Latest news
Regulators advised to introduce extra checks as way to avoid costly judicial reviews
Regulators should consider introducing a third-party review system of administrative decisions as a way to ward off the threat of expensive judicial reviews (JRs), a report by City law firm Devonshires has recommended.
Law firm failed in duties to mortgage company, High Court rules
Home Counties law firm B Legal failed in its duties to a purchaser of mortgage-backed securities, the High Court has held, in two of the four test cases it considered.
Groundbreaking accountancy ABS targets broader range of legal services
The first firm of accountants to become an alternative business structure (ABS) licensed by its own regulator is planning to extend the range of legal services it offers, its senior partner has revealed.
Final striking-off brings £13m Wolstenhomes saga to a close
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has struck off Nasir Ilyas, the last partner of North West firm Wolstenholmes to be disciplined for professional misconduct.
“Beyond comprehension” why struggling law firm failed to make HMRC arrangement
A tribunal judge has described as “beyond comprehension” the failure of a financially struggling law firm to make special arrangements with HMRC under the ‘time to pay’ scheme.
Firms line up to help develop probate apprenticeship
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has given the green light to a 10-firm consortium led by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers to develop a specialist probate apprenticeship.
Neil Hudgell Solicitors doubles in size with purchase of Rapid
Highly acquisitive personal injury firm Neil Hudgell Solicitors has doubled in size with the purchase of rival Hull firm Rapid Solicitors, creating a £20m practice. The combined firm will have over 220 staff and handle more than 10,000 claims.
BSB uncovers chambers with financial problems and tells them to prepare “emergency plans”
The Bar Standards Board has told three chambers with financial problems to “prepare emergency plans” to minimise the impact on clients should they be forced to close.
Parliament gives green light to open up probate and conveyancing rights
The House of Lords yesterday gave the final go-ahead for chartered legal executives and others with appropriate expertise to offer probate and conveyancing services without the supervision of solicitors.
SRA’s “flexible” approach to MDPs backed by LSB
The Legal Services Board has backed a new “flexible” approach by the Solicitors Regulation Authority aimed at making it easier for multi-disciplinary partnerships to become licensed as alternative business structures.
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.
