News 2019

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Law Society Election and Justice Warning 20 November, 2019 - Law Society challenges the political parties to put the rule of law and access to justice at the heart of their plans for government
OLC seeks new chair 6 November, 2019 - LSB recruiting a new Chair of the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC) to take over from Wanda Goldwag who steps down in March.
Fifth of law firms fail on money laundering compliance 2 November, 2019 - SRA reveals that a fifth of firms recently reviewed did not have the required firm risk assessment in place thus not complying with AML regulations.
Legal services for those with disabilities 25 October, 2019 - SRA announces the results of new research into what solicitors can do to improve access to their services for people with mental or physical disabilities
BSB modernises decision-making 17 October, 2019 - BSB publishes new edition of its Handbook which modernises its regulatory decision-making by introducing new Enforcement Decision Regulations
SRA Consults on Corporate Strategy 8 October, 2019 - SRA launches new consultation on proposed Corporate Strategy 2020 – 2023 focusing on high professional standards and supporting innovation through technology
Technology could unlock justice 19 September, 2019 - A new report launched by the Law Society of England and Wales claims that technology could unlock justice for all.
Bar Council launches anti-bullying and harassment tool 12 September, 2019 - Bar Council to launch an anti-bullying and harassment online tool that will be available for barristers to use from this autumn.
Scottish solicitors vote for below inflationary practising certificate fee rise 7 September, 2019 - A below inflationary rise in the cost of practising as a Scottish solicitor, has been agreed by solicitors at today’s Special General Meeting.
Law Society envisages no-deal Brexit slowdown 10 August, 2019 - Law Society warns that Britain, which is Europe’s largest international provider of legal services, could take a £3.5bn hit from a no deal Brexit.
SRA publishes new rule guidance 12 July, 2019 - SRA produces guidance to new Standards and Regulations due to take effect on on November 25th comprising guides and new information sub-site.
BSB Handbook introduces new Bar transparency rules 3 July, 2019 - BSB publishes new transparency rules in a revised edition of its Handbook together with guidance to help the profession comply with the new rules.
Women in Law Pledge 30 June, 2019 - Law Society, Bar Council and CILEx join together to launch Women in Law Pledge at the Law Society's international symposium on gender equality.
Scottish Legal Aid Consultation 28 June, 2019 - Scottish Government publishes a consultation on legal aid reform in Scotland
LSB announces new Chief Executive 28 May, 2019 - Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced the appointment of Matthew Hill as its new Chief Executive.
SRA Publishes 2017/18 Review 26 May, 2019 - SRA publishes Annual Review. Covering its structure, culture and funding, and reporting on its work over the 2017/18 practising year the Review also outlines the Authority's aspirations for the year ahead.
SSDT consults on standard of proof 22 May, 2019 - Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) consults on the standard of proof which it applies in professional misconduct cases.
SRA review shows firms falling short on anti-money laundering 10 May, 2019 - SRA thematic review shows that a significant minority of law firms are not doing enough to prevent money laundering, with some falling seriously short.
Lawyers Need to be Online 30 April, 2019 - Survey by MMA Digital has revealed that 83% of consumers prefer to deal with law firms online to help keep costs to a minimum
Growth in “Irish” Solicitors 29 April, 2019 - Solicitors in England and Wales are joining the Irish roll in significant numbers with applications for practising rights at their highest level since the UK voted to leave EU.
Increased Clarity for Scottish Solicitors 20 April, 2019 - Changes to Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules will provide Scottish solicitors with greater clarity on what is required of them in terms of interaction with the Society and anti-money laundering compliance.
SRA Raises Transparency Concerns 7 April, 2019 - SRA review raises concerns as to how solicitors offer conveyancing services - including as regards costs and whether they are doing enough to make sure buyers understand any potential contractual obligations.
SRA to launch new regulations in November 29 March, 2019 - SRA announces that their new regulations, claimed to give solicitors greater flexibility in how they work, will come into effect on 25 November 2019
New Freehold Management Enquiries (FME1) form 25 March, 2019 - Conveyancers urged to use the new Freehold Management Enquiries (FME1) form developed in conjunction with the Law Society of England and Wales.
Firms put on notice for money laundering compliance checks 21 March, 2019 - SRA to start carrying out rigorous checks on law firms to make sure they are meeting their anti-money laundering obligations.
Scottish Solicitors Opt for Law Society Regulation 13 March, 2019 - New independent research published this month has revealed that Scottish solicitors want the Law Society of Scotland to continue to regulate them.
Bar Council Advice on Judicial Bullying 27 February, 2019 - Bar Council produces guidance for barristers on the problem of being bullied by judges
SDLT Payment Times Reduced 24 February, 2019 - Time limits for the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) to reduce to 14 days from 1 March 2019
Law Society concerned over the LSB’s Handbook decision 18 February, 2019 - Law Society concerned about level of scrutiny by LSB of SRA application for changes regulatory arrangements in the ‘Looking to the future’ reform proposals
Revised Enforcement Strategy from SRA 12 February, 2019 - SRA publishes updated Enforcement Strategy explaining when and how it will take action against a law firm or solicitor.
Law Society of Scotland launches reporting concerns line 3 February, 2019 - Concerns about Scottish lawyers involved in financial improprieties or money laundering, can now be anonymously reported to the Law Society of Scotland