Latest news
“Do not dismiss ABSs,” Lord Judge tells criminal law barristers
Lord Judge, the former Lord Chief Justice, has warned criminal law barristers that the “old-fashioned chambers structures must be reconsidered” and they must not dismiss alternative business structures “out of hand”.
Barrister entrepreneur launches drafting service for lawyers
Barrister entrepreneur William Rees has launched an online drafting service aimed at mainly at solicitors in small firms. The business provides “customised templates”, which aim to be more tailored to lawyers’ requirements and individual cases than traditional precedents.
BSB to “consider future” of Bar Professional Training Course
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) launched its ‘future Bar training’ programme this morning, which includes “considering the future of the Bar Professional Training Course” (BPTC).
Law firms and chambers told to up their game on diversity or face “nuclear” option of quotas
Law firms and chambers need to accelerate the increase in workforce diversity if they are to ward off the “nuclear” option of quotas being imposed, the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) has warned.
LSB must “knock heads together” to lower burden of proof in disciplinary proceedings
The Legal Services Board must “knock heads together” to replace the criminal burden of proof in disciplinary proceedings involving solicitors and barristers with the civil standard, the chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel has said.
Grieve tells Grayling on being Lord Chancellor: “It helps to be a lawyer”
Dominic Grieve MP, the former Attorney General, has made it clear that he believes there are advantages in the Lord Chancellor being a lawyer. He was responding to comments by Chris Grayling that there were “no disadvantages” in his lack of legal qualifications.
Ex-Halliwells partners win immunity from liquidator claims
Nine partners who left Halliwells shortly before it collapsed have won a High Court declaration that liquidators cannot pursue them for £125,000 each in alleged overdrawings.
LSB backs rules to prevent large organisations claiming on compensation fund
The Legal Services Board has approved the introduction of restrictions that prevent large organisations from making claims on the Solicitors Compensation Fund. Claims will only be considered if they are made by individuals, small businesses, small charities or small trusts.
MoJ’s top mandarin under fire from MPs for failing to release report on future of crime firms
Dame Ursula Brennan, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, faced angry questions from opposition MPs yesterday as to why a highly critical report on the criminal legal aid cuts had only been released last month – more than a year after it was finished.
Now BT Law provides employment advice to external clients
BT Law, the alternative business structure launched by BT in March 2013, is providing employment law services to four external clients, it has emerged.
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.
