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There is so so much to comment on here.

The SRA's autumn risk updates cites 140 reports of misuse of client funds or assets in EACH of July, August and September. But the wider purpose of the practice rules was to liberate. I agree that some of this is being progressively closed down and imposing greater burdens. You only have to read the update to appreciate that compliance officers are going to have to spend a great deal of time closing down all the 'risks'.

I also don't really understand all the glib talk that went behind the 2011 changes about enabling the provision of legal services in more accessible ways... what does this mean, in practice? - That we should have ground floor offices, open till 9 or 10pm? Internet? - the Government pulled the Land Registry initiatives and now we have the Law Society stepping in, at undisclosed cost.

I think the jury is still out but the indications look like some retrenchment. Which means more work.