All News articles – Page 1299
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News
SRA denies 2,000 firms in crisis talks
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has denied it has ‘serious concerns’ about the financial stability of 2,000 firms, as new figures show the number of firms declining to the lowest level since it began collecting data. Chris Smyth, former head of legal services for bank Cheltenham ...
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Doing the washing
There is said to be a small village where the only industry is one in which dwellers take in each other’s washing. The more I think about it the more likely that will happen to the solicitors’ profession. Not that we will take in each other’s laundry. No, nothing as ...
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Opportunities in Mexico
Mexico may be a distant market, but for internationally focused commercial firms with the right strategy, there is significant potential for growth in this rapidly expanding economy. With BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) experiencing slower growth than in the years that put their economies on the map, investor ...
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Fraud hotline set up for homeowners
A fraud hotline has been opened by the Land Registry for homeowners who fear their property might be subject to a fraudulent sale or mortgage. It will allow owners who believe they may be victims to alert specially trained Registry staff. The Law Society said ...
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Fosters veteran and the trial of Oscar Wilde
In Obiter’s roll of long-established practices, Norwich firm Fosters, founded 1761, is a stripling. However, partner Andrew Saul writes with another claim to fame: ‘We almost certainly have the oldest surviving former member of staff.’ Mary Snelling (pictured) joined Fosters on 1 December 1921 as shorthand typist and went on ...
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Food for thought
The news that supermarkets have put withdrawn hamburgers back on the shelves reminds me of the days very early in my career when I did a bit of prosecuting for a small chain of supermarkets.
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Lions led by donkeys
Those of your readers with a historical interest have no doubt heeded the conduct of the first world war generals. Strategy was decided ‘on high’. Little heed was paid to the men in the trenches. Policy came from an elite talking to itself. The verdict of history? Lions led by ...
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Lawyers and the new money laundering directive
Well, at least one of my predictions from last week for 2013 has come true: the draft of the fourth money laundering directive was published a few days ago, as reported by the Gazette last
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In the dark over Jackson
There are times as a journalist when it feels good to be the only one that knows something. Whether it’s an embargoed explosive report or an ‘off-the-record’ chat, knowledge is power. But there are some times when knowledge sits uncomfortably, when those who should know are ...
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Damages discounts may rise following new evidence - MoJ
Justice minister Helen Grant today said initial evidence may support a rise in the discount rate used to calculate deductions from compensation awards. The government has opened a second part to a consultation with the legal and insurance professions that began last year. It will run ...
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Francis report successfully points the way towards creating a safer NHS
by John Tingle, reader in health law at Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University The Francis report on the failings of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust represents a wake-up call to the whole NHS.
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Court mandarins imprisoned?
Relieved faces at HM Courts & Tribunals Service this week. The House of Commons justice committee has decided against what it called ‘further action’ over the service’s attempt to stop officials feeding the committee’s inquiry into the courtroom interpreter fiasco. However, the committee’s report says ...
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European court pursues eastern offenders
I have been taken to task by a Gazette correspondent (R Breeze) who wants a more balanced account of the role of the European Court of Human Rights: ‘We are left with… the perception of an unchecked, bureaucratic body that saps national sovereignty and dabs its paws at whatever it ...
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Interpreters contract: inept and dangerous
I write with regard to the court interpreter contract. Catherine Baksi is quite right still to be pursuing this particularly inept – and dangerous – example of outsourcing. Inept, since the terms of this monopolistic contract are holding the criminal justice system and we service providers to ransom.
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Jackson implementation ‘a complete shambles’ say litigators
The president of an organisation representing more than 1,000 civil litigators has added her voice to a growing chorus of alarm about the rushed implementation of the Jackson reforms. Francesca Kaye (pictured), president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, described the Ministry of Justice’s handling ...
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US seeks to join Venice Commission
The US has applied for membership of the Venice Commission – the Council of Europe-affiliated body that advises governments on legal and constitutional reform. The commission, formed to advise European countries undergoing the transition to democracy, has since extended its focus to include Africa and Latin America. ...
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Cobbetts creditors must wait and hope
Further details have emerged of defunct firm Cobbetts’ financial troubles as administrators begin talks with creditors.
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The nature of Cobbetts’ rescue prompts questions
Four hundred jobs are to be saved at defunct firm Cobbetts, an outcome that sparked much back-slapping among the insolvency practitioners involved. KPMG will be counting its winnings, though the outcome is, of course, a rightful cause for celebration for the legal profession in general and those lawyers saved from ...