Articles
Statute Bills and the Extent of Solicitors’ DutiesOctober 24, 2022It is important for solicitors to bear in mind the key differences between statute and interim bills when billing clients and addressing issues of enforceability. This article looks at both types of bills and discusses some of the issues of which solicitors need to be aware.Read More
Transparency rules checks and client surveysSeptember 22, 2022The SRA have announced that they will, over the next few months, again be rolling out a programme of checks on firm's websites to make sure that they are complying with all aspects of the SRA's price Transparency Rules. Here we look at those plans and what they mean for firms.Read More
Revised SRA Guidance on Sexual Misconduct and Other Criminal OffencesSeptember 21, 2022In the light of an increase in the number of complaints about sexual misconduct at law firms made to it, the SRA has produced new guidance on sexual misconduct within law firms that sets out what it expects from firms and individuals and illustrates the types of behaviours that are unacceptable and may potentially lead to regulatory action. Here we look at some of the issues that arise.Read More
Making Sense of the Register of Overseas EntitiesAugust 22, 2022The government introduced the register of overseas entities on 1 August 2022 requiring anonymous foreign owners of UK property to reveal their identities. The intention of the legislation is to make it more difficult for foreign criminals to launder money through UK property. This article looks at some of the issues law firms may encounter in relation to these provisions.Read More
New SRA Fining Powers Take EffectJuly 18, 2022SRA announces that its controversial increase in fining powers will take effect from 20 July 2022 with the maximum fine that the SRA will be able to impose on solicitors, traditional firms (recognised bodies or recognised sole practices) and the individuals who work in them being increased from £2,000 to £25,000.Read More
Official AML Guidance Updated and ApprovedJuly 15, 2022HM Treasury has given approval to the Legal Sector Affinity Group Anti-Money Laundering Guidance Note first published in January 2021. The announcement includes some changes of emphasis, if not direction, such as the position in relation to beneficial owners, which should be addressed in any forthcoming AML policy reviews.Read More
Data Protection Post-BrexitJuly 3, 2022Last month saw the publication of "Data: a new direction - government response to consultation" which contains those provisions likely to find their way into the government's Data Reform Bill. The government has stated that it wants to “establish the UK as the most attractive global data marketplace” and to “create a framework which empowers citizens through the responsible use of personal data”. Here we look at some of those provisionsRead More
Corporate Transparency – identity verification for company directorsJune 16, 2022Proposals designed to provide a fundamental shake-up of existing processes at Companies House have been put forward by the government in its White Paper on Corporate Transparency and Register Reform. The changes, which affect principally UK company directors, persons having significant control (PSCs), and third parties involved in filing information at Companies House, are intended to be yet another step in the fight against dirty money.Read More
More SRA Checking of AML Compliance RequirementsJune 12, 2022SRA requiring firms to respond to AML questionnaire covering the levels of current activity within the firm and the specific controls that the firm has adopted to manage this particular aspect of its operations.
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ConfidentialityMay 13, 2022Increasingly, reports of confidentiality breaches are being made to the SRA. With this in mind, the SRA has published revised confidentiality guidance covering some of the most important areas. This article looks at that guidance and at some of the situations that it envisages.Read More