Latest news
Addleshaws lays out future vision: fewer lawyers, fewer firms, new business models
The legal market of 2020 will have 25% fewer lawyers and 20% fewer firms, with new business models and disruptive legal technologies sitting at the core of the provision of legal services, leading firm Addleshaw Goddard has predicted.
Reshuffle leads to shake-up in ministerial briefs at MoJ
There has been a shake-up of ministerial responsibilities at the Ministry of Justice following this week’s reshuffle, it was confirmed yesterday. Shailesh Vara has been given responsibility for civil justice and legal services, and has also been handed legal aid.
Government funding boosts ABS’s major growth plan
Alternative business structure NewLaw Solicitors is to grow by 25% after receiving finance from the Welsh government to help it expand. The firm is to recruit 86 people in its Cardiff headquarters.
BSB lays out plan to take forward LETR
The Bar Standards Board has become the first frontline regulator to map out how it will take forward the Legal Education & Training Review (LETR). Earlier this week the BSB and Solicitors Regulation Authority were criticised for not collaborating on taking forward the LETR.
QASA claimants granted costs cap – but at 10 times the level they wanted
The High Court has capped the costs exposure of the four barristers bringing a judicial review against the Legal Services Board over the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates – but at a level 10 times the one they had proposed.
Regulators accused of failing to collaborate over LETR responses
The regulators of solicitors and barristers have been accused of failing to collaborate closely enough on their responses to the Legal Education and Training Review, after they announced they would pursue independent strategies for ensuring competency.
Law Society makes plea for understanding on legal aid strategy in bid to ward off EGM
A passionate defence of strategic engagement with a government implacably determined to slash criminal legal aid practitioners’ income has been made by the Law Society, in an attempt to defuse rebellion in its ranks.
Top insurer Markel enters legal market as Quindell unveils £150m Direct Line deal
Leading insurer Markel is to enter the legal market after today announcing a deal to buy the owner of alternative business structure Lewis Hymanson Small. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has given approval for the change of control.
LSB sparks fresh independence row with call for regulators to have lay chairs
The frontline regulators need lay chairs at the helm so as to cut the “overly strong ties” that still exist with their branches of the profession and have held back change, the Legal Services Board said yesterday. The call was met by strong opposition.
CLC set to resume narrowed litigation rights battle
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is to continue its bid to regulate the conduct of litigation but will focus on property-related litigation, it has announced. Meanwhile, the regulator is to farm out its role as an education provider because of a “clear conflict”.
Blog
Supreme Court redraws line between member and employee in LLPs
For anyone advising professional services firms on LLP structuring, and of course for those in LLPs themselves, last week’s Supreme Court ruling is an essential read.
Charting a new course for publicly funded legal services
The current Legal Aid Agency model is inherently flawed and it goes beyond mere data breaches – it cannot innovatively respond to increasing challenges.
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.
