Compliance & Regulation
MPs welcome SSB victims to Parliament as campaign steps up
Eight MPs met with victims of defunct Sheffield law firm SSB Group this week as pressure on both the government and the Solicitors Regulation Authority ramped up.
Law firms’ complaints records to be published in improvement push
Law firms’ performance in handling clients’ complaints should be published to improve transparency, the Legal Services Board has told the frontline regulators.
Solicitor fined for client loan is fined again for misleading SDT
A solicitor fined £20,000 five years ago by the SDT for loaning a client money at 60% APR, has been fined a further £30,000 for misleading the tribunal about other loans.
SRA’s plans for CILEX paralegals “risk to reputation of solicitors”
Plans by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to regulate CILEX paralegals are a risk to the “reputation of the solicitor profession” and unnecessary, the Law Society has argued.
Solicitor struck off for role in husband’s unlicensed medicines crimes
A solicitor caught up in her husband’s supply of unauthorised medicines and controlled drugs, as well as money laundering, has been struck off.
Peers support widening SRA’s fining and investigative powers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority needs more powers to prevent misconduct by law firms involved in strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs), peers have urged.
Civil Mediation Council bids to push up standards in profession
The Civil Mediation Council is creating an independent regulatory body and applying for a Royal charter in a bid to drive up standards in the profession, it has emerged.
Alternative ways to practise as a solicitor have had “modest impact”
The options for solicitors to offer services to the public as freelancers or from unregulated businesses have had a “modest impact on consumer choice”, research for the SRA has found.
Solicitor struck off for making false costs claim to court
A solicitor who tried to pass off costs incurred by someone else as his own before the Business and Property Court has been struck off.
LSB warns regulators of enforcement action on lawyer quality indicators
The Legal Services Board has warned regulators that they could face action over “slow” progress in developing quality indicators to help consumers choose lawyers.