SRA investigating nine criminal law firms over failures in advice to asylum seekers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is investigating nine criminal law firms over failures in advice to asylum seekers, it has emerged. The Criminal Cases Review Commission submitted a confidential report to the regulator earlier this year after the convictions of 19 asylum seekers were overturned on appeal.
Barristers’ clerks leader condemns “scandalous” local authority portal scheme
A barrister portal scheme operated by the North West Legal Consortium, a group of over 30 local authorities, has been condemned as “scandalous” by the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC).
LSB praised for scuppering indemnity cover cut
The Legal Services Board has been praised for extending the time limit for its decision on whether to approve plans to cut the minimum indemnity limit for law firms, which meant the Solicitors Regulation Authority was unable to implement it this year.
Huge growth for Quindell’s legal services division
Alternative business structure Quindell plc today proclaimed itself the largest personal injury law firm in the UK and the “largest public company law firm globally” as it announced its results for the first half of 2014.
SRA set to open up solicitor register to comparison websites
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has committed to opening up its register of solicitors to comparison websites, while the Legal Ombudsman has today made its decisions available in a downloadable format.
LeO to review internal guidelines after barrister cleared of misconduct
The Legal Ombudsman has announced that it will be reviewing its internal guidance after a barrister was cleared of misconduct because LeO failed to share information.
Government approves standards for legal apprenticeships
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has approved the standards for its new legal apprenticeships, allowing young people to qualify as solicitors, chartered legal executives, licensed conveyancers and paralegals through workplace-based training.
Accountant’s reports safe from public exposure after FoI ruling
The Law Society’s freedom of information adjudicator has rejected a bid to open up public access to accountant’s reports submitted to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Big increase in demand for non-traditional legal services, City report predicts
Global demand for non-traditional legal services, such as contract lawyers and document-review services, will rise sharply over the next five years, research for Allen & Overy has found.
SRA abandons indemnity cover cut this year after LSB warning
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has extended the time it has given itself to decide on the proposed cut in the minimum indemnity cover limit for law firms from 10 October this year to 17 August 2015.
