Legal Compliance Academy

Compliance Pods for Legal Professionals

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Episodes (15)

This episode explores how close personal relationships can undermine professional judgment, from drafting wills that benefit the solicitor’s own family to skipping AML and conflict checks for friends and relatives. It also covers the risks of acting for yourself, including misuse of firm resources, intimidation concerns, and when to send the matter to an independent solicitor.

Learn how to avoid the optimism trap by managing client expectations and providing high-clarity updates that reduce regulatory risks. Andre Grayson and Paul Crowther share practical frameworks for proactive communication and strategies for early escalation when relationships become strained.

This episode breaks down the real cost of getting right to work checks wrong, from civil penalties to criminal exposure, and explains why simply seeing an ID on video is not enough. It also covers the three valid 2026 check routes, including when certified IDSPs can be used and what employers must still verify themselves.

Dodging Phishing Threats

Explore the rising phishing risks targeting law firms and their impact on compliance. Learn practical techniques to spot suspicious emails and discover effective response strategies backed by real-world legal examples.

Explore the key challenges faced by compliance officers including knowledge gaps, resource strains, and wellbeing risks. Learn practical strategies to improve regulatory competence, share compliance responsibilities, and foster a supportive firm culture for better governance.

Join Andre and Paul as they explain the Solicitors Regulation Authority's updated guidance on Principle 6 and explore how legal professionals can actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in firms. Hear real-world examples, practical strategies, and the regulatory expectations shaping the profession today.
This episode examines the case of a senior associate struck off for submitting dishonest timesheets and explores the wider impacts of improper time recording on professions and colleagues. Andre and Paul break down the challenges, compliance implications, and risks legal professionals face when meeting billing targets. Real-world lessons, illustrated by a memorable case from Irwin Mitchell, anchor this urgent discussion.
We break down the latest developments in motor finance claims, the looming Supreme Court judgment, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Andre Grayson and Paul Crowther guide listeners through what solicitors need to know about compensation schemes, client communications, and best practices.
A review of EU’s latest High Risk Jurisdictions list, how it aligns with FATF standards, and what the changes mean for legal compliance. Andre and Paul break down the countries affected and discuss the practical implications for UK legal professionals.
Explore the real-life case of Heather Roberts, a solicitor whose career was nearly derailed by a critical mistake. Andre and Paul unpack the regulatory and personal lessons, spotlighting the importance of early intervention and transparency for legal professionals.
This episode breaks down the SRA’s proposed changes to how law firms handle and display complaints procedures. Andre and Paul discuss the implications for firms and clients, highlight feedback from legal professionals, and explore what these rules mean for transparency and trust.
This episode dives into the real-world consequences of AI errors in the legal profession. André and Paul unpack landmark cases, regulatory reactions, and the everyday risks of AI hallucinations—plus what lawyers need to do to stay ahead.