associate news

On 23 March 2018 the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published its renewed attempt to reduce the level and scope of compulsory professional indemnity insurance (PII) cover required for solicitors in England and Wales under the SRA Minimum Terms and Conditions 2013.

LEAP, the world’s leading cloud software provider for small to mid-sized law firms, announces the launch of its new Legal Aid software. LEAP now provides a completely integrated Legal Aid software package including case management, time recording and billing solution. The firm provides a comprehensive solution for both Criminal and Civil matter types for Legal Aid work in England and Wales.

JLT Specialty (JLT) the specialist insurance broker and risk consultant has appointed leading Professional Indemnity specialist, Marco D’Ovidio, to its UK Professions team. He will be based in JLT’s Bristol office.

As a founding member of the UK Proptech Association, I am excited to be taking a seat on the organisation’s Board of Directors alongside other digital pioneers in the sector and getting down to work to support our burgeoning sector. The time is now for the property industry to coalesce around a trade body that is focused on how technology will play a pivotal role in how properties are transacted across both residential and commercial markets.

Modern Practice Management Systems (PMS) have become essential tools that law firms rely on every day to run their business. Transitioning to a new PMS – or moving an existing one into the cloud – are both complex, intricate exercises, with moving parts, a wide array of stakeholders and no room for project failure. In this article, we’re going to take a look at a couple of the key issues and problems that firms face along the way, and suggest some ways to ensure your project runs smoothly and is delivered on time.

Central Scotland law group Caesar & Howie has signed up to integrated practice and case management with SOS Connect from Solicitors Own Software.

Almost exactly five years ago we penned a note with the title, Putting Up More Sail. It argued that, despite the high level of investor caution at that time, extraordinary policy support from central banks and a gradual healing of economies after the trauma of the financial crisis meant that, in our view, risk assets were well supported. As a result we were recommending higher allocations to equities in portfolios, for what was the third time in 12 months. We are now recommending the opposite – a step back from equities. This is warranted in our view both by the degree to which the economic cycle has moved on and by the less attractive valuations now on offer.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has instigated another consultation regarding proposed changes to the profession’s professional indemnity insurance (PII) requirements and compensation scheme.

The Contentious Trusts and Probate Department at Meridian Private Client advise clients on the options available to them when a loved one passes away and they have been apparently disinherited or a family member is acting suspiciously to the client’s detriment.

Professional indemnity insurance (PII) is mandatory for any solicitor’s practice. The costs are significant and the time expended on various forms can make it a harrowing experience. Firms often complete the proposal form, send it off and wait for the terms, wondering if the costs have risen or if they will struggle to find cover. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Through careful planning and partnership with the right broker, you could not only make the process easier but also save money. Below are a few simple steps to consider when renewing your PII.