society survey finds 20% pay gap between male and female solicitors
A gender gap in salaries continues to dog the solicitors’ profession, with men earning on average almost a fifth more than women, according to an earnings survey conducted by the Law Society. Meanwhile, a niche City law firm that shares its profit among all staff has paid out more than the equivalent of a year’s salary to every employee in four years.
Rebuke for solicitor who acted for clients when they could not afford his firm
An associate who acted for clients in his own time because they could not afford the fees of the firm he worked at has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He charged the clients lower fees but was not authorised or insured to act.
Regional law firms “more positive about ABSs” than City counterparts
Regional law firms have a much more positive view of the impact of alternative business structures (ABSs) and other regulatory changes than City firms, a survey has found. It said 45% of regional firms described ABSs as having a positive impact on their practices, compared to only 18% of City firms.
Survey: Law firms see role for private equity funding to aid expansion
A third of senior managers at law firms expect private equity to be an important source of funding in the next few years, a survey has found. A quarter also believed that other financial investors, including high net-worth individuals or family offices, will play a key role.
Solicitor who “completely failed to carry out money laundering checks” is suspended
A former sole practitioner who “completely failed to carry out money laundering checks or prevent his client bank accounts from being misused”, and as a result saw hundreds of thousands of pounds pass through his firm, has been suspended by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
Internet will control access to the law, says head of small business service
The Internet will take over as the main way SMEs and consumers access the law, the owner of the biggest online advice service for small businesses has predicted. Rory MccGwire said consumers would rely on a mixture of online DIY, telephone or online help, and lawyer-matching or comparison websites.
PI cold-calling ban will stay in place, says SRA, as Law Society steps up attack on Handbook rewrite
Fears that the rewritten SRA Handbook might not continue the ban on law firms cold-calling potential personal injury clients have been allayed by the regulator. Meanwhile, the Law Society has released an opinion poll showing public opposition to the SRA’s plan to allow solicitors to practise from unregulated businesses.
