Money-laundering

David Burrows, chairman of the Solicitors Family Law Association, has resigned in protest against the decision of the Association’s National Committee not to challenge the legitimacy of the requirement in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 that legal advisers must report any financial irregularities by their clients to the National Criminal Intelligence Service. Family law requires parties to make full and frank disclosure of their finances in ancillary relief proceedings, and in Mr Burrows’ view the Proceeds of Crime Act provisions conflict with privilege against self-incrimination and breaches both human rights legislation and the common law. Mr Burrows now intends to launch an action himself and invites support from as many solicitors as possible.