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.
Dentons employs AI to boost Brexit advice
Global firm Dentons has made its play to be a key adviser to companies on the impact of Brexit by developing a cognitive search engine tool that can be used for Brexit-related contract reviews. It is also working on a software application that automatically creates a ‘Brexit action plan’ for clients.
COFA sanctioned after client account was used as banking facility
A practice manager who is his firm’s compliance officer for finance and administration has been rebuked and fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for letting his firm’s client account be used as a banking facility among other offences.
Former partner loses age discrimination appeal over firm restructure
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has dismissed an appeal against a decision that a top-100 regional law firm was not guilty of age discrimination against one of its partners, after he was not offered a new partnership when it restructured.
