Legal Services

We are now six months into a two-year pilot of a new litigation disclosure regime in the Business and Property Courts in England and Wales, and those responsible for it are seeking feedback on its operation.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/analysis/shaping-landmark-litigation-disclosure-reforms-in-england-and-wales

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is to cut the length of time that sanctions imposed on misbehaving barristers appear on its website, on the Bar Register and when it responds to requests for information.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/bsb-reduces-publication-periods-for-misbehaving-barristers

A solicitor who only qualified because he lied about having passed certain tests – and even forged certificates to convince the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – has been struck off.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/solicitor-who-forged-certificates-to-qualify-is-struck-off

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has called on the Law Society of Ireland to discipline solicitors who are knowingly bringing false insurance claims to court.

A recent Court of Appeal decision (Zurich Insurance v Romaine 2019) indicates a crackdown on personal injury fraud says Kelvin Farmaner, Partner with Trethowans Solicitors in Southampton.

https://www.trethowans.com/news/court-of-appeal-in-personal-injury-fraud-crackdown/

A barrister who worked without a practising certificate (PC) for more than four years – which is a criminal offence – told a disciplinary tribunal he could do with “a good PA”.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/i-need-a-good-pa-says-barrister-who-practised-illegally-for-four-years

The number of legal aid cases concluded in crown courts has fallen 20% in the last three years despite a significant rise in serious crime.

The Law Society recorded a deficit of £11.5m on a budget of £116m in the last financial year, compared to a surplus of £6.7m in the previous 12 months, its annual report has revealed.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/law-society-records-11-5m-deficit-in-latest-accounts

A chartered legal executive has been reprimanded for asking the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) not to tell his own regulator that it had investigated him.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/reprimand-for-legal-executive-who-asked-sra-to-keep-quiet

The Legal Services Board (LSB) is set to begin work on a a review of continuing competence that will revisit the possibility of formal periodic reaccreditation for lawyers.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/formal-periodic-reaccreditation-for-lawyers-back-on-the-table