"Over 1,100 Law Firms Gone in Five Years" in the United Kingdom (UK) Alone
LawFuel, sheltered behind a paywall, published the above 4 hours ago. That resonates with what we recently covered in relation to the SRA (even worse numbers). There are basically way too many lawyers (looking for "business", e.g. threats and lawfare) and not enough positions to fill. That's a toxic mix - a recipe for disaster. In our latest Daily Links we included this from the news:
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Suspension for solicitor who ran firm without authorisation
A solicitor who practised as a sole practitioner for over three years without authorisation after her partner left has been suspended for nine months.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) described Michelle Niaz as “an experienced solicitor who was aware of her regulatory responsibilities” and had the procedural knowledge required to replace a partner, as she had done previously.
As well as her “overarching duties as a solicitor”, Ms Niaz was COLP and COFA of Lewis Mitchell Solicitors in Lancashire and “therefore had enhanced specific responsibilities to ensure compliance”.
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Law Society Gazette ☛ Partner suspended for running unauthorised sole practice for three years
Niaz became a partner at Clitheroe, Lancs-based firm, Lewis Mitchell Solicitors Inc Ruth Moores in 2016 and after another partner left in January 2020 and was not replaced, Niaz became the sole partner. She was also the compliance officer for legal practice from December 2016 and the compliance officer for finance and administration from January 2017.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal judgment on the agreed outcome states that between January 2020 and September 2023, Niaz operated as a sole practitioner without authorisation and had held client monies when she was not working in an authorised body.
Why did it take 3 years??? █