Latest news
Consumer panel backs greater recognition of McKenzie Friends
A new trade association, the Society of McKenzie Friends, is to be launched to represent the non-lawyer advisers who charge fees, as the first step towards self-regulation. The news comes as the Legal Services Consumer Panel concludes that the public interest benefits of MFs outweigh the risks.
QASA registration timetable thrown up in air by continuing JR
The timetable for advocates to register for the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates has been thrown into chaos as a result of the continuing judicial review of its legality. Meanwhile, the Bar Standards Board has begun the search for a new chair.
ABSs top 300 mark with latest licencees demonstrating variety of new legal breed
The number of alternative business structures (ABSs) has passed 300, with a major international business support services company with offices around the world among the latest to achieve the status.
LSB reviews hurdles faced by non-lawyers who want to own ABSs
Plans to simplify the approval process for non-lawyer owners of alternative business structures are being considered by the Legal Services Board, it has emerged. Private equity purchasers are proving particularly tricky under the current regime.
Top PI firm makes profitability calculator public to show “shocking” reality of post-LASPO world
A leading personal injury law firm has gone public with a unique profitability calculator to make other practices realise how radically the economics of work have changed in the post-LASPO era, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA builds relations with high-impact firms
The introduction of relationship management – giving certain law firms a dedicated contact at the Solicitors Regulation Authority – is working for both sides, new research has indicated. However, a fifth of firms consider complying with OFR is too expensive.
Unrated PII insurers still tempting hard-pressed firms
Unrated insurers continued to share more than a fifth of the professional indemnity insurance market at the last renewal round, while the Solicitors Regulation Authority mulls whether to force them to ‘get rated or get out’ of the business.
Are small claims becoming a new law firm battleground?
Law firms are starting to see the opportunities in small claims after Liverpool firm Morecrofts launched a flat-fee service, allied with unbundled pieces of advice, to aid potential claimants.
New mortgage rules “threaten future of smaller law firms”
The launch of the mortgage market review will have a “dramatic impact” on the conveyancing industry, resulting in further polarisation, one of the country’s leading property firms has predicted.
Fairpoint outlines ambition to build Simpson Millar into a consumer brand
AIM-listed Fairpoint Group wants to see its soon-to-be-acquired law firm, Simpson Millar, become a recognised consumer legal brand, its chief executive has told Legal Futures. He also confirmed that its financial backing will enable Simpson Millar to accelerate acquisition activity.
Blog
Preparing people for the pace of technological change
While technology often dominates the conversation, I believe the most important challenge facing law firms is not adopting new tools – it is preparing people to adapt alongside them.
Reorientation in the AI era must begin with the client
Much of the discussion about AI in the legal industry focuses on technology: which tools to adopt and which tasks might get automated. But this misses the deeper story.
Awaab’s Law phase 2: New hazards council tenants can now claim for
The conversation on housing disrepair is moving beyond damp and mould alone. With the rollout of phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, the scope of issues covered is expanding significantly,
