Law Firm Network with 20 Practices Shuts Suddenly, Leaving Staff in Shock
A large UK law firm network operating more than 20 practices across Yorkshire, Cumbria and Berkshire has reportedly ceased trading with little warning, leaving dozens of staff and clients facing uncertainty. PM Law Limited, which included over 55 fee-earners alongside support teams, is understood to have informed employees of the closure with immediate effect. Numerous […]
Solicitor Challenges SDT Suspension as Disproportionate
A solicitor has appealed a 12-month suspension imposed by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), arguing that the sanction was excessive and wrongly applied. The appeal was heard by the High Court, with wider implications for how professional misconduct sanctions are assessed. The case follows the recent High Court ruling in Hurst v Solicitors Regulation Authority […]
UK Finance Withdraws Proposed Fee for Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook Access
UK Finance has confirmed it will not introduce a £50 annual charge for conveyancers to access the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook, following strong opposition from across the legal and conveyancing sector. The Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook sets out the standard instructions conveyancers must follow when acting for lenders in residential property transactions. Until now, it has been […]
High Court Confirms Legal Ombudsman’s £50,000 Compensation Decision
The High Court has dismissed a solicitor’s attempt to overturn a Legal Ombudsman ruling that awarded £50,000 in compensation to former clients following a complaint about legal fees and cost transparency. The complaint arose from a neighbour dispute in which the clients alleged that their legal costs significantly exceeded initial estimates without adequate warning or […]
Court of Appeal raises concerns over £44m costs claim in Nigeria arbitration dispute
The Court of Appeal has strongly criticised a multi-million-pound costs claim arising from long-running arbitration proceedings involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In The Federal Republic of Nigeria v VR Global Partners LP & others, the court described the claimed legal costs — currently around £44 million, potentially rising to £50 million with interest — […]
Formal Misconduct Advice Issued to UK Magistrate Following Training Session Incident
Formal advice for misconduct has been issued to UK magistrate Clive Powell after an investigation into his conduct during a judicial training session. The advice was issued by High Court judge Michael Keehan, acting on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, with the approval of the Lord Chancellor David Lammy. The matter arose […]
MPs Press Government on Compensation After Legal Aid Agency Cyber Attack
Members of Parliament have called on the government to clarify compensation arrangements for solicitors affected by the recent cyber attack on the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). The Commons Justice Committee has formally requested answers after evidence submitted to its access to justice inquiry highlighted widespread uncertainty surrounding the emergency funding measures introduced following the incident. […]
High Court Orders Split Trial in Lee Castleton Horizon Fraud Claim
The High Court has ruled that claims brought by former sub-postmaster Lee Castleton against the Post Office and Fujitsu will proceed as a split trial, marking a significant development in ongoing litigation arising from the Horizon IT scandal. Mr Castleton, one of the most high-profile victims of the Horizon scandal, was declared bankrupt following legal […]
Motor Injury Claims in the UK Fall to Record Low, Official Data Shows
New official figures reveal that motor-related personal injury claims across the UK have fallen to their lowest level on record, continuing a long-term downward trend in claims activity. Data obtained from the Compensation Recovery Unit, which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, shows that motor injury claims dropped sharply in the final […]
Government Moves to Restore Legal Rights and Remove Unlawful Immunity Provisions
The UK Government has announced new steps to remove controversial immunity provisions from Northern Ireland legacy legislation, restoring legal rights for victims and survivors of Troubles-related violence. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has asked MPs to approve a Remedial Order that would repeal parts of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and […]