Latest news
Chambers chief executive achieves Bar Standards Board first
Nicola Sawford of Serle Court has become the first chambers chief executive ever appointed a board member of the Bar Standards Board. A chartered accountant, she has been in her post for over 10 years.
Cherie Blair leaves Matrix to focus on ABS
Cherie Blair QC is to throw herself into her work with her alternative business structure (ABS) Omnia Strategy after leaving Matrix Chambers, which she co-founded 14 years ago.
QC wins High Court battle to be paid £100,000 fee
The High Court has ordered a Jersey lawyer to pay an English barrister’s fee, dismissing a claim that the fee was an honorarium which was not legally enforceable.
North-west ABSs post strong results as Slater & Gordon eyes Welsh acquisition
Two north-west alternative business structures (ABSs) have announced record results, while Slater & Gordon’s next potential acquisition, and first in Wales, has emerged.
Exclusive: shopping centre brand Lawyers2you makes a comeback
Lawyers2you, the shopping centre-based marketing brand previously owned by failed Birmingham firm Blakemores, has been resurrected and relaunched with the first two stands open for business this week, Legal Futures can reveal.
Legal Futures scoops journalism award
Legal Futures founder and editor Neil Rose won the Legal Journalism award at last night’s Halsbury Legal Awards. The judges said he is “guaranteed to be ahead of the game”.
Solicitor who “robbed Peter to pay Paul” struck off for mishandling estates
A former associate at leading Bristol firm Burges Salmon has been struck off for mishandling the estates of deceased clients. Russell Rollings was originally reported by the firm to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Jail for solicitor who kept on practising after being struck off
A solicitor has been jailed for practising despite being struck off nearly two years ago in what is thought to be the first time a court has imposed an immediate custodial sentence for such an offence.
Revealed: SRA seeks five-fold increase in fining power
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reined in its ambitions for massive internal powers to fine solicitors and ‘traditional’ law firms, applying to increase the current £2,000 limit to £10,000.
Appeals hitch forces LSB to issue warning notice over BSB bid to regulate entities
There has been a hitch in the Legal Services Board approving the Bar Standards Board’s bid to regulate entities, meaning that the LSB has had to issue a formal warning notice that it is considering whether to refuse the application.
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.
