Latest news
Smaller may be better to thrive in new legal world, report suggests
Small firms and sole practitioners may turn out to be the stars of the legal services revolution, according to a survey which this week claimed it has identified among them a new breed of successful and entrepreneurial lawyer.
Minority groups condemn SRA race report
The six lawyer groups that advise the Solicitors Regulation Authority on its equality and diversity strategy have condemned as “fundamentally flawed” last week’s report on the disproportionate representation of black and minority ethnic solicitors in the regulator’s disciplinary work.
Osborne extinguishes any lingering hopes of LLP tax rethink
The Chancellor George Osborne yesterday confirmed that there would be no delay in introducing the changes to the way LLPs are taxed, which has left many firms seeking funding for capital contributions.
New phishing alert over bogus Law Society e-mails
Solicitors have been warned to be on alert for scam e-mails that appear to come from the Law Society and have attachments that potentially contain a virus. It follows the recent phishing attack using e-mails that looked as though the SRA had sent them.
Consumer panel chief: it’s how the work is done, not who does it, that matters in new legal world
Lawyers need to find new ways to differentiate themselves in an era when their professional titles will start to lose meaning for consumers, according to the chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Now the North/South divide hits solicitors’ salaries
A significant earnings gap has opened up between solicitors working in the south of England and those in the North in a surprise reversal of fortunes, according to a survey. It also found the gender pay gap widening, with women’s salaries averaging 30% less than men’s.
UK Statistics Authority takes MoJ to task over “misleading” barrister earnings figures
Government statements that criminal barristers earn an average of £84,000 from legal aid were misleading, the UK Statistics Authority has suggested. The Ministry of Justice is now to submit itself to a statutory assessment of its highly controversial statistics.
Merge, form JVs or collaborate – but don’t stand still: Law Society’s advice to crime firms
A Law Society guide to criminal legal aid after the cuts has laid bare the scale of the hurdles facing firms that wish to stay in the market and advised they choose one of three options: merger or acquisition, joint venture or collaboration.
Treasury decries Lords report and rejects delay for partnership tax reform
The Treasury has said last week’s House of Lords committee report calling for partnership tax changes to be delayed was already out-of-date, and confirmed they would come into force next month as planned.
SDT takes wrecking ball to LSB’s review of disciplinary regimes
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has condemned the recent Legal Services Board recommendation of a civil standard of proof for use across disciplinary tribunals as “looking like a small tail wagging a large dog”.
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.
