Latest news
Slater & Gordon focuses on “consolidation” after acquisitions spree – but what about Simpson Millar?
Slater & Gordon is to concentrate on improving the performance of its UK operations, after an acquisitions spree that it claims has given it a 5% share of the claimant PI market. It remains unclear what progress is being made with the previously announced deal to buy Simpson Millar.
SRA: interventions due to dishonesty on the rise
The Solicitors Regulation Authority recorded a sharp rise in the number of interventions last year that involved suspected dishonesty, new figures have revealed. It also highlighted growing delays in cases going through the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Accountants say ABS enables them to monitor quality of clients’ legal work
A central London firm of accountants has set up an alternative business structure (ABS) as a means of keeping control of legal work that it previously referred to third party law firms.
LSB calls for 50-fold increase in SRA fining power
A consultation on a fresh attempt by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to increase its powers to fine law firms has closed with familiar battle lines drawn, with the Legal Services Board backing the move and the Law Society opposing it.
ABSs “will contribute to the rise of legal services outsourcing”, new book predicts
Alternative business structures (ABSs) will create additional demand for legal services outsourcing (LSO) and could in time become LSO providers themselves, a new book has predicted.
City lawyers slam HMRC over approach to salaried partners in LLP tax reform
City lawyers have ratcheted up their attempt to limit the scope of legislation aimed at tax abuse by LLPs, with strong submissions to the House of Lords and HM Revenue & Customs.
Legal Futures interview lands Bar Council chief in hot water with LSB
Comments made by the new Bar Council chairman in an interview with Legal Futures have led the Legal Services Board to doubt whether the Bar Council truly accepted the recent findings that it improperly influenced its regulatory arm.
Solicitor struck off for practising while suspended
A Birmingham solicitor has been struck off for practising while suspended, including appearing in court. Peter Chahal was removed from the roll of solicitors by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last week.
ABS licence will give PwC Legal “rocket fuel”, says UK chief
PwC Legal’s alternative business structure (ABS) licence will give its expansion plans “rocket fuel”, its UK senior partner has claimed. Speaking to Legal Futures, senior partner Shirley Brookes agreed with those describing the move as a ‘game changer’.
M&A on the up among mid-sized firms, says survey, as Manchester firm faces administration
More mergers and acquisitions among mid-sized law firms are starting to happen, new research has indicated, on the day that well-known Manchester firm Linder Myers filed its intention to appoint administrators ahead of a possible sale or merger.
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,
