Firm avoids £375,000 loss of client money (TC)
Lawyer Checker’s Account & Entity Screen saved a South-East property law firm from losing £375,000 of client funds to criminals.
New watchdog to oversee profession’s anti-money laundering regime (LSG)
The Treasury is to open a new front in the fight against money laundering by creating a watchdog that will tackle potential weaknesses in the supervision of lawyers and other […]
Leasehold property guide released (LSG)
A conveyancing trade body is stepping up efforts to highlight concerns over leasehold properties with fresh guidance for consumers.
Mother and model daughter jailed after stealing identity of a dead landlady to steal her plush Kensington home
A stunning model and her mum have been jailed for a million pound fraud that saw them steal the identity of a dead landlady – to pinch her house.
Leasehold properties – Grounds for concern for solicitors?
An issue has been brewing since the Housing Act 1988 came into force in January 1989 – however the potential problem has only recently been recognised. The issue surrounds the […]
New Money Laundering Regulations ‘will create more problems’ for estate agents (PIE)
The long awaited and very late Draft Money Laundering Regulation Consultation has now been published and they have added something that will create major problems for estate agents.
Probate fee guidance from the Ministry of Justice
In February the Ministry of Justice announced it would be taking forward the new probate fees scheme it consulted on in spring 2016.
Estate agent pleads guilty after stealing clients’ IDs as he showed people around homes (PIE)
An estate agent who photographed clients’ bank cards while showing prospective buyers around their homes has pleaded guilty to fraud.
Treasury slaps down SRA call for full independence from the Law Society (LF)
The Treasury has rejected an argument by the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it needs full separation from the Law Society to avoid any interference in its operation of anti-money laundering […]
Law firm rebuked after paying out client money to fraudster (LF)
A law firm which was duped into paying away the £333,532 proceeds of a property sale after failing to confirm a client’s email changing their bank details – which turned […]
Conveyancers want ‘log book’ and ‘home report’ for each property (EAT)
The Conveyancing Association wants the creation of a ‘log book’ and ‘Home Reports’ for each home on sale – reminiscent in principle to the ill-fated Home Information Packs as well […]
The return of the HIP? Eight ways conveyancers want to improve the home moving process PIE)
The Conveyancing Association has identified eight areas for improvement that members believe could improve the home moving experience, and one could see the return of a form of the Home […]