Law Society president defends chief executive over role at NHSLA as fees fight looms
Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society, has described chief executive Catherine Dixon as “fully committed” to ensuring that medical negligence lawyers are “fairly rewarded” under any new fee regime imposed by the government, despite her previous role on the other side of the fence.
SDT strikes out case against solicitors after SRA failures make fair trial “impossible”
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has taken the highly unusual step of striking out for abuse of process the prosecution of five solicitors, after finding that the actions of the Solicitors Regulation Authority had made it impossible for them to have a fair trial.
Bottom of the class: 15% of solicitors failed to do their minimum CPD hours last year
An online poll of 900 solicitors by the Law Society has revealed that 15% failed to do 16 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) last year – the minimum required. The poll found that 17% had already moved to the new hours-free ‘continuing competence’ regime.
“Fundamentally decent” partner broke rules to keep firm afloat while waiting for legal aid payments
A former president of Bolton Law Society, described by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal as a “fundamentally decent man”, made 61 improper transfers from client account and used a personal credit card to keep his firm afloat. He is now working as a paralegal for the deputy vice-president of the national Law Society.
‘List of defaulting solicitors’ will be scrapped, LSB confirms
Plans by the Bar Standards Board to scrap its ‘list of defaulting solicitors’ have been approved by the Legal Services Board. Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the LSB, said the list could undermine the independence of the BSB.
Solicitor who fled country after SRA began investigation struck off
A solicitor who absconded the day after the Solicitors Regulation Authority began investigating his firm has been struck off in his absence for overbilling and for taking money from client accounts. One of his partners said his behaviour changed once the investigation started.
Jail for ‘professional’ McKenzie Friend who defrauded clients of thousands of pounds
A ‘professional’ McKenzie Friend who targeted people unable to claim legal aid and then defrauded them of thousands of pounds has been jailed for three years. He offered cheap legal services to people involved in cases involving their children or grandchildren.
PC fee does not represent value for money, solicitors tell Law Society
The vast majority of solicitors who responded to a Law Society survey on the practising certificate fee said they thought it did not represent value for money. Many said the Law Society should get a bigger share and the Solicitors Regulation Authority a smaller one.
Law Society told to disclose letters about ‘Harry Potter solicitor’
The Law Society has been told by its freedom of information adjudicator to disclose letters and reports involving the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the charity run by Alan Blacker, the solicitor also known as Lord Harley, Legal Futures understands.
Kidwells launches accountancy joint venture – to add to its nine other branded businesses
An innovative Hereford-based alternative business structure has set up a joint venture with a Welsh accountancy firm, joining nine other branded businesses in the Kidwell Group, ranging from a barristers’ chambers to a guest house.
