Issue: Vol 160, Issue 7427

The Law Society has launched studies into potential qualifications for paralegals and extra support for solicitor-advocates.

A “disproportionate” number of referrals to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) involve black and minority ethnic (BME) solicitors.

Legal regulators are adopting a tougher stance on firms who have failed to secure professional indemnity insurance. A new strategy towards solicitors’ firms in the assigned risks pool, which provides indemnity for firms who fail to obtain it on the open market, has been approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The government is upping its Bribery Act awareness campaign.

Internationally qualified lawyers and lawyers qualified in the UK seeking admission as solicitors

The Law Commissions of England and Wales and Scotland have launched a joint consultation into the safety risks of level crossings

Graham Street has been appointed managing partner of Withy King, taking over from Martin Powell.

Erica Buchan has been rewarded for two and half years of study after being named the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners’ (STEP) outstanding Scottish student of the year for 2009–10.

Glaisyers Solicitors LLP, has launched a new immigration service to both businesses and individuals, responding to the specific needs of the region.

As the profession faces fresh challenges in the coming year, clinical negligence and coronial law specialist Linda Lee promises to fight the corner of solicitors in her new role as Law Society president.