The danger of instant e-mail replies as SDT reprimands solicitor who called opponent “a plonker”
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has reprimanded a solicitor for calling his opponent in litigation, among other things, a “complete plonker” – conduct which it said would diminish the trust of the public in the profession
Barristers call for government review of inadequate advocacy by solicitors in family cases
Barristers have called on the Ministry of Justice to conduct a review of advocacy in publicly funded family cases, arguing that solicitors are letting down their clients and causing injustice by handling cases without counsel.
Staple legal work “slipping away from lawyers”
The need to extend access to justice to those who cannot afford legal services is “already resulting in less involvement by lawyers in many of the tasks that previously made up their staple diet”, the chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel has said. Elisabeth Davies also suggested that the emergence of professional McKenzie Friends “may repeat itself in other sections of the market”.
NAH and seven personal injury law firms launch Ethical Marketing Charter
National Accident Helpline (NAH) and seven personal injury law firms, including Irwin Mitchell, are launching an Ethical Marketing Charter today. NAH will administer the scheme and handle complaints about possible breaches.
ABS applicants asked to use BARCO for client money, SRA says
Two firms applying to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to become alternative business structures asked to keep their client money with the Bar Council’s third-party escrow account, BARCO, it has emerged.
Number of probate firms approved by ICAEW tops 100
The number of accountancy firms authorised or licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to provide probate services has passed 100. The ICAEW has predicted that it will reach 200 by the end of the year.
First trading update from Gateley indicates strong growth in 2014/15
In its first trading statement since listing on AIM last month, national law firm Gateley said that it expects its 2014/15 revenue to rise 10% on the previous 12 months. Meanwhile, the listing “shows a new way forward in opening up the market through flexible regulatory practice”, the SRA said yesterday.
Marine mutual launches ABS to reduce claims, not make profit
A mutual marine liability insurer covering the smaller vessel sector has launched an alternative business structure to service member and non-member clients, with the object of reducing claims and not generating profit.
A thousand more law firms exempted from submitting accountants’ reports
A thousand more law firms will no longer be required to submit accountants’ reports, the Solicitors Regulation Authority decided at yesterday’s board meeting. The change is set to be introduced on 1 November 2015.
Gove announces review of Legal Services Act
There will a review of the Legal Services Act 2007 during this Parliament, the Lord Chancellor Michael Gove announced today. Giving evidence to the justice select committee, he also addressed legal aid, the importance of the criminal Bar, court transformation and court fees.
