On the subject of 2016
Public opposed to SRA handbook proposals »
On September 21st, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
Proposals to overhaul the SRA handbook are likely to be widely opposed by the public, an Ipsos-Mori survey commissioned by the Law Society suggests. The findings reflect Chancery Lane’s fear that the amendments would deprive clients of key protections and confuse people seeking advice. Proposals to allow some solicitors to advise the public from unregulated […]
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Unpaid SDT costs now run into millions »
On September 19th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
Unrecovered costs awarded against solicitors by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal now add up to millions of pounds, the Gazette can reveal. Figures released following a freedom of information request show that in 2015 just £404,131 has been paid out of £1.7m ordered by the tribunal. The unrecovered amount was even greater in 2014, for which […]
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Criminal appeals warning for barristers »
On September 16th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
Criminal barristers were last week warned to ensure appeals have a factual basis when representing convicted defendants – or risk referral to their regulator. Under guidance published by the Bar Council’s Ethics Committee, barristers who are not trial counsel have been told to seek both the advice of legal representatives and ‘objective, independent evidence’ before […]
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Landmark copyright judgment backs hyperlinks – with conditions »
On September 14th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By Max Walters >> Europe’s highest court has ruled that web hyperlinks can be posted without a copyright owner’s consent so long as they are not being used for financial gain. In a ruling that has ramifications across the single market, the Court of Justice of the European Union said hyperlinking is not a ‘communication to […]
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New legal firms set to top 1,000 this year »
On September 13th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By Eduardo Reyes >> (13 September 2016) More than 1,000 new solicitor firms will be created in 2016, official statistics suggest, a 30% increase on the last two years. From 1 January to 31 July, 612 new business entities were authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. If that rate is maintained the number will reach […]
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Bar Council criticises ‘burdensome’ CPD scheme »
On September 7th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
The Bar Council has criticised the Bar Standards Board’s proposals surrounding continuing professional development (CPD), claiming they will create an ‘unfair burden’ on all barristers. In a response to a consultation document, the council said the proposals ‘bear little relevance to the requirements of practice’ and said most barristers are happy with the current system. […]
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Law Society urges profession to give views on ‘dramatic’ SRA changes »
On September 6th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By Rachel Rothwell >> The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed reforms to the SRA handbook and accounts rules risk ‘weakening client protection’ and ‘damaging the reputation of the solicitor profession both at home and abroad’, the Law Society has warned. The Society has urged solicitors to give feedback on the changes, and has released guidance, case […]
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Number of Solicitors on the bench down by 56 »
On August 19th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By Mondipa Fouzder >> Solicitors are still struggling to get on the bench, with numbers falling over the past year, according to the latest judicial diversity statistics. Figures published by the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary today show that solicitors accounted for 1,098 judges as at 1 April – compared with 1,154 last year. Nearly eight in 10 solicitors […]
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Digital Signatures Get New Seal of Approval »
On August 19th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By Michael Cross >> Statutory requirements for documents to be in writing and signed under hand can be satisfied through digital signatures, the Law Society says today in a practice note that should increase confidence in the use of e-signatures in day-to-day legal work. The note, developed by a joint working party of the company […]
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SRA outlines key risks to Profession »
On August 15th, 2016 MTUK Solicitors wrote on the subject of 2016.
By John Hyde >> The Solicitors Regulation Authority has identified compromises to independence and integrity – particularly in the personal injury and corporate sectors – as a key that to the profession. In its latest Risk Outlook publication, the authority says solicitors acting without independence or integrity can damage public confidence in legal services and the […]
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