Latest news
Crowdfunders flock to invest in LPO business
A UK legal process outsourcing company has obtained an equity investment of double the amount it was seeking to fund ambitious expansion plans, using the ‘crowdfunding’ method of appealing to investors.
Entrepreneur-backed Defence Hub promises to “revolutionise” criminal defence market
A new business owned by “non-solicitor entrepreneurs” who have already invested £10m is promising to revolutionise the way in which criminal defence work is undertaken. Defence Hub is predicting that it will turnover more than £50m in its first year.
High Court judge warns of dangers of lawyers “over-specialising”
Specialisation in the legal profession has narrowed to the point where it is possible for a barrister to become a Queen’s Counsel without ever having cross-examined a witness, according to Mr Justice Rabinder Singh.
LSB: we will attack the barriers to “radical change”
The Legal Services Board has pledged to attack the “cultural resistance to radical change” that it said was necessary for the legal market to thrive. It will also target unnecessary restrictions on new business structures and the cost of regulation.
Immediate anti-avoidance measures as Osborne pushes ahead with partnership tax reforms
Chancellor George Osborne yesterday confirmed that the government is pushing ahead with plans to “ensure the tax advantages of partnerships aren’t abused” – but the immediate introduction of anti-avoidance rules has been dubbed “shocking”.
BSB hits back at SRA over independence concern
The Bar Standards Board has rubbished a suggestion from the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it changed a rule to support the Bar Council in its clash with the government over legal aid.
Small firm ‘virtual network’ with big ambitions prepares to launch
A ‘virtual network’ of law firms that claims to be the first of its kind is gearing up to launch in February, aimed at giving smaller higher street firms a national reach and helping them compete with larger firms.
SRA to investigate impact of legal aid cuts on crime firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to investigate the likely impact of criminal legal aid fee cuts on the viability of law firms amid warnings that the cost to the profession of collapses could spiral.
Top debt advice company buys high street law firm
One of the country’s largest debt advice companies has bought a high street law firm to offer additional services to customers and become “a major player in the legal services market”. MoneyPlus Group is backed by private equity firm Palatine.
SRA hits out at prospect of “anti-competition” Law Society resuming control of regulation
The Law Society’s vision for the future of legal regulation would enable it to restrict the licensing of alternative business structures so as to protect solicitors from competition, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
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.
