Latest news
Grayling: criminal legal aid reform means fewer firms, not fewer lawyers
There may be fewer criminal law firms as a result of legal aid reform but not fewer solicitors, the Lord Chancellor claimed today. Questioned by the justice select committee, Chris Grayling also expressed disappointment at what he said was the Bar’s failure to engage with the process.
Shareholders back ABS sale
The shareholders of online conveyancing business In-Deed – the first listed company to buy a law firm – have approved the plan to dispose of the practice and the rest of its business. Nonetheless, the failure of In-Deed paves the way for “further necessary disruption in the conveyancing market”, it has been claimed.
PI lawyers unite against “unacceptable” SRA position on inducements to clients
Personal injury solicitors have urged the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to rethink its “unacceptable” refusal to ban inducements to claim. It comes as actuaries have warned that “claims farming is on the increase”.
Law Society sets out blueprint for “sustainable consolidation” of small crime firms
The “sustainable consolidation” of nearly 1,200 small criminal law firms could be driven by requiring them to have a minimum number of duty solicitors, the Law Society has proposed as its alternative to price competitive tendering.
City firm recruits freelance solicitors and HR consultants to launch outsourcing service
A human resources (HR) outsourcing one-stop shop involving both lawyers and non-lawyers has been launched by City firm DAC Beachcroft, with plans to roll out the blueprint to other areas of legal services.
Law Society tight-lipped over reports of plan to launch own PII scheme for solicitors
The Law Society has refused to comment on speculation that it is to launch its own professional indemnity insurance offering for law firms. Legal Futures understands that it has been examining a managing general agency model.
Grayling starts to give way on legal aid reform and agrees to “managed market consolidation”
The Ministry of Justice today showed the first sign of cracking under the weight of pressure over its plans to reform criminal legal aid, with the Lord Chancellor ditching the plan to end client choice of solicitor.
SRA highlights risks in complex business structures and ‘group contagion’
A lack of transparency in complex business structures and ‘contagion’ from one part of a group to the law firm member are among the potential risks identified today by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in its first-ever risk outlook.
Court agency business becomes ABS
A business that provides court agency and other outsourced services has become an alternative business structure (ABS) in order to meet the demand of its clients. Ashley Taylors in East Sussex is the first business of its type to become an ABS.
Consumer panel questions Law Society reaction to single compensation fund proposal
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has questioned the Law Society’s strong reaction to its recommendation that the possibility of a single compensation fund across the legal profession be explored, including whether the society has actually read all of its work on the issue.
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.
