MPs quiz banks over bogus law firms
The row over companies sending letters to customers in debt that falsely appear to be from independent solicitors’ firms, rather than their in-house lawyers, is set to rumble on after the Treasury select committee demanded information from the main high street banks about their activities.
Wright is surprise pick as new Attorney-General – but Grayling stays put
Barrister Jeremy Wright is the surprise choice to be the new Attorney-General, replacing Dominic Grieve in today’s major government reshuffle. The appointment will be seen as a shock, not least because he is not a QC.
Strong performance from legal services arm sees Quindell share price rise sharply
Strong performance from its legal services arm boosted a trading update from Quindell plc, which it turn began to pull the alternative business structure out of the doldrums yesterday, with its share price shooting up 30% in the day.
BSB follows SRA in backing £500,000 indemnity limit for firms
The Bar Standards Board has followed the Solicitors Regulation Authority and proposed that the advocacy and litigation firms it hopes to regulate later this year should have indemnity cover of at least £500,000.
Solicitor went bankrupt to “prove dishonesty claim” against opposing law firm
The High Court has dismissed an appeal against a disciplinary sanction imposed on a solicitor who refused to pay a wasted costs order, and then went bankrupt as “the only way in which he could secure evidence to support his assertions of dishonesty” against a law firm and its barrister.
Bar Council to give guidance on consumer contract regulations – more than a month late
The Bar Council has announced that it will shortly be issuing guidance on the new consumer contract regulations – more than a month after they came into force and two months after the Law Society issued its guidance.
Expanding Yorkshire ABS aims south after bringing former client onto board
Newtons, a rapidly expanding Yorkshire firm, is setting its sights on new offices in the south of England after appointing a former chairman of Cartridge World as a non-executive director.
Slater & Gordon brings Captain Cook on board as it also launches employee share scheme
The announcement yesterday that Alastair Cook has become a brand ambassador for Slater & Gordon failed to spark a turnaround in the embattled England cricket captain’s fortunes, as he was out for just five in the first Test against India.
High Court rules that identity of client is covered by privilege
The High Court has rejected a bid to force a law firm to disclose the identity of a former client who revealed confidential information in an anonymous blog.
Appeal judges to hear BSB “misleading conduct” case
The Court of Appeal is to hear a disciplinary case which led to the Bar Standards Board being accused by Lord Justice Moses of “misleading conduct”. Meanwhile, a barrister convicted of tenancy fraud has been disbarred.
