Cuttings

AI sending users to penalised law firms

ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini have directed users in search of a law firm to firms which have been fined and even shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, according to an access to justice report.

UK gains new crypto regime

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced that it is opening the gates to a regulated cryptocurrency market in the UK, with crypto firms operating here to be brought under its mantle.

Business and Property Division of High Court now active

The High Court has launched a new streamlined Business and Property Division, as part of the phasing out of the Chancery Division.

Bar Standards Board hits pause on lawyers seeking to requalify

The Bar Standards Board says it has had to suspend new applications from qualified lawyers who wish to requalify as barristers in England and Wales

Hearing cases from bed is a bad idea, says EWCA

The Court of Appeal in London has chastised a judge for hearing an optometrist’s disciplinary hearing from his bed, while he was recovering from surgery.

A new pot for legal aid

The UK government has announced a £16 million fund for families facing debt, housing or welfare issues to receive earlier access to free legal support. It comes amid fears about the state of legal aid provision in the UK.

Government expands bereavement leave

The UK government is expanding the legal right to time off work for bereavement.

England & Wales to roll out specialist sex offences courts

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced today that every Crown Court in England and Wales will have a specialist courtroom for cases of rape and serious sexual offences.

Supreme Court seeks new Justices

The UK Supreme Court has launched competitions to find a Justice from Northern Ireland and a Justice from England and Wales.

UK Supreme Court confirms next President

The UK Supreme Court has announced that Lord Briggs of Westbourne will step into the shoes of Lord Reed of Allermuir as its President in January.

Grindr pays £26 million to settle HIV privacy action

US dating app Grindr has agreed to pay £26 million to UK-based claimants who alleged it had shared users’ HIV status and other sensitive personal information with advertisers.

Regulator received 42 reports of AI misuse in one year

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning to the legal profession after receiving 42 reports of potential AI misuse in the space of a year.

Courtrooms ban smart glasses

Courtrooms in England and Wales have introduced a ban on smart glasses over fears of secret recording.

It’s okay to be camera-shy, says tribunal

An employment tribunal has ruled that companies may breach disability discrimination laws if they insist workers keep their cameras on in Zoom calls.

Farewell then, KC PM

So it was goodbye this week to Sir Keir Starmer, not the only lawyer to have taken the Downing Street helm.