Latest news
The quality of quality marks: getting better but still a long way to go
The major quality marks used in the profession are becoming more credible, but many still have “a long way to go” before consumers can use them with confidence, a new assessment has concluded.
SRA unveils plans to encourage multi-disciplinary ABSs
“Radical changes” to the authorisation and supervision of alternative business structures are on the cards after the Solicitors Regulation Authority expressed concern that the number of applications from multi-disciplinary practices has been “in the tens rather than hundreds”.
SRA bids to lighten burden on firms of residual client money and on non-practising solicitors
Solicitors will be able to close down thousands of client accounts with residual balances of up to £500 and donate the money to charity under plans unveiled yesterday by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The regulator is also planning to end the annual ‘keeping of the roll’ exercise.
CPD deregulation going too far, Consumer Panel insists
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s preferred alternative to the continuing professional development system is too hands-off to be relied upon, according to the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Multi-disciplinary ABS eyes law firm acquisitions
A blue-chip wealth management company has set up an alternative business structure (ABS) to add legal to its mix of services, and is also eyeing up potential acquisitions to boost its client base.
Referral fee ban “cutting nuisance calls” as government targets further CMC crackdown
The referral fee ban has reduced the number of nuisance calls made to potential personal injury claimants, the government has claimed. It is also looking to increase its powers over claims management companies yet further so that it can fine them up to 20% of their turnover.
LeO bids to slash cost per case and ring-fence CMC complaints
The Legal Ombudsman has revised its target costs for resolving complaints downwards for the next financial year, which if achieved would be almost 20% lower than a year ago.
More chambers criticise legal aid deal as BSB consults on returning instructions
More chambers have come out in open criticism of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) and Bar Council’s deal with the government over legal aid last week. Meanwhile, the BSB is consulting on whether a fee cut by the Legal Aid Agency should no longer automatically entitle a barrister to return instructions.
LSB fears ignorance over dramatic impact on law firms of consumer credit revolution
There is a “real risk” that law firms do not understand how impending changes to the consumer credit regime could have a serious effect on them – such as needing to be additionally regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – the Legal Services Board has warned.
ABSs “have potential to challenge leading law firms”
The involvement of big brands like BT and KPMG is evidence that alternative business structures have the resources and expertise to encroach on the work done by larger law firms, a top banker has predicted.
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,
