Latest news
Solicitor coroner struck off over £2m theft from clients to fund lavish lifestyle
A Gloucestershire solicitor who also served as the county’s coroner has been struck off after taking nearly £2m from clients to fund an extravagant lifestyle. The case of Alan Crickmore has made headlines for some years.
Radiant opens South Africa in-sourcing centre as it targets ABS to bring top retailer onboard
Innovative legal practice Radiant Law has moved to an in-sourcing model for some of its work by opening an office in South Africa last week – while also applying for an alternative business structure licence to enable a leading retailer to become its chairman.
High Court imposes civil restraint order on former solicitor
The High Court has slapped an extended civil restraint order on a former solicitor whose conduct in bringing a series of claims established a “history” of indifference to court orders.
High Court rejects barrister’s challenge to LeO finding of poor complaint handling
A barrister has failed in his judicial review of a decision of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) that he did not deal with a complaint properly. LeO has welcomed the ruling for setting the bar high when challenging its decisions.
LSB hits out at “jumble” of disciplinary regimes, but admits it can do little to improve them
The sanctions and appeals regimes of the frontline regulators are an inconsistent “jumble” of different powers that may protect lawyers rather than consumers, according to the Legal Services Board.
Chartered legal executives to enjoy parity with solicitors
Chartered legal executives are to have full rights to practise independently after the Lord Chancellor approved their bid to handle probate and conveyancing work without the supervision of a solicitor.
Right to conduct litigation spurs barrister’s high street direct access business
One of the first barristers to receive authority from the Bar Standards Board to conduct litigation has said her fixed-fee direct access business has been so successful she plans to licence the venture to other barristers.
Grayling gives accountants ABS and probate green light
The Lord Chancellor yesterday approved the application by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to become a regulator of probate services and licensing authority for alternative business structures.
Moorhead: lawyers not as superior as they may think they are
Lawyers’ belief that they provide better-quality services than non-lawyers or are more ethical than other businesses is “highly questionable”, a leading legal academic claimed last night.
Allianz launches latest insurer ABS
Allianz has become the latest insurance company to set up an alternative business structure, launching ALP Law LLP in partnership with specialist personal injury firm Serious Law.
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.
