Latest news
McGowan: LSB treats us like naughty children
The Legal Services Board has put obstacles in the way of lawyers trying to practise “well and honestly” rather than improving standards, the chairman of the Bar Council told barristers on Saturday.
Attorney General urges barristers to think again over QASA boycott and returning legal aid briefs
The Attorney General has urged barristers not to boycott the controversial Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA), and warned that if they refuse instructions they have already accepted in protest at the new legal aid rates, the government may “look elsewhere”.
Thousands miss PC renewal deadline as figures reveal staggering growth in solicitors’ ranks
Thousands of solicitors have missed the deadline to apply for their practising certificates to be renewed, the Solicitors Regulation Authority confirmed today. It comes as new figures show a record number of practising solicitors.
PI specialists are the law's "climate change deniers"
Personal injury lawyers in small and medium-sized firms are akin to climate change deniers by not recognising how their market has changed or planning for the future, a survey published this week has claimed.
Hale outlines worries over too many law students, too few jobs
The growing mismatch between the opportunities to study law and the number of legal jobs makes it “very hard” to encourage young people to seek a legal career, the deputy president of the Supreme Court has warned.
The end looms for 153 law firms which still haven’t found insurance
Some 153 law firms today entered the last-chance saloon after failing to secure professional indemnity insurance (PII) during the last 30 days. Under the new PII arrangements, they are now in the second stage 60-day ‘cessation period’.
Hopper hits out at SRA referral fee guidance
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s recent guidance on the referral fee ban is “extremely unhelpful” and only aimed at extremes of behaviour, regulatory expert Andrew Hopper QC has argued.
QASA claimants lose bid to cut costs exposure
he barristers seeking to have the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) declared unlawful have lost a bid to reduce their costs exposure. Mr Justice Bean refused to amend the protective costs order granted earlier this month by Mr Justice Ouseley.
ABS just the latest innovation for one of the UK’s most entrepreneurial lawyers
Not many solicitors’ firms have a corporate helicopter available for use by favoured clients to entertain their own customers, piloted by the multi-millionaire owner. Or a gym. Or a hotel. Welcome to Kidwells Law Solicitors, a new alternative business structure.
Now that is dispersed – ABS Keystone sets sights on Australian expansion
Keystone Law – the pioneering dispersed law firm – has marked its formal conversion to alternative business structure status by announcing that it is to take its model to Australia. Keystone has more than 130 senior lawyers working from home.
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.
