Law Society criticised by its own FoI adjudicator over Blacker e-mails
The Law Society has apologised to its freedom of information adjudicator after failing to provide him with an “additional and substantial” body of information relating to ‘Harry Potter solicitor’ Alan Blacker, also known as Lord Harley. Adam Sowerbutts described the incident as “troubling”.
Property management firm turns itself into ABS
A property management firm specialising in residential blocks of flats has turned itself into an alternative business structure, in what is understood to be first move of its kind. “At the moment we’re a property management company with a legal capacity. In 10 years’ time, it is likely to be the other way round,” said director Matthew Young.
Controversial miners’ compensation firm goes into administration
Raleys, one of the law firms most strongly criticised for misconduct during the miners’ compensation scandal, has entered administration. Administrators have been appointed and Leeds firm Ison Harrison has taken over existing clients.
Lawyers line up arguments against Online Court
Responses to Lord Justice Briggs’ recommendation to create an Online Court (OC) have pitted sceptical solicitors and barristers against others who have given the scheme a more generous reception. Lawyers were worried about the impact of a change in the approach to justice represented by the OC, and the dangers of removing them from it.
SRA eyes ‘innovation space’ to help firms and new entrants shake up the market
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is considering creating an ‘innovation space’, which it said would “help existing firms develop their businesses and encourage new firms to come into the market”. “An innovative legal sector is essential for delivering the efficient, affordable services the public needs,” it said.
Barrister who lied to secure pupillage disbarred
A barrister who gained a pupillage by lying about her age, faking references and falsely claiming she had been an assistant district attorney in New York has been disbarred. Her scheme began to fall apart when a clerk at the chambers became suspicious that she was not 29 – she was actually in her late 40s.
Ageing population will change demand for legal services, says 2025 report
Britain’s changing demographics will mean a huge shift in demand for legal services, towards managing the wealth and lives of the growing proportion of elderly people in the population, according to a study forecasting legal needs in 2025.
High Court rejects solicitor’s bid to overturn intervention
A rare bid by a solicitor to overturn an intervention into her practice has failed in the High Court, with the judge finding there was good reason to suspect dishonesty. The bulk of the allegations were that she employed a struck-off solicitor, while later dishonestly denying this.
Widespread concern about training proposals, SRA acknowledges
A “significant majority” of the 250 or so responses to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s consultation on the proposed Solicitors Qualifying Examination have expressed concerns about the plans, the regulator has acknowledged. Responses seen to date indicate a wall of opposition.
5,000 responses to ‘question of trust’ reveal divisions in views on solicitors’ conduct
The initial findings from the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s ‘Question of trust’ exercise has found sharply divergent views about how to judge solicitors’ misconduct. More than 5,000 people took part in the consultation, which aims to determine the correct baseline of solicitors’ behaviour when making regulatory decisions.
