Latest news
Keystone Law takes private equity investment
Leading ‘dispersed’ law firm Keystone Law has taken £3.15m investment from boutique private equity firm Root Capital in return for a 35% stake in the business. It will in part be used to buy out founding partner Charles Stringer.
Government plugs hole in inducement ban by stopping solicitors using third parties
The government has secured an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill banning inducements for personal injury claims offered by unregulated third parties linked to law firms.
Legal Services Board names new chief executive
The director of regulation at water company Affinity Water has been named the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board (LSB). Richard Moriarty will join the LSB in early 2015 with a background spanning a number of regulated sectors across the economy.
Falconer condemns Grayling’s “heart-breaking” comments on role of Lord Chancellor
Lord Falconer, the former Lord Chancellor, has condemned the “heart-breaking and disappointing” comments made about the role by its current incumbent, Chris Grayling.
ICAEW authorises first non-ABS firm to carry out probate work
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has authorised the first non-ABS accountancy firm to carry out probate work.
United Law becomes third Connect2Law hub to launch own brand
Trethowans, based in Southampton and Salisbury, has become the third regional firm and former hub in Pannone’s Connect2Law network to launch its own brand – United Law. It has 98 members in Dorset, Hampshire and part of Wiltshire.
Direct access service partners with litigation funder to offer barristers upfront fees
Direct access service myBarrister has joined forces with litigation funder Augusta Ventures to help clients finance their cases – and offer barristers the prospect of upfront payment of some of their fees.
Law Society made ‘one-off’ payment to Hudson
The Law Society made a one-off payment to its now retired chief executive Des Hudson under a ‘settlement agreement’ to offset a non-compete clause, it has emerged.
Law firms urged to reinvent themselves in LASPO era
The changes in the legal market, particularly the ability of ordinary people to access justice, means law firms have to reinvent themselves, one of the country’s best-known solicitors claimed yesterday.
SRA’s competence statement wins high marks from solicitors
Solicitors, consumers and businesses who took part in research for the Solicitors Regulation Authority have given high marks to a draft competence statement, which aims to define the standards needed to enter and remain in the profession.
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.
