Solicitors Indemnity Fund
The Gazette, Legal Futures and Legal Brief cover the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) launching a discussion paper to determine the future of the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF) and consumer protection.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We welcome the SRA taking the next step of looking at how consumers of legal services can continue to be protected.
“The SRA has also recognised that consumers could face serious detriment if post six-year claims are left unaddressed.”
Register of Overseas Entities
The Negotiator and the New Law Journal report our warning to solicitors as the Register of Overseas Entities came into force this week.
“We have long supported UK government’s overarching ambition to improve transparency of ownership, including the introduction of the register,” said I. Stephanie Boyce.
“However, we have expressed significant concerns as to the expectations which may be placed on solicitors to verify the accuracy of information put onto the register.”
Read our press release
LSB accepts LeO reducing its complaints cut-off
Today’s Family Lawyer examines the Legal Services Board (LSB) accepting the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) reducing its complaints cut-off from six years to within one year.
Law Society vice president Lubna Shuja said: “We welcome the LSB’s approval of this change, which is in line with other ombudsman schemes.
“However, more clarity is needed about the circumstances in which LeO would consider exercising its discretion to extend the time limit.”
Broadcasting sentencing remarks
New Law Journal covers the news of sentencing remarks being broadcast in Crown Courts.
Lubna Shuja said: “Providing it is done in a sensitive manner, the broadcasting of sentencing remarks can be a valuable tool for educating the public.”
Also worth a read: