SRA Handbook consultation results
82% of respondents think that permitting solicitors to work in unregulated firms will damage the solicitor brand.
Ombudsman warns SRA plans will confuse consumers (LSG)
The Legal Ombudsman has warned consumers will be frustrated by plans to allow solicitors to work for firms outside of regulation.
Saga exits legal services (LF)
Saga, the over-50s insurance and travel company, has closed its legal services business, Legal Futures can reveal – but said it may yet return to the market in future.
SRA warns law firms about investment schemes
The SRA has repeated its warning to the profession about involvement in high-yield investment schemes.
‘Shambolic’ SRA criticised by tribunal LSG)
A case brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority against a solicitor who used a client account as a banking facility has been described as at times ‘verging on the shambolic’.
Public opinion strongly against changes to rules governing solicitors
Proposed changes to the Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) handbook that would deprive clients of a string of key protections and create confusion for people seeking legal advice are likely to […]
Call for Chancellor to ditch Stamp Duty and transfer tax from buyer to seller (PIE)
Stamp Duty should be replaced by a seller’s tax – effectively meaning that it would transfer transaction tax costs from buyer to vendor.
Law Society survey finds 20% pay gap between male and female solicitors (LF)
A gender gap in salaries continues to dog the solicitors’ profession, with men earning on average almost a fifth more than women, according to an earnings survey conducted by the […]
City lays in to SRA over handbook changes (LSG)
City lawyers have published a scathing critique of the SRA’s plans to overhaul practising rules – while a respected compliance expert claims the proposals would open the door to criminals.
Estate agency fees contribute to higher average moving costs, says Lloyds (EAT)
Rising estate agency fees account for more almost half of the increase in average moving costs in the past year, according to new research.
Solicitors who “completely failed to carry out money laundering checks” is suspended (LF)
A former sole practitioner who “completely failed to carry out money laundering checks or prevent his client bank accounts from being misused”, and as a result saw hundreds of thousands […]
Tiuta International Ltd v De Villiers Surveyors Ltd [2016] EWCA Civ 661 (01 July 2016) (TC)
The professional indemnity insurance (PII) challenges facing valuers between 2008 and 2014 have largely been overcome and most property consultants should now be benefitting from stable, if not reducing, PI […]