Latest news
Acquisition by Helphire will “future-proof” NewLaw in shrinking PI marketplace
The law firm acquired last week by accident management giant Helphire believes it has secured its place in a future slimmed-down personal injury market, and will be one of the ‘last men standing’ now it can offer a one-stop shop.
Mortgage fraud solicitor who fled to South Africa to evade justice finally jailed for six years
A former solicitor who had to be extradited from South Africa after attempting to flee justice was last week sent to jail for six years for his involvement in what the judge described as “two quite spectacular mortgage frauds”.
Ex-Dewey & LeBoeuf partner wins first round in battle with Barclays over capital loan
The High Court last week rejected Barclays Bank’s application for summary judgment over the liability of a former partner of failed US firm Dewey & LeBoeuf for a capital loan made in his name.
MoJ pushes for crime market consolidation despite its own research warning over speed of change
Many criminal law firms will have to merge, or enter into joint ventures, or form alternative business structures, to survive, after the government announced yesterday that it would push ahead with legal aid reforms that are predicated on market consolidation.
Huge rise in number of criminals using bogus law firms
The number of reported attempts trying to defraud the public by using bogus law firms soared by 57% last year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority revealed yesterday as it brought forward publication of a cybercrime guide.
Solicitor appeals against OFT sanction
A solicitor who faces the unusual sanction from the Office of Fair Trading of being excluded from the group consumer credit licence held by the Law Society is appealing against the decision.
Pioneering ABS bought by listed accident management company in £40m+ deal
Leading accident management company Helphire Group plc has acquired alternative business structure (ABS) pioneer New Law in a deal that could ultimately be worth more than £40m.
Jacoby & Meyers lays out twin-track approach to UK expansion
American consumer law firm Jacoby & Meyers, which last year laid out ambitious plans for the UK, will take a twin-track approach to expansion, with both branded offices and affiliations with existing practices, its newly appointed chief executive has revealed.
Top PI marketing collective opens panel for first time “to help smaller firms compete”
Marketing collective First4Lawyers – which last autumn launched a £10m personal injury advertising campaign – is to open up its panel for the first time as it looks to increase its market share.
Will-writing body reports surge of applications following launch
A network set up as an alternative to established will writing representative bodies has claimed that in less than a fortnight since launch, it has already received applications from a quarter as many prospective members as it planned to sign up in the whole of 2014.
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.
