Time padding in law firms: An endemic ethical crisis?
A recent RollOnFriday poll has revealed concerning insights into the billing practices within the legal profession. Over a third (35.5%) of surveyed lawyers admitted to inflating their time [...]
Updated NCA guidance on requesting a defence to money laundering offences (DAMLs)
This updated guide from the National Crime Agency (NCA) provides crucial information for lawyers on how to request a defence against money laundering and terrorist financing offences under the [...]
Reflections on the SRA’s Proposal to Ban Solicitors Client Accounts
When the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) first floated the idea of banning solicitors from handling client money, I must admit, my initial reaction was sceptical. I assumed, perhaps [...]
Panel discussion recording: Attacks, Hacks and Cyber-risks
This week we hosted an insightful panel discussion titled “Attacks, Hacks, and Cyber-Risks”, focusing on the impact of cyber security on law firms. The panel included Chris Roberts [...]
Use our free AML policy checklist for law firms
It would be an understatement to say that law firms face increased scrutiny regarding their AML practices. The SRA is intensifying its efforts to combat AML deficiencies, making it crucial for [...]
Insights from the “Inside Risk & Compliance” Podcast with Jonathon Bray and AJ Fox Compliance
In a recent episode of the “Inside Risk & Compliance” podcast, hosted by Adam Spencer of AJ Fox Compliance, I had the pleasure of delving into the intricacies of law firm risk and [...]
Strengthening the Team: Effective Strategies for Law Firms to Recruit, Develop, and Retain Compliance Professionals
By Adam Spencer – AJ Fox Compliance What do candidates on the market want? The first part of any good recruitment process is understanding exactly what you are looking for and how you are [...]
SRA and client account interest – Interview with Paul McCluskey
We interviewed Paul McCluskey of specialist banking and finance consultancy Gemstone Legal, about the SRA’s recent reminder to law firms about paying interest to clients. Jonathan [...]
Shaping the Future: Leveraging the Power of Culture
By Chris Sweetman and Jonathon Bray “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. Although some would argue this well-known quote overstates things, most people accept that culture plays an important [...]
Sole practitioner hit with £750 fine for (wait for it) not completing a workforce diversity survey
No, it’s not a late April Fool’s joke. LawLand Solicitors, a sole practitioner firm, was recently fined £750 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The fine was imposed for failing to [...]
