Philip: If it’s a new law firm, it should be an ABS
There is no reason why solicitors setting up a new law firm should not do so as an alternative business structure, the chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has said. Mr Philip predicted that solicitors would in the future be ” business people first”.
“Don’t connect with strangers on LinkedIn”, social media specialist tells lawyers
Lawyers should not connect on LinkedIn with anyone they have not met or already communicated with, a social media specialist has warned in the wake of the controversy that followed barrister Charlotte Proudman tweeting a comment made to her on LinkedIn.
Solicitor expelled from profession for lying about ‘progress’ of cases that had actually been struck out
A solicitor who deceived his firm and his clients for 13 months into thinking that he was pursuing their group employment tribunal claims, when in fact they had been struck out because of his inactivity, has been removed from the profession.
SRA shuts down 18-office legal aid firm
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has closed down the UK’s leading mental health practice, Blavo & Co, and named seven law firms to handle the outstanding case load. The regulator said it had acted because there was “reason to suspect dishonesty”.
Separate representation in conveyancing “should be the norm”, Zurich says
Separate representation for lenders and borrowers in conveyancing transactions “should be the norm”, a senior manager at insurer Zurich has said. Michael Blüthner Speight described the increased cost would be “minimal”.
Barristers set for freedom to operate through corporate vehicles and agencies
Barristers are to be allowed to operate through agencies and corporate vehicles under proposals released today by the Bar Standards Board. As things stand, employed barristers in a non-authorised body (that is, not regulated by a legal regulator) are not allowed to supply legal services to clients of their employer without a waiver.
Criminal lawyer struck off after failing to report drink-driving conviction
A criminal lawyer who failed to report a drink-driving conviction to the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Gail Evans said she was aware of the need to report convictions but “panic had set in”.
Acquisition number 3 for National Accident Helpline as it targets serious injury claims
National Accident Helpline (NAH) has announced its third and largest acquisition since becoming a listed company, after agreeing to buy Bush & Company Rehabilitation Ltd for £28m. It announced a placing of new shares to raise £14.2m, which will part fund the cash consideration for the deal.
SRA should not be “bargaining” with solicitors over sanctions, says tribunal
There should be no question of the Solicitors Regulation Authority “bargaining” with solicitors about sanctions, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has made clear. The tribunal rejected a “suggested outcome” proposed by the SRA and a solicitor, and imposed harsher penalties.
Veyo is still being tested, Law society president says
Veyo is still being tested and there is no fixed date for its national launch, the president of the Law Society told property lawyers last week. Jonathan Smithers admitted that “clearly the publicity ran well ahead of the product”.
