Market intelligence for law firms of the future
Legal Services Act
Reform uncertainty forces new criminal law ABS to put external investment thoughts on hold
Plans to grow a criminal legal aid firm that has just received its alternative business structure licence – potentially through external investment – are on hold pending the outcome of the government’s current reform plans, according to its head of legal.
Fixed fees play major role in client satisfaction, survey finds
The use of fixed fees in family, probate and housing cases has risen significantly, leading to far higher rates of client satisfaction than when they pay by the hour, according to a major consumer survey.
Newly listed Australian law firm plans to follow Slater & Gordon to UK
The newest listed law firm in Australia – and the third biggest personal injury practice in the country – is eyeing up an acquisition in the UK, it has emerged. The fast-growing Shine Lawyers listed last week and saw its share price instantly increase by a half.
Consumer panel warns government against restricting choice of solicitor for legal aid clients
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has strongly criticised the government’s plan to deny defendants the right to choose their own solicitor under price competitive tendering, with new data showing that legally aided clients are more likely to shop around than any other.
Quindell shares back on the up as fellow PI ABS reports strong results
Alternative business structure Quindell Portfolio plc has seen its share price recover ground after it fell by more than a half in less than a week. Meanwhile, ABS and leading personal injury firm Fentons has announced record turnover for the last financial year.
Brilliant Law arms solicitors with credit card machines as ABS pushes commoditisation
Alternative business structure Brilliant Law has claimed an advance in the online sale of legal services to SMEs by tailoring each one to the needs of the purchaser for no extra fee – with solicitors even taking payment for them over the phone.
AXA calls for code of conduct for insurer/law firm ABSs
There needs to be greater control of alternative business structures (ABSs) set up by insurance companies to “ensure appropriate behaviour” and even a ban on ABSs operating in the small claims court, AXA Insurance has told MPs.
Government under fire for will-writing decision as few express faith in voluntary regulation
Criticism of the government’s decision not to regulate will-writing continued yesterday – although the two bodies representing the will-writing community appeared at odd over the prospects of self-regulation succeeding.
Legal Pioneers: Premier Property Lawyers – the very first ABS
As the UK’s first alternative business structure, Premier Property Lawyers has more claim than most to be a pioneer. As we restart our Legal Pioneers series profiling innovative legal services providers, Sam Chadderton talks to Kevin Smith
Government says ‘no’ to will-writing regulation
The government has today rejected the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) recommendation that will-writing become a reserved legal activity. There had been near-unanimous support from legal and consumer groups for the move.
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Associate News
Brethertons Solicitors Signs with Peppermint to Support Continued Growth
Legal Eye launches new product for Sole Practitioners
Small world, big opportunities
Moneypenny and Legal Eye warn failing to answer or return phone calls could result in a reportable breach
Legal duo bolsters mmadigital
Ochresoft launch looking to support under-pressure private client teams
SearchFlow announces new ‘Your Area, Your Risk’ seminar dates
