Solicitors
Solicitor operated under radar for 12 years without insurance
A sole practitioner who practised without authorisation or indemnity insurance for 12 years to 2016 has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Court quadruples sexual assault solicitor’s suspension
The suspension handed out by a disciplinary tribunal to a solicitor found guilty of sexual assault was too lenient, the High Court has ruled in quadrupling its length.
“Despicable” partner used client money to prop up firm
A partner who abused his position of trust “in the most despicable way”, raising false bills and using client money to “prop up” his law firm, has been struck off.
Solicitors launch app to ease CPD compliance
Two solicitor-advocates have launched a web-based phone app to help other solicitors fulfil their annual continuing professional development obligation.
SRA: Sharp rise in reports of harassment and NDAs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has seen a sudden rush in reports of sexual harassment and improper use of non-disclosure agreements, it has emerged.
Banks’ solicitors “bullying defrauded customers into silence”
Solicitors are “aiding and abetting concealment of potential criminal activity” by bullying the victims of business banking fraud into silence, an MP has claimed.
Solicitor who “deliberately misled” regulator is struck off
A solicitor who “deliberately misled” the Solicitor Regulation Authority and continued to practise after telling the regulator his law firm was closed has been struck off.
No-deal Brexit “will strip EEA lawyers of special status”
EEA lawyers operating in the UK post-Brexit will be stripped of their special status if there is no deal, the government has confirmed, causing issues for them and their firms.
Law Society pledges action over solicitors’ use of NDAs
The Law Society has told MPs that it is to take action over the inappropriate use of non-disclosure agreements by solicitors, with guidance for both lawyers and clients.
Solicitor “ignored money laundering duties”
A solicitors who recklessly exposed his firm to the risk of money laundering has been fined £12,500 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Civil standard of proof a “positive incentive for solicitors”
Adopting the civil standard of proof for SDT prosecutions could act as a “positive incentive for solicitors to deliver good services”, it was said as the Bar’s change was approved.
Government and SRA work to build BAME trust in solicitors
The Ministry of Justice is working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to build greater trust in solicitors among black and minority ethnic people in custody.
Jail for PI lawyer who lied in witness statements
A solicitor described by a High Court judge as a “thoroughly dishonest man” has been jailed and a medical expert who produced 32 reports a day handed a suspended sentence.
Solicitor faked documents and signatures “to cover up mistakes”
An experienced solicitor who faked documents, including a grant of probate, and forged signatures on conveyancing forms has been struck off by the SDT.
Standard of proof: SRA “already most successful prosecutor”
The SRA enjoys the “highest prosecution success rate of any regulator we have found”, making it unnecessary to lower the standard of proof, the Law Society has said.
