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Divisions over advocacy scheme harden as regulators face battle to keep it alive
Divisions over quality assurance for advocates have deepened after solicitors were advised not to take part in a Bar Standards Board survey on the issue, while specialist Bar associations have been urged to oppose QASA as well.
News in brief: LeO apology, barrister ‘first’, interest on costs ruling and CLC chief leaves
Our latest news round-up reports on an apology over the sudden change in the Legal Ombudsman’s address, which affects all lawyers, a unique agreement between a law firm and a barrister, a crucial ruling on interest on costs, and the exit of the CLC’s chief executive.
Conveyancing regulator warns HSBC and other lenders about restricted panels
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has waded into the row over HSBC’s 43-strong conveyancing panel, expressing concern that “the limited size panel risks inadvertently restricting consumer choice and distorting competition in the conveyancing market”.
Spin-out firms merge to create largest debt recovery practice
Debt recovery law firms Drydens Lawyers and Fairfax Solicitors, both created by spin outs from national firms, are to merge creating the UK’s largest debt recovery and debt litigation legal practice. It will have a workforce of around 300 and turnover of approximately £15m.
SRA warns solicitors off SDLT evasion schemes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a formal warning to lawyers to think twice before becoming involved in stamp duty land tax schemes. It will look “very closely” at the conduct of any firm actively involved in such schemes,
BT seeks ABS licence for claims management arm
The claims management arm of telecoms giant BT has applied to become an alternative business structure, it has emerged. But it is not looking to enter the consumer market.
Firms are their own worst enemies when potential clients call, says mystery shopping report
Law firms are “their own competitors” because the poor way many deal with telephone enquiries is pushing away nearly half of their potential clients, a mystery shopping exercise has concluded. Nearly half said they would actively encourage people not to use the firm they called.
Neuberger: cross-examination and disclosure next on reform agenda
An investigation into the benefits of cross-examination and disclosure could be next on the costs reform agenda, the Master of the Rolls has indicated. At the same time, an interim report into the national costs management pilot has found signs that it is producing benefits.
Exclusive: private equity firm behind UK’s first ABS on the hunt for another investment
The private equity firm behind the UK’s first – and so far only – alternative business structure is beginning the hunt for another investment in the law, Legal Futures can reveal.
Cameron insurance summit: full steam ahead on Jackson and cutting PI fees
The outcome of yesterday’s high-profile Downing Street insurance summit appears to have put paid to any hopes among claimant lawyers that there is a compromise to be reached over the Jackson reforms.
Prospect of MDPs “catching the imagination” of large law firms, survey finds
Large law firms are showing increasing interest in forming multi-disciplinary practices with non-lawyer professionals, according to new research. The survey of 126 of the top 250 firms by accountants Smith & Williamson found that a third are interested in joining with a non-legal practice.
Quality scheme risks independence of advocates, leading judge warns
The proposed Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates threatens the independence of advocates, a senior judge claimed yesterday. Lord Justice Moses argued that quality of advocacy is best assured through compulsory training and more active reporting of poor advocates by judges.
News round-up: barrister jailed for chambers theft, another mySRA extension, and much more
Our latest news round-up reports on a barrister jailed after stealing £72,500 from his chambers, more problems with the SRA’s online PC renewal system, surveys on fixed fees and compliance, and the appeal court upholding a ruling against a firm innocently caught up in mortgage fraud.
Pass the parcel: should you indemnify your COLP?
Allison Wooddisse, head of LexisPSL Practice Compliance, looks at the whether and how law firms should indemnify COLPs against adverse consequences from taking on the role. Many COLPs are feeling jumpy but an indemnity is not as straightforward as it may appear.
LSB rebuffs US and European concerns as IMF bids to make bailout countries reform legal professions
The Legal Services Board has stepped into the controversy around the International Monetary Fund’s push to make countries receiving financial bailouts reform their legal professions as part of the deal.
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Associate News
Waterfront Solicitors dramatically improves billing efficiency thanks to Virtual Practices
Peppermint Legal Service Platform to support iPads and smartphones
LexisNexis responds to changes in the law with new pensions product
PSG announced as exclusive sponsors of the Law Society CQS networking events in March
LexisNexis answers customer requests for on-the-move access via iPad and iPhone
Tikit helps Linklaters implement global template and Microsoft Office 2010 upgrade
LexisNexis releases online resource for criminal lawyers
Legal Features
