header-logo header-logo

Bypassing the badge?

30 October 2019
Issue: 7862 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Regulatory , Technology , Data protection
printer mail-detail
A solicitor is refusing to display the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) digital badge on the grounds it is an ‘illegal gimmick’ and fails to comply with data protection laws. 

All firms are required to display the badge on their website by 25 November, on pain of disciplinary action. Solicitor George Gardiner, of Gardiner & Co, however, has set out on his website a list of reasons why he’s not going to comply.

He disputes the SRA’s claim that the badge will ‘reduce fraud and enhance client protection’ and warns there is a risk the badge could be ‘subverted and misapplied’.

An SRA spokesperson said: ‘We do not have access, record or store any additional data such as IP addresses or page navigation behaviour. We do not collect data that would identify an individual.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Ruth Clare

Freeths—Ruth Clare

National real estate team bolstered by partner hire in Manchester

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Partner appointed head of family team

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

Firm strengthens agriculture and rural affairs team with partner return

NEWS
Conveyancing lawyers have enjoyed a rapid win after campaigning against UK Finance’s decision to charge for access to the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a recruitment drive for talented early career and more senior barristers and solicitors
Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)
The Solicitors Act 1974 may still underpin legal regulation, but its age is increasingly showing. Writing in NLJ this week, Victoria Morrison-Hughes of the Association of Costs Lawyers argues that the Act is ‘out of step with modern consumer law’ and actively deters fairness
A Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruling has reopened debate on the availability of ‘user damages’ in competition claims. Writing in NLJ this week, Edward Nyman of Hausfeld explains how the CAT allowed Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen’s alternative damages case against Meta to proceed, rejecting arguments that such damages are barred in competition law
back-to-top-scroll