Latest news
Bank problems “will not affect” Co-operative Legal Services
The problems with the Co-operative Bank will not have an impact on the growth of Co-operative Legal Services, its director of policy said yesterday. The assertion came as the SRA published guidance highlighting the risks of ‘group contagion’ in the legal market.
Pioneering solicitor hands in PC to focus on online legal service without regulatory burden
One of the early pioneers in online legal services has relinquished her practising certificate in favour of working full-time for the web-based business she has built up over the past 12 years.
SRA imposes controls on relationships within AA group after ABS award
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed a series of conditions on AA Law that aim to control the relationship between the law firm and the breakdown giant’s insurance and claims-handling operations.
Mainland EU states “open to ABS invasion”
Protectionism among the mainland European bars is unlikely to stop determined UK-based alternative business structures from entering their markets, with various avenues open to them, according to new research.
MDPs “struggling” to make it through ABS licensing process
The process of approving alternative business structures seems to be weighted against multi-disciplinary practices and business services firms, it has been claimed. The Legal Services Board also expressed concern over the impact on ABS licensing of senior departures from the SRA.
Chambers face probe over quality of service and financial stability
Barristers are to get a taste of solicitors’ regulatory medicine from January with the launch of a new supervision scheme that will assess how effectively chambers and sole practitioners are managing potential risks such as ineffective governance and inadequate pupillage training.
London-based international network eyes employment law expansion
An innovative London-based business law network is targeting employment law in a bid to expand its global client base. Transatlantic Law International (TALI) has member firms in 80 countries around the world, with Reading firm Boyes Turner its English representative.
Saga gains ABS licence with claim to offer “law for the people, not for the lawyers”
Over-50s specialist Saga has today been granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence to launch a joint venture law firm with fellow ABS Parabis Law. It aims to rebalance a market that “appears to be stacked in favour of the provider rather than the consumer”.
Would you like a will while I’m changing your tyre? AA Law receives ABS licence
The AA will next month launch its own law firm after being granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. AA Law will start trading on 1 December as a joint venture between the motoring giant and national firm Lyons Davidson
CMC numbers slump as referral fee ban hits home
The number of claims management companies has fallen by nearly a quarter since the introduction of the referral fee ban and prohibition on offering inducements, new figures have shown.
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.
