SDT slams regulator for “shambolic” handling of banking facility case
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has slapped down the Solicitors Regulation Authority for its conduct in a disciplinary case involving alleged money laundering, describing it as having “verged on the shambolic” and dismissing five out of the seven charges laid.
Co-op Legal Services recovery continues with growth in sales and profit
Profit is continuing to rise at Co-operative Legal Services (CLS), half-year results published today have revealed. In the first six months of 2016, sales rose 10% to £11m, and it made a £1m profit – having broken even during the same period of 2015.
Criminal Bar urges government action to stamp out solicitors’ “corrupt practices”
Criminal defence work is still beset by the “corrupt practices” of a minority of solicitors, as well as law firms sending incompetent in-house advocates to court – instead of instructing counsel – because of the financial benefits, the chairman of the Criminal Bar Association has claimed.
Diamonds are not forever – SRA “will shut down” firms involved in dodgy investment schemes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has revealed that it is investigating law firms involved in “dubious” high-yield investment schemes – and promised to close down those practice involved in them “urgently”. It said these schemes were costing consumers “many millions” of pounds,
Law Society and Bar Council condemn regulators for “attacks” on profession
The Law Society has raised its opposition to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) plan to allow practising solicitors to operate from unregulated law firms to an unprecedented level, issuing a report that said there would be little or no economic benefit from the move.
Exclusive: Saga exits legal services – for now
Saga, the over-50s insurance and travel company, has closed its legal services business, Legal Futures can reveal – but said it may yet return to the market in future. The company was hit by the collapse last year of Parabis, with which it had set up a joint venture alternative business structure, Saga Law, in late 2013.
Lawyers need to prepare for “customer service revolution”
A regulatory agenda that is looking to help consumers shop around for legal advice means that many law firms are running out of time to get to grips with customer service, a report being launched at today’s PI Futures conference has warned.
Solicitor removed from injured child case over conflict of interest
A court has arranged for a woman whose child suffered “shocking” injuries at home to be represented by a new law firm in family law proceedings after her previous solicitor was found to have a conflict of interest on both professional and personal grounds.
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.
