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.
Axiom fund claims another victim as solicitor is struck off with millions of pounds missing
A solicitor has been struck off after letting his firm be run by non-lawyers who then took more than £8m in funds supplied by the controversial Axiom Legal Financing Fund. He is the fifth solicitor to be struck off because of involvement with the Axiom fund.
Alcoholic solicitor struck off for client money misuse
A solicitor who used client money for her own benefit while she was suffering from alcoholism has been struck off. The medical evidence meant that the Solicitors Regulation Authority, prosecuting, dropped its allegations of dishonesty against her.
Chambers urged to shape up on diversity as discrimination claims rise
Chambers are seeing more grievances over discriminatory treatment by both employees and members, according to solicitors who advise them on dealing with their equality and diversity obligations. They said diversity presents a “particular challenge to chambers largely as a result of their unique business structure.
