Latest news
LSB hits out at “jumble” of disciplinary regimes, but admits it can do little to improve them
The sanctions and appeals regimes of the frontline regulators are an inconsistent “jumble” of different powers that may protect lawyers rather than consumers, according to the Legal Services Board.
Chartered legal executives to enjoy parity with solicitors
Chartered legal executives are to have full rights to practise independently after the Lord Chancellor approved their bid to handle probate and conveyancing work without the supervision of a solicitor.
Right to conduct litigation spurs barrister’s high street direct access business
One of the first barristers to receive authority from the Bar Standards Board to conduct litigation has said her fixed-fee direct access business has been so successful she plans to licence the venture to other barristers.
Grayling gives accountants ABS and probate green light
The Lord Chancellor yesterday approved the application by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to become a regulator of probate services and licensing authority for alternative business structures.
Moorhead: lawyers not as superior as they may think they are
Lawyers’ belief that they provide better-quality services than non-lawyers or are more ethical than other businesses is “highly questionable”, a leading legal academic claimed last night.
Allianz launches latest insurer ABS
Allianz has become the latest insurance company to set up an alternative business structure, launching ALP Law LLP in partnership with specialist personal injury firm Serious Law.
Admiral reveals ownership stake in joint venture ABSs
Admiral Group is the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the joint venture alternative business structures (ABSs) it has set up with law firms Lyons Davidson and Cordner Lewis, the insurer’s annual results have shown.
SGM solicitor urges Fluck to resign as society defends dealings with “politically secure” Grayling
The solicitor behind the special general meeting (SGM) on the Law Society’s strategy in its campaign against criminal legal aid cuts, has called for the resignation of president Nick Fluck, claiming he has “underwritten” the government’s reforms.
Advertising watchdog raps PI firm over offer of £2,000 up-front payment
A law firm which offers personal injury claimants a £2,000 up-front payment has been told to make it clear to potential clients that the offer is subject to significant qualifications, after a complaint about one of its television adverts was upheld.
CMCs “cash in” on up to £5bn of PPI compensation, says Citizens Advice
Claims management companies have pocketed up to £5bn of the £22bn of compensation secured by consumers for mis-sold payment protection insurance, according to an analysis by Citizens Advice.
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,
