Learn to weave, 'off-loom' with Sarah Ward, via Zoom
Are you doing sanction checks in your law firm? In the intricate landscape of legal practice, understanding and adhering to the UK's sanctions regime is not just a recommendation; it is mandatory and it is imperative. This course aims to set clear expectations and offer practical support to firms, guiding them away from the pitfalls of breaching the UK's sanctions regime. This course will cover: What are sanctions What do you need to know about the sanctions for your firm How is it different to the AML regime? What controls to put in place? If the firm offers services to sanction areas – what controls? My client has been sanctioned – what do I do? Reporting obligations Using screening tools Licensing How does this impact Legal Professional Privilege? Sanction Risk Assessment Red flags factors Enforcement actions Target Audience This course is for all legal firms, irrespective of the services provided. Whether you are navigating the sanctions regime independently or operating under a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), this course is for you. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).
This session will combine knowledge as well as practical interactive scenarios to work through to assist delegates in evaluating themselves to identify areas they might need to improve on. The course will cover: The purpose of the role (reminder) How the role has evolved What lessons can be gained so far How do you create a culture of compliance What good systems, policies and procedures look like Easy tips on what, where and how you should be looking Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COFA role, those supporting the COFA and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources An information pack including the course slides, scenarios and suggested answers will be provided to all delegates, which may be useful for ongoing reference. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Sarah Charlton, Consultant, DG Legal Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Her career spans over 35 years working within the legal sector, fulfilling roles from COFA through to CEO. During her career she has worked with a number of legal regulators, professional bodies and government organisations. Sarah has been a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management throughout her career, qualifying as a Fellow member in 2005. Sarah also served as chairperson between 2010-2012 and continues to serve as an Executive Council Member.
Our Financial Compliance and Legal Aid Payments Course provides a brief overview of historical changes and the current regulations. The course will cover what VAT regulations and the SRA Accounts Rules say on legal aid payments and will provide practical advice and tips on how to account for these payments so you adhere to the rules and regulations of the profession. Target Audience This course is suitable for those in the legal profession who oversees, or is responsible for or involved in accounting for legal aid funds, including, costs lawyers, legal cashiers, COFA, those supporting the COFA, account managers, etc. Resources An information pack including the course slides will be provided to all delegates after the course, which may be useful for ongoing reference. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Sarah Charlton, Consultant, DG Legal Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Her career spans over 35 years working within the legal sector, fulfilling roles from COFA through to CEO. During her career she has worked with a number of legal regulators, professional bodies and government organisations. Sarah has been a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management throughout her career, qualifying as a Fellow member in 2005. Sarah also served as chairperson between 2010-2012 and continues to serve as an Executive Council Member.
The LAA operates a strict compliance regime when it comes to auditing crime lower bills, and mistakes can often result in a Contract Notice, corrective action, and further follow-up activity within 6 months. This course will take you through the various aspects of crime lower billing, with discussions on topics such as what is and is not claimable; how you apply series of offences guidance; what evidence is required to claim a trial fee when a matter is discontinued; how do the LAA audit travel and other disbursement claims (including the rules when instructing an agent); and what evidence must be present on files to avoid any issues on audit. Key aspects of the Crime Contract, Criminal Bills Assessment Manual and Codes Guidance will be included, along with a discussion of common errors that are made; and how to claim non-standard and escape fee matters. Target Audience This online course is aimed at anyone involved in billing Legal Aid Police Station and Magistrates Court matters or managing an LAA Crime Contract. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.
There are a number of reasons why it is important to actively promote equality and diversity within your business and the wider community, not only to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination legislation and professional regulations, including the SRA Standards & Regulations. There will also be business benefits to the organisation including attracting and retaining talented staff, improving staff morale, potentially accessing a wider client base and enhancing service levels and client satisfaction. Join us for this useful overview session on equality, diversity & inclusion which will cover the following points; The Meaning of Equality Discrimination Harassment & Victimisation Unconscious Bias The Equality Act & the Protected Characteristics Reasonable Adjustments Complying with E&D requirements Target Audience This online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior partners. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Amie Higgins, Consultant, DG Legal Amie is a Senior Solicitor, qualified under the Law Society’s Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) as an Advanced Caseworker and Supervisor. Amie specialises in all aspects of Immigration, Asylum and Human Rights work, with a specialism in human trafficking/modern slavery cases and working with vulnerable clients. Amie is an experienced trainer, delivering a range of training on both legal and practice management topics.
A one-day training course for all staff in special schools and colleges, to increase confidence and skills providing RSE and pastoral support to learners.
This course satisfies the supervision requirements in the LAA Standard Contract & covers the key skills needed to ensure compliance with the LAA Contract.
In an ever-evolving legal landscape, being a firm outside of the mandatory AML scope doesn't mean being out of the compliance conversation. This course is your guide to proactively managing risks, staying compliant and ensuring your firm's resilience. Don't miss this opportunity to navigate the unique challenges faced by out-of-scope AML law firms. The course will cover: AML regulations Why are some firms (or departments) in or out of scope? MLROs AML basics CDD (ID elements) Responsibility of doing CDD Source of Funds / Source of Wealth Ongoing monitoring Reporting to the MLRO Target Audience The online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior partners of firms outside of the regulated sector. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).