Jailed for 16 years A barrister convicted of rape has been disbarred by a disciplinary tribunal. James Boyle, who was called to the bar in 1999, was convicted of raping a girl under the age of 16, indecently assaulting a…
Profit wavered for some Five firms have unveiled their financial results, revealing generally positive figures for 2024-25 — although some reported a decline in partner profits. Leading the charge is Ashurst, which has seen its revenue surpass the £1 billion…
Personal payments The former head of finance at a law firm has been disqualified after it emerged she had racked up £300,000 in personal expenses on a company credit card. MLP Law became aware of Leanne Sodergren’s actions in July…
Needs SRA permission to work for law firm again The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has placed restrictions on a City paralegal after it emerged that he had copied and pasted client signatures from one document onto another that had not…
Scammers use firm branding and staff photos The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning after fake job advertisements were found circulating on Facebook using the name and branding of City law firm CMS. The scam involves individuals working…
Supervising partner fined last month A senior paralegal has received a written rebuke after he requested that at least £1.85 million be released to a property development client before it was properly due, causing a breach of contract. This finding…
Antitrust artwork It’s not every day a judge picks up the virtual paintbrush — but Sir Marcus Smith has done just that, adding his own colourful diagram to a hefty legal ruling. The meaty case in question featured no less…
The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend Barristers in England and Wales struggle to pay bills after legal aid hack [Financial Times] (£) UK litigation boom mainly benefits lawyers, insurers and funders [The Times] (£)…
69% A&O Shearman has announced a summer trainee retention score of 69% as it continues to adjust to life post mega-merger. The transatlantic powerhouse confirmed 37 trainees have accepted offers to remain at the firm as newly qualified lawyers. All…
Change of scene In our latest Career Conundrum, a soon-to-be qualified solicitor is looking for a new role overseas but is worried about what impact it might have on their legal career. “Hi Legal Cheek. I’ve got a question for…