Recent Compliance, Regulation and Practice Management – Page 5
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FeatureRinging the changes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is consulting on major changes to the regulation of solicitors and firms, designed to streamline regulation and encourage innovation. But with the change come significant risks, especially to clients, argues Michael Garson
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FeatureHandle with care
Residential conveyancing is once again the most complained about area of law, according to the Legal Ombudsman. Pearl Moses looks at how to mitigate some of the most common causes, and outlines complaints-handling best practice and regulatory requirements
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FeatureSailing through
The Conveyancing Protocol has been in place for over five years, but there are still common areas of non-compliance on both sides of transactions. Sarah Dwight outlines these areas, and the steps solicitors should take
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FeatureMoving with the times
Lucy Trevelyan looks at recent trends in the use of office space in law firms and beyond – including agile working, shoring and activity-based working – and examines the drivers for change, plus the benefits and possible pitfalls
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AnalysisConsumer protection has arrived in conveyancing - are you ready?
Legislation in force since 2014 has a significant impact on the duties of solicitors in conveyancing transactions in general and dealings involving consumers. Lawrence Heller explains
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FeatureWatching brief
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is set to make major changes to regulation in the legal sector this spring. Michael Garson outlines the context for the change agenda and the particular issues around conveyancing
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FeatureWho do you know?
David Gilroy explains how effective client relationship management can help you keep and win clients, and how to get it right in practice
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AnalysisSpotlight: Orientfield Holdings Ltd v Bird & Bird LLP
Lucie-Anne Rhodes discusses this recent High Court ruling, in which a firm of solicitors was ordered to pay £1.8 million in damages to its client for failing to disclose relevant information about a property purchase
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FeatureSupply and demand
New consumer rights legislation, likely to come into force within the year, will have implications for all suppliers to consumers – including solicitors. David Pett outlines the new regime, and the actions conveyancers need to take
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FeatureNo good advice
The risks attached to giving independent legal advice are well known throughout the profession. But, as Stephen Boyle warns, in attempting to limit their exposure to giving advice, firms are not actually managing the risks at all, but leaving themselves open to litigation
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OpinionThings have changed
The legal profession is naturally resistant to change, says Peter Rodd, but the transition from paper to online conveyancing is both logical and necessary
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FeatureSwings and roundabouts
Mark Carver looks at the effects of property booms and recessions on risk in conveyancing transactions, and what changes the future might bring
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FeatureAsk the experts
Roger Buston reviews a new multi-author title covering the practice of residential conveyancing, from compliance to clients, and from mortgage fraud to fees
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FeatureGreat expectations
In a rising market, the expectations placed on conveyancers, from not only clients, but also lenders, estate agents and mortgage brokers, can put a real strain on conveyancing practice. Paul Coombes explains how you can manage expectations and stay ahead
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FeatureTaking care
Paul Philip will be giving the keynote plenary speech at the National Property Law Conference in October. Here, he outlines some of the findings from the SRA’s 2014 Risk Outlook and gives the SRA’s perspective on where firms need to be extra vigilant
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FeatureSnakes and ladders
With the property market looking up, many conveyancing firms are back in the recruitment market. But how can you ensure that you recruit the appropriate staff resource to cope with future market changes? Victor Olowe explains
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FeatureOpen house
New legislation offers homebuyers and tenants greater protection from misleading statements about properties, but it will also affect property agents and solicitors. Robert Bolwell explains
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FeatureSafe as houses
Conveyancing has traditionally been considered a high-risk area for complaints and insurance claims from both clients and lenders. Steve Ray explains how conveyancing firms can allay these concerns for the insurers and get the best out of this year’s renewal process
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OpinionRisky business
With the sobering news in January that 136 firms have folded, having failed to obtain professional indemnity insurance, Peter Rodd explains how firms could better manage risk to avoid becoming another statistic.