Latest news
Admiral reveals ownership stake in joint venture ABSs
Admiral Group is the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the joint venture alternative business structures (ABSs) it has set up with law firms Lyons Davidson and Cordner Lewis, the insurer’s annual results have shown.
SGM solicitor urges Fluck to resign as society defends dealings with “politically secure” Grayling
The solicitor behind the special general meeting (SGM) on the Law Society’s strategy in its campaign against criminal legal aid cuts, has called for the resignation of president Nick Fluck, claiming he has “underwritten” the government’s reforms.
Advertising watchdog raps PI firm over offer of £2,000 up-front payment
A law firm which offers personal injury claimants a £2,000 up-front payment has been told to make it clear to potential clients that the offer is subject to significant qualifications, after a complaint about one of its television adverts was upheld.
CMCs “cash in” on up to £5bn of PPI compensation, says Citizens Advice
Claims management companies have pocketed up to £5bn of the £22bn of compensation secured by consumers for mis-sold payment protection insurance, according to an analysis by Citizens Advice.
From the Russian mafia to the Arab Spring – SRA records big rise in money laundering reports
The number of law firms suspected of involvement in money laundering trebled last year, with some solicitors mixed up with the Russian mafia as well as “inappropriate transactions” following the Arab Spring, the Solicitors Regulation Authority revealed yesterday.
LSB presses on with statutory guidance forcing regulators to liberalise education and training
Statutory guidance that requires legal regulators to move away from assuming would-be lawyers have to spend a certain amount of time training before they qualify was published yesterday by the Legal Services Board.
Second phase of apprenticeships scheme opens door to solicitor and conveyancer qualification
Key players in the legal profession have welcomed the second phase of a government-backed scheme that will create apprenticeships which for the first time will lead to qualification as a solicitor, while a new apprenticeship in conveyancing will also be developed.
Lord Chief Justice floats shift to inquisitorial system
The Lord Chief Justice has called for radical and bold action to protect the justice system in the face of retrenchment by the state, including considering a change to a more inquisitorial system in which judges question evidence.
Law Society launches £80,000 project to become “more member focused”
The Law Society has launched an £80,000 project that aims to make it a “more member-focused organisation”, Legal Futures can reveal. Chancery Lane has hired a former head of communication campaigns at insurance giant Aviva to spearhead the work.
Barrister who falsified qualifications disbarred after mitigation was thrown into question
A barrister who made national headlines after it was discovered he had falsified his educational qualifications and attainments was disbarred on appeal because of fresh evidence that undermined his mitigation, it has emerged.
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.
