Latest news
Law Society hits out at SRA plans for whistleblower deals
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed whistleblowing policy could undermine the role of compliance officers, fail to work because of mistrust by lawyers, and clash with solicitors’ ethical duties, according to the Law Society.
Insurer wrong to reject law firm's blanket notification of possible claims, High Court rules
A professional indemnity insurer was wrong to reject a law firm’s blanket notification of possible claims, the High Court has decided in what is believed to be the first ruling of its kind. Meanwhile, the Law Society has issued a warning to solicitors to check potential insurers’ credit ratings.
Bristows becomes first large City firm to win ABS status
Commercial law firm Bristows has been granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence, becoming the largest City practice so far to have taken the plunge. The 34-partner, 74 fee-earner firm is best known for its intellectual property work,
Legal consultancy offers exit strategy for PI firms “without firesale”
Personal injury law firms that are looking to exit the market as a result of the 1 April Jackson reforms are being targeted by a new consultancy that promises they can retain high levels of the work-in-progress on their book of cases.
Caan returns to the legal den as he adds virtual law firm to portfolio
Virtual law firm Excello Law has become the second legal practice to join forces with ex-Dragon’s Den star James Caan as part of its bid to become the leading supplier of legal services to the SME sector. The firm has joined Knights Solicitors in Mr Caan’s Hamilton Bradshaw portfolio of companies.
Simpson Millar and DAS bring pre-paid legal services to the UK
National law firm Simpson Millar has joined forces with legal expenses insurer DAS to bring insurance-backed pre-paid legal plans to the UK, offering cover for a wide range of contentious and non-contentious work – including conveyancing and personal injury.
Heads of chambers unite against QASA as criminal Bar bids to build alliance
The meeting of heads of chambers on the South Eastern Circuit last week ended in unanimous opposition to the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) in its current form, it has emerged.
Specialist PI firm targets white-label deals with insurers after winning ABS licence
The latest personal injury law firm to become an alternative business structure is eyeing up the opportunity of offering insurers a specialist white-label service, it has emerged. Without the status, “you can’t get off the starting blocks,” said its chief executive.
City solicitors strike deal with commercial Bar over special terms of business
The City of London Law Society and Commercial Bar Association have published model terms of business for barristers instructed in commercial cases after more than two years of negotiation. The Bar Council’s new standard terms were deemed unacceptable by some solicitors.
Revised QASA timetable confirms new nine-month delay
The Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) will start in September, nine months later than planned, it was announced yesterday. The revised timetable was released just hours before heads of chambers met to discuss their response to QASA.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
