CJEU: Member states can block external investment in law firms
EU states may prohibit external investment in law firms because of the need to protect lawyers’ independence, the Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled.
High Court refers barrister to BSB for “abusive” judicial review
The High Court has referred a barrister to the Bar Standards Board for launching a judicial review which was “abusive and bound to fail” on behalf of a client facing extradition.
SRA issues highest fine to date amidst AML breaches blitz
The SRA has issued the highest fine since the limit went up to £25,000 among 14 handed out in recent weeks for breaches of the anti-money laundering rules.
SRA warns law firms about misleading use of ‘no win, no fee’
Law firms need to be careful in marketing their services as ‘no win, no fee’, and in how they attract clients, especially in high-volume claims work, the SRA told solicitors today.
Law firm fights off summary judgment in property fraud claim
A judge has refused a lender’s application for summary judgment against a law firm in a case involving an “imposter who appears to have fraudulently deceived” both of them.
Solicitor MI5 accused of being Chinese agent loses legal challenge
A solicitor accused by MI5 of being an agent of the Chinese government has lost her challenge to the assessment. She said her law firm had suffered “irreparable reputational harm”.
Young solicitor who misled clients over LPAs is struck off
A young lawyer who changed dates on lasting powers of attorney and misled clients about when they were sent to the Office of the Public Guardian has been struck off.
Smaller law firms should “compromise profits today” to invest in tech
The only thing that makes it hard for smaller law firms to invest in legal tech is “compromising profits today for growth tomorrow”, the founder of a fast-expanding commercial law firm has said.
Tribunal clears council solicitor who amended witness statement
A council solicitor who amended a signed witness statement without express confirmation of the changes before submitting it to the High Court has been cleared of misconduct.
Wills and probate market expands despite number of firms falling
Big increases in grants of representation and powers of attorney applications have increased the growth rate of the wills and probate market to 7% but 500 firms left it too.
