Latest news
Pooling interest will soften LASPO cutbacks, says think tank
The government should introduce a compulsory scheme that uses extra interest law firms could earn by grouping client funds, to mitigate the impact of the LASPO reforms, a think tank has urged.
Horwich Farrelly appoints Allianz boss to board
Specialist insurance litigation firm and alternative business structure (ABS), Horwich Farrelly, has boosted its bid to diversify into new markets by appointing to its board the chairman of the UK business of an insurance company with a global turnover of almost £2bn.
Slater & Gordon acquires Fentons and extends its PI reach
Slater & Gordon Lawyers (S&G) has today confirmed that it will acquire leading claimant personal injury firm Fentons Solicitors LLP, as its managing director pointed to “terrific opportunities” brought by UK regulatory changes.
Challinors break up begins
Liverpool-based alternative business structure (ABS) SGI Legal has acquired the personal injury caseload of Midlands firm Challinors, which went into administration last month in advance of an orderly sell-off.
Quindell puts share price jitters behind it with strong performance
Alternative business structure (ABS) Quindell Portfolio plc has posted strong interim half-year results after signing service contracts worth about £100m a year, and attributed the success in part to strong growth in legal services.
Scottish solicitors split over separate representation
Whichever way a decision goes on the future of separate representation for property buyers and lenders in Scotland next month, it is likely to prove unpopular with a large number of solicitors, a survey has revealed.
Licensed conveyancers face scrutiny over complaints and conflicts of interest
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is to investigate its members’ handling of complaints and their performance in managing conflicts of interest when acting for buyer and seller in property transactions.
Wedding planners, dentists, pizza chefs – and solicitors, naturally
A marketing group that is set to link wedding planning, cosmetic dentistry and ultimately a pizza chain, is aiming to create the largest legal brand in the UK with an annual advertising spend of £6m by early next year.
PII industry moves to calm small firm fears
Key figures in the professional indemnity insurance (PII) industry have reassured sole practitioners and small practices that a wide choice of reliable cover is still available to them, after XL Insurance confirmed it would no longer insure 1-3 partner firms.
Danger: diversity monitoring and data protection
It’s the hottest summer since the end of the Ice Age and the cold dark misery of winter seems a long way off. Try, if you can, to cast you mind forward to January 2014. A depressing month at any time, we can rely on the SRA to make January just that little bit less endurable – last January it was the COLP and COFA regime, next year it’s diversity monitoring.
Blog
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.
The power of participation for trainees and apprentices
It’s important as a trainee or an apprentice to get involved in the life of your firm – even under the pressure of discovering how to navigate professional life and now the demands of the SQE.
