News 2017
News 2017
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Research reveals poor record for complaint handling 20 December, 2017 - Independent research carried out by London Economics and YouGov reveals public dissatisfaction with how solicitors handle complaints.
Money Laundering Continues to be a Problem 28 November, 2017 - SRA's autumn update of the Risk Outlook reveals legal sector to continue to be at high risk of exploitation for money laundering - especially in relation to trust and company formation, conveyancing, and misuse of client accounts.
Civil standard of proof for barrister professional misconduct proceedings 26 November, 2017 - BSB to change the standard of proof applied when barristers, and others regulated by the BSB, face disciplinary proceedings for professional misconduct.
SRA finalises new exam regulations 17 November, 2017 - SRA approves the regulations which bring into force the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while making changes to bolster assurances around qualifying work experience.
Consumers can benefit by comparing the price of legal services 15 November, 2017 - LSB publishes second report into the prices of individual consumer legal services which they say helps them to understand what individual consumers are likely to pay for certain commonly used legal services.
Bar Council Launches New Ethics and Practice Website 8 November, 2017 - Bar Council launches new website devoted entirely to helping barristers with those ethical issues faced by them in meeting their regulatory obligations as set out in the Bar Standards Board's Handbook.
Law Society Criticises Criminal Defence Fee Cuts 25 October, 2017 - Law Society expresses concern that the quality of legal representation for those accused of wrongdoing in England and wales will be damaged significantly by new cuts to defence solicitor fees- Training and Qualification of Barristers 15 October, 2017 - BSB launches a new consultation on a number of aspects of the way in which barristers train and qualify
Second Phase of SRA Handbook Revision Published 7 October, 2017 - SRA proposes second phase of changes to rules for solicitors making them simpler and more focused on high standards and reducing the length of its Handbook
SRA publishes new information proposals 2 October, 2017 - SRA publishes plans for better information on price and quality of service to help the public make better legal choices and help law firms find new clients
ICAEW’s application to become a regulator rejected 23 September, 2017 - Lord Chancellor unexpectedly rejects ICAEW’s application to become a regulator and licensing authority for all six reserved legal services.- Draft anti-money laundering guidance 21 September, 2017 - The Law Society have finally published anti-money laundering guidance for solicitors taking account of the changes introduced by the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, which came into force…
Improving fortunes for smaller Scottish law firms 16 September, 2017 - Survey by the Law Society of Scotland of Scottish law firms’ finances has shown improving fortunes for smaller law firms
SRA PPI Warning 29 August, 2017 - SRA warns law firms to be careful how and when they assist clients to make PPI claims and to make sure any applications they work on adhere to the rules.
Offensive communications warning notice 28 August, 2017 - SRA issues an "offensive communications" warning notice to all solicitors and those working in SRA regulated practices.
Legal Ombudsman announces new chief executive 25 August, 2017 - LeO announces that its new Chief Executive will be Director of Corporate Services, Rob Powell.
Law Society of Scotland publishes ‘Who is your client?’ guide for in-house lawyers 24 August, 2017 - Law Society of Scotland publish new guidelines to help in-house solicitors who face pressure to give advice to someone other than their direct employer.
SRA repeats ‘too good to be true’ investment warning 20 July, 2017 - SRA again warning the public to be wary of questionable investment schemes that use the involvement of solicitors to encourage them to participate
New guide for Scottish solicitors on averting cyber attacks 16 July, 2017 - Law Society of Scotland publishes guide aimed at helping to reduce the risk of cyber attacks for Scottish solicitors
New immigration and asylum guidance for public and professionals 3 July, 2017 - The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has published two new guidance documents on immigration and asylum issues. The guidance, which was developed in collaboration with the Solicitors Regulation…- LSB to research vulnerable consumers’ experience of legal services 1 July, 2017 - LSB launches research into experiences of consumers in vulnerable circumstances when they use legal service focusing specifically on people with dementia and mental health problems (and their carers).
- Litigating Accountants 26 June, 2017 - Accountants are about to be permitted to handle litigation, advocacy and legal instruments in taxation work following approval by the Legal Services Board to an application by the ICAEW.
Practising Certificate Fee Consultation 26 June, 2017 - Solicitors could pay £12 less for their practising certificate this year with an individual rate of £278 per solicitor for 2017-18
New Handbook Announced 15 June, 2017 - SRA announce controversial changes which, they claim, will help drive up professional standards, remove unnecessary bureaucracy and free up solicitors to work in new markets.- Uneconomic Legal Aid Work 5 June, 2017 - Law Society reminds legal aid solicitors who specialise in criminal law that they can exercise discretion when accepting cases if the work threatens the viability of their firm.
Law Society warns not to ignore GDPR 29 May, 2017 - Despite UK plans to leave the EU, the Law Society is warning solicitors not to ignore GDPR and not to assume that it will not affect them.- BSB consults on disciplinary standard of proof 5 May, 2017 - BSB launches a new consultation about the standard of proof applied when barristers and others regulated by the BSB face disciplinary proceedings for professional misconduct.
- Future of Bar training 27 March, 2017 - Bar Standards Board to authorise a limited number of future training routes for prospective students to qualify as barristers
SRA publishes family law research 10 March, 2017 - SRA publishes independent research exploring the experiences of potentially vulnerable people using family law services.
Legal Professional Privilege Practice Note 24 February, 2017 - The Law Society has today published a new practice note on Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) that offers solicitors the latest guidance on this fundamental legal principle. Whilst…
Scottish legal aid system ‘needs urgent overhaul’ 22 February, 2017 - People in Scotland relying on legal aid may soon be unable to find a solicitor because many law firms simply can’t afford to carry out legal aid work
CILEx unveils radical governance reform 21 February, 2017 - CILEx to separate out its duties to the public interest, the profession and independent regulation- LSB revises its diversity guidance 16 February, 2017 - The Legal Services Board (LSB) has issued revised statutory guidance for regulators on diversity. The changes introduced place a focus on improved outcomes, ensuring all regulators take…
- Scottish solicitor traineeship numbers rise 24 January, 2017 - Law Society of Scotland figures reveal that the number of traineeships available for aspiring solicitors in Scotland continues to rise
CILEx oppose Government whiplash plans 12 January, 2017 - CILEx responds to Government's consultation on whiplash reform, saying the plans will penalise genuinely injured persons
Fairer Pay Proposal for Advocates 8 January, 2017 - Bar Council welcomes new MoJ proposals for barristers and other advocates to be paid fairly for the work they do in publicly funded criminal cases.