Latest news
Exclusive: 1,000 barristers sign up to “game changing” public access scheme
More than 1,000 barristers have already signed up to a “game changing” initiative that aims to smooth the way for consumers and businesses to use public access, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA shuts Manchester firm – four months after banning director from conveyancing
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has closed down a Manchester law firm, more than four months after banning its director from conveyancing and ordering him to go on a mortgage fraud and money laundering course.
Workload and disciplinary problems top table for stressed lawyers
Workload and disciplinary problems have topped the table of reasons why lawyers contacted mental health charity LawCare last year, between them accounting for nearly half of all calls.
“Real appetite” for change as 18 barrister firms make contact with regulator
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has spoken of a “real appetite” for change as barristers aiming to set up 18 niche advocacy firms contacted the regulator.
Grayling promises crackdown on criminal law referral fees
Justice secretary Chris Grayling has promised criminal law barristers that the government will “take measures” to strengthen the Legal Aid Agency’s ban on solicitors demanding referral fees.
Here come the Americans: LegalZoom gains ABS licence
US online legal services provider LegalZoom – which claims to be the best-known legal brand in America – has today become the first US business to be licensed as an alternative business structure.
Law Society questions value of cab-rank rule
The Law Society has responded to a Bar Standards Board call for evidence on the cab-rank rule by questioning its “operational value”. A survey of solicitors who regularly use barristers found that only one person had actually invoked the rule.
CMCs which break the rules face huge fines
Claims management companies (CMCs) which break the rules this year face potentially huge fines – of up to 20% for those with an annual turnover of more than £500,000. Smaller CMCs can be fined up to £100,000.
Exclusive: Quindell Legal Services chief departs
The chief executive of Quindell plc’s legal services division has left the company, it has emerged. The news comes in the wake of the ABS’s announcement that it is in talks to sell one of its operating divisions to generate cash.
SRA fines firm £2,000 for role in stamp duty avoidance schemes
A small firm in Hertfordshire has become the latest law firm to be fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for its involvement in stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance schemes.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
