Latest news
Lords urge HMRC to delay LLP tax changes
An influential House of Lords committee has added its voice to calls for the government to delay its partnership tax reforms until 2015, so as to allow LLPs time to adjust to the changes.
BLP integrates key elements of City law firm innovation
Berwin Leighton Paisner has sought to be raise the bar for innovation in the City with the launch of a four-pronged ‘Integrated Client Service Model’. It combines process mapping, outsourcing, ‘virtual transaction teams’, and the opening of a ‘legal services delivery team’ in Manchester.
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.
Blog
Small steps, big impact: how SME law firms are making legal tech work
For SME law firms, the priority is turning the potential of tech into measurable impact: success is driven not just by the technology, but by how firms approach planning and implementation.
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
