Latest news
Disproportionate representation of BME solicitors in SRA’s work “not caused by racism”
The disproportionately high representation of black and minority ethnic solicitors in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s disciplinary work is caused by broader socio-economic factors around access to the profession, and not discrimination by the regulator, a major independent report has concluded.
New SRA chief executive promises fundamental review of regulation
There needs to be a fundamental review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s model of regulation, its new chief executive has told this website in his first interview since joining the organisation six weeks ago.
Withers ordered to pay out £1.6m over negligence claim
Leading London law firm Withers has been ordered to pay £1.6m in damages after the High Court upheld a claim of professional negligence over the drafting of an LLP agreement.
Edmonds urges Law Society and Bar Council to accept change in interests of their members
The attitude of “some in positions of immense responsibility” in the legal profession represents a “direct threat” to an innovative future for legal services, the chairman of the Legal Services Board has claimed.
Lords urge HMRC to delay LLP tax changes
An influential House of Lords committee has added its voice to calls for the government to delay its partnership tax reforms until 2015, so as to allow LLPs time to adjust to the changes.
BLP integrates key elements of City law firm innovation
Berwin Leighton Paisner has sought to be raise the bar for innovation in the City with the launch of a four-pronged ‘Integrated Client Service Model’. It combines process mapping, outsourcing, ‘virtual transaction teams’, and the opening of a ‘legal services delivery team’ in Manchester.
Solicitor coroner struck off over £2m theft from clients to fund lavish lifestyle
A Gloucestershire solicitor who also served as the county’s coroner has been struck off after taking nearly £2m from clients to fund an extravagant lifestyle. The case of Alan Crickmore has made headlines for some years.
Radiant opens South Africa in-sourcing centre as it targets ABS to bring top retailer onboard
Innovative legal practice Radiant Law has moved to an in-sourcing model for some of its work by opening an office in South Africa last week – while also applying for an alternative business structure licence to enable a leading retailer to become its chairman.
High Court imposes civil restraint order on former solicitor
The High Court has slapped an extended civil restraint order on a former solicitor whose conduct in bringing a series of claims established a “history” of indifference to court orders.
High Court rejects barrister’s challenge to LeO finding of poor complaint handling
A barrister has failed in his judicial review of a decision of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) that he did not deal with a complaint properly. LeO has welcomed the ruling for setting the bar high when challenging its decisions.
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,
