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Every morning
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OpenAI has disabled several ChatGPT accounts it identified as part of a coordinated fraud operation called “False Witness.” The scheme involved fake law firms and impersonated lawyers using the model to craft persuasive legal‑sounding messages, create bogus profiles, and steer victims toward cryptocurrency payments. OpenAI’s latest threat update details how the AI was leveraged to generate documents and translate communications, amplifying the credibility of the scams. The company says it will keep banning accounts linked to such malicious activities.
The UK legal‑tech sector secured a record £188.8 million in 2025, a 35% increase over the prior year, according to LawtechUK’s Investment Snapshot. Twenty home‑grown firms raised £42 million in the second half of the year, with an average raise of £2.1 million,...
The Solicitors Regulation Authority reported a 78% overall pass rate for the October 2025 SQE2 sitting, the highest to date and a two‑point increase from the previous July/August exam. A total of 1,342 candidates sat the assessment, with first‑time takers...
Clifford Chance announced that 38 of its 50 spring‑seat trainees have accepted newly qualified positions, delivering a 76% retention rate. The firm received 47 applications for NQ roles, extended 39 offers and saw 38 accepted. Clifford Chance recruits up to...
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has revised its reasonable adjustments policy for SQE candidates, requiring applicants to submit adjustment requests and finalize plans before the seat reservation deadline. The change, first applied to October SQE2 bookings, aims to align the process...
The Legal Cheek podcast delves into the day‑to‑day reality of corporate lawyers, highlighting their role in negotiating deal terms, drafting agreements, and conducting due‑diligence. Hosts Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott discuss the massive document reviews trainees face under tight deadlines....
Legal Cheek’s Monday round‑up highlights a flurry of UK and international legal headlines, from Prime Minister Rishi Starmer’s push to fast‑track judge‑only trials ahead of a potential leadership challenge, to US law firms being accused of overwhelming British courts. The briefing also...
A junior solicitor near two years post‑qualification is weighing a move from a Magic Circle firm to a US‑based firm’s London office. Contributors note that US firms typically offer higher base salaries and larger bonuses, but cultural fit varies widely....
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) issued a public warning after a LinkedIn profile falsely claimed to be the chief executive of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. The impersonator, using the name Awais Mahar, listed himself as CEO and offered legal services...
LawCare’s 2025 Impact Report shows the charity supported a record 753 legal professionals, surpassing pandemic levels. Trainee solicitors accounted for 13% of contacts, second only to private‑practice solicitors at 42%. Stress, career concerns and anxiety were the top reasons callers...
The Legal Cheek podcast episode delves into the daily reality of disputes lawyers, highlighting the blend of courtroom advocacy and behind‑the‑scenes negotiation. Hosts Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott outline the tasks that trainees typically face, such as document review and...
Andrew Jonathan Milne, a 63‑year‑old solicitor, was found guilty of stalking after sending roughly 124 emails, voicemails and a birthday gift to legal blogger Daniel Cloake over five months. The court described the communications as aggressive, including threats of litigation...
Legal Cheek’s Monday round‑up highlights a wave of high‑profile legal developments across the UK and beyond. Key stories include the chief barrister’s warning that Lammy jury reforms will not ease case backlogs, the UK prosecutor’s reminder that no one is...
A solicitor arrived about 30 minutes late to a Wandsworth County Court hearing in August 2023 and fabricated an attendance note to claim he had requested an adjournment. The false note was discovered when LPC Law’s client received the actual...
Aminata Pungi, a former legal secretary at Latham & Watkins, was convicted of stealing £53,000 from partner Thomas Forschbach and received an 18‑month suspended prison sentence. The Solicitors Regulation Authority subsequently barred her from practising law under a Section 43 order, requiring prior written permission...
