Latest news
Will writing body seeks to expand legal services options for members
The Institute of Professional Will Writers has appointed a solicitor to be its first chief executive, as part of a radical overhaul of the organisation that it hopes will involve licensing legal services businesses.
Firms “need to respond” to customer service challenge to survive
The successful law firms of the future will be the ones that truly understand customer service, according to the boss of a leading regional law firm that checks its clients’ satisfaction every fortnight.
Law Society fixes date for SGM as both sides ratchet up the rhetoric
A special general meeting on a motion of no confidence in the Law Society’s top officials’ handling of criminal legal aid negotiations with the government is to take place a month from now.
Consumer panel throws weight behind compulsory lay chairs plan
The Legal Services Board’s consumer body has come out strongly in favour of making it compulsory that the chairs of the frontline regulators are not drawn from the profession, saying it would help counter conservatism in liberalising the legal market.
Business demand for legal advice to rise sharply but many will shop around
The economic recovery is set to benefit lawyers with new research finding that two-thirds of businesses expect their spending on legal services to increase over the next year. The research found that there will be quite a battle for this work, however.
Academics team up with comparison website to help consumers find the right lawyer
Legal academics had teamed up with an online directory of lawyers in an attempt to develop internet software that will harness research findings on how people choose a lawyer in order to match consumers with the right lawyer.
Law Society to tackle lack of female and BAME managers at top of organisation
The senior management of the Law Society does not reflect the diversity profile of the rest of the organisation, new figures have shown. It comes at the time every law firm and chambers in England and Wales has to report the make-up of their organisation to their regulator.
Quindell raises £200m to fund expansion as doors finally shut on first ABS failure
Alternative business structure (ABS) Quindell Portfolio Plc has raised £200m through a share placement to fund “significant growth opportunities” amid other ABS news that has seen the first failure formally consigned to history.
Small and mid-sized firms eye external investment in bid to take on ABS competition
Small and medium-sized law firms are looking to external investment to counter growing concerns about the impact of alternative business structures, new research has found, even though they are recovering well from the effects of recession.
Irwin Mitchell makes personal injury move with MPH acquisition
Irwin Mitchell has made its first major move in the personal injury market since rival Slater & Gordon began its acquisition spree by taking over well-known Manchester firm MPH Solicitors, Legal Futures can reveal.
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.
