DECEMBER 2024 – ARTICLES & ITEMS OF INTEREST
NEWLY DRAFTED CYBER SECURITY BASICS – DO’s & DON’Ts
On the 13 December 2024, the Law Society of Ireland website stated “The Law Society has responded to cyber threats with information for everyone working in legal offices, including secretarial and reception staff. Cyber Security Basics is designed to be shared in legal workplaces to enable a baseline understanding of threats and good practice that reduce cyber-security risk.”
To view and print off the do’s and don’ts Cyber Security Basics sheet see https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2024/december/law-society-resource-to-counter-cyber-threats/
LSRA INTRODUCES COMPLAINTS CASE STUDIES WEB PAGE
On the 17 December 2024, the LSRA introduced a Complaints Case Studies web page.
The case studies are illustrative and are based broadly on real-life complaints received by the LSRA. Names of complainants have been changed.
The LSRA hope that these case studies will offer useful insights for consumers and legal practitioners about issues that commonly give rise to complaints and how these can be resolved by the parties or the LSRA. They also highlight good practice for legal practitioners to promote improved standards in the delivery of legal services.
The LSRA state these are not precedents and every individual complaint are decided on their own facts.
To view these case studies see https://www.lsra.ie/publications/complaints-case-studies/
MORE AML FINES ISSUED BY THE SRA FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
On the 16 December it was reported on the website of the Law Society of England and Wales that the Solicitors Regulation Authority had embarked on an end-of-year fining spree, with six sanctions announced in the space of three days. The regulator continued its clampdown on firms failing to meet requirements on anti-money laundering with the flurry of activity and some of the highest fines yet issued.
The new fines boost the total levied against firms in relation to AML breaches to more than £600,000 in this calendar year. Almost 50 firms have been hit with AML-related financial penalties in the past 12 months, not including those cases that have gone to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
AML failings include –
- Firms’ failing to have in place a firm wide risk assessment.
- Firms’ failing to maintain records of its risk assessments of clients.
- Firms’ failing to have and maintain the required AML policies, controls and procedures.
- Firms’ failing to ensure all staff received AML training or to have kept any training records.
The article states “The SRA issued a warning notice in October 2023 about the importance of creating and maintaining client and matter risk assessments, and since then has carried out an unprecedented pursuit of sanctions against firms of various sizes. Gazette analysis of this year’s regulator decisions shows that 10 firms have incurred fines of more than £20,000 for AML non-compliance.”
To view this article setting out the six firms and the sanctions they received see https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/regulator-cranks-up-aml-clampdown-with-six-fines-in-three-days/5121812.article
On the 31 December, the website of the Law Society of England and Wales reported a Solicitor was fined £27,500 for failing to conduct ’adequate client due diligence’ more than seven years ago while handling a property transaction for international firm Kennedys Law LLP.
The solicitor was found to have failed to conduct adequate client due diligence while working on the purchase and subsequent sale of units in the hotel. He was also found to have failed to conduct sufficient ongoing monitoring of the business relationship with his client; and caused, allowed or acted in transactions which bore the hallmarks of fraud.
To view this article in full see https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/city-solicitor-fined-27500-over-aml-compliance-failings/5121904.article
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING GEN Z TALENT IN THE LEGAL SECTOR
On the 12 December 2024 the CEO of Kara Connect, Tobba Vigfusdottir, discussed Gen Z and how legal firms can improve recruitment and retention. She states Gen Z is bringing a fresh perspective, and they have different expectations from previous generations. Digital natives who grew up in a hyper-connected world value flexibility, inclusivity, and wellbeing. Unlike their predecessors, they are unwilling to compromise on work-life balance or mental health. They have seen first-hand the toll that burnout, gender inequities, and lack of support can take on their older colleagues, and they are determined not to follow the same path.
She sets out 5 steps on how to create a healthier work environment
- Clarify flexible work arrangements: Remote work and flexible hours are not just perks for Gen Z—they are essential components of the modern workplace. Offering flexibility shows respect for employees’ personal time and demonstrates trust, which is crucial for engagement and retention.
- Prioritize mental health and wellbeing: Law firms must move beyond token gestures and provide comprehensive mental health resources, such as access to therapy, wellness programs, and mental health days. Gen Z expects their employers to care about their wellbeing, and firms that fall short risk losing talent to more progressive workplaces.
- Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Gen Z deeply recognises and fights for DEI issues – and expects employers to reflect their values in practice, not just policy. Law firms must actively foster an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background, feels seen, valued, and supported.
- Reframe performance metrics: Traditional success metrics—long hours, visibility, and billing targets—need to evolve. Focus on outcomes and contributions rather than hours logged. Reward efficiency, creativity, and collaboration to create a healthier, more motivating work culture.
- Mentorship and career development: Gen Z values clear pathways for growth and continuous learning opportunities. Firms should invest in mentoring programs that not only guide young lawyers in their careers but also offer support and feedback that is constructive and encouraging.
To view this article in full see https://www.lawscot.org.uk/news-and-events/blogs-opinions/5-tips-on-attracting-and-retaining-gen-z-talent-in-the-legal-sector/
DPC DECEMBER NEWS
In December it was reported on the Data Protection Commission website that Irish Data Protection Commission fined Meta €251 million.
The Data Protection Commission also concluded its enquiry into the Maynooth University personal data breach. The DPC reprimanded Maynooth University, imposed administrative fines totalling €40,000 and ordered Maynooth University to bring its processing into compliance with the security requirements of the GDPR.
Also this month the DPC published a ‘Data Protection Toolkit for Schools’ and published its findings from a recent survey on data protection practices among the sports industry which has revealed significant gaps in compliance and understanding.
To view any of the above in more detail see https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/latest-news
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