Archives: Professional

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Apprenticeship – funding

June 2025 | Professional

Law firms thinking of taking on apprentices should be aware of a change to the age eligibility criteria in the funding arrangements, recently announced by the government: ‘Changes to funding for level 7 apprenticeships The government is refocusing investment towards young people at the start of their working lives, rather than those already in work …

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LAA – data breach

June 2025 | Professional

The LAA’s online digital services were subject to a cyber attack on 23 April. Affected firms will be all too aware. The LAA states: ‘On Friday 16 May we discovered the attack was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid …

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Contract – WhatsApp

June 2025 | Professional

The Technology and Construction Court has handed down an important decision which could have far-reaching consequences. The hearing was concerned with a construction dispute; the claimant is a property developer and the defendant trades as a demolition contractor. The dispute arises out of demolition works at a site that the claimant was developing in Norwich. …

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Purpose codes – a reminder

May 2025 | Professional

Just a reminder to firms that the CLC reported in 2024 on changes to payments systems designed to help tackle fraud. Purpose Codes are four letter codes which are carried across the payment chain, providing information to all users in the payments chain to indicate the reason a payment is being made. Firms are reminded …

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ICO – fine

May 2025 | Professional

The ICO has fined a firm £60,000 following a cyber-attack. What is interesting is that the firm in question specialises in law relating to crime, military, family fraud, sexual offences, and actions against the police. The ICO found that the firm had failed to put appropriate measures in place to ensure the security of personal …

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LSAG advisory – ID&V

May 2025 | Professional

The LSAG advisory note is required reading for all practitioners to whom the AML regime is relevant; note that it includes some very useful guidance on alternatives to face to face documentary verification. It states that: ‘Such methods may include (but are not limited to): Digital ID&V services that meet the requirements of the MLRs …

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SRA – SLAPPS

May 2025 | Professional

The SRA has taken the unusual step of publishing a statement as to why it did not take enforcement action against a firm that received a complaint involving concerns regarding solicitors becoming involved in abusive litigation aimed at silencing legitimate criticism – known as SLAPPs (strategic litigation against public participation). Firms should note the wider …

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