LSB concerned that practising fees are not falling even though SRA is spending less
The Legal Services Board has expressed concern that the cost of practising as a solicitor remains the same even though the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s budget continues to fall. In all, Chancery Lane is looking to raise £105.8m.
Potential shareholder claims hit 850 after “breathtaking” Quindell restatements
The number of potential shareholder claims against Quindell plc has hit 850 in the wake of last week’s “breathtaking” financial restatements, it has emerged. The number of potential claimants had been “increasingly fairly steadily”, but “there was a surge over the last week or so”.
Former prosecutor takes reins at Legal Ombudsman
A former Chief Crown Prosecutor has been named as the new chief executive of the Legal Ombudsman. Barrister Nick Hawkins, who spent 15 years in the Crown Prosecution Service, is currently chief operating officer for the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
BSB investigating 17 barristers at same chambers over complaints about behaviour towards pupils
The Bar Standards Board is investigating 17 barristers at the same chambers over complaints about a ‘failure to act appropriately towards pupils’, it has emerged. Its annual enforcement report also showed that nine investigations were started into barristers with drink-driving convictions in 2014/15.
Solicitor rebuked for actions in retirement
A retired solicitor who was not clear about his status with a client, and provided reserved legal activities in the mistaken belief that he could do so, has accepted a rebuke and fine from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Meanwhile, a solicitor convicted of bringing fraudulent PI claims has agreed to remove himself from the profession.
Another unregulated adviser sentenced for providing immigration services
A Birmingham man who provided unregulated immigration advice has become the latest operator in the sector to be convicted for his actions. He was sentenced to a community order for 24 weeks, concurrent for each offence, and made subject to a curfew.
High Court: Doctrine of repudiatory breach does not apply to LLPs with more than two members
The common law doctrine of repudiatory breach does not apply to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) with more than two members, the High Court has held, in what is believed to be the first ruling of its kind.
‘Panicked’ assistant solicitor fabricated counsel’s advice and expert reports
An assistant solicitor has admitted to having “fabricated” advice from counsel, two expert reports and a series of letters on a medical negligence case because she felt “completely panicked and couldn’t see a way out”. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that she “had not been thinking rationally at the time”.
Firm of “external in-house counsel” joins regulated community as ABS
A boutique firm of external in-house counsel has launched an alternative business structure in order to expand and strengthen its non-lawyer management. London-headquartered Cleveland & Co received its ABS licence from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, effective from 1 August.
Car crash not to blame for lack of training contract, judge tells litigant-in-person
A judge has told a litigant-in-person that a road traffic accident she was involved in was not to blame for her failure to secure a training contract. Judge Walden-Smith said the “sad fact” was that many “competent individuals” failed to obtain a contract.
