Latest news
Legal Pioneers: Premier Property Lawyers – the very first ABS
As the UK’s first alternative business structure, Premier Property Lawyers has more claim than most to be a pioneer. As we restart our Legal Pioneers series profiling innovative legal services providers, Sam Chadderton talks to Kevin Smith
Government says ‘no’ to will-writing regulation
The government has today rejected the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) recommendation that will-writing become a reserved legal activity. There had been near-unanimous support from legal and consumer groups for the move.
Niche insurance law firm creates one-stop ABS for professional indemnity claims
A defendant insurance law firm is to join forces with commercial claims handlers and loss adjusters within an alternative business structure to provide an outsourced service to insurance companies for professional indemnity claims.
Turner fires volleys at government, QASA, BSB and Stobarts as lawyers face “oblivion”
The chairman of the Criminal Bar Association has launched a wide-ranging attack on the government, Stobart Barristers, Bar Standards Board and the “muzzled” judiciary, while warning that plea-only advocates could damage the unity of barristers and solicitors against price competitive tendering.
Law firm chiefs and creator of QS adverts join Legal Futures line-up
The managing partner of DMH Stallard – which yesterday unveiled a strategic alliance with Riverview Law – the senior partner of high-profile London firm Hodge Jones & Allen and the creative mind behind last year’s QualitySolicitors’ television advertising campaign have been added to the line-up for next month’s Legal Futures Conference, The LEX Factor.
Riverview strikes deal with DMH Stallard and applies for ABS status
Riverview Law, the fixed-priced commercial law business, has signed a strategic alliance with south-east firm DMH Stallard that will see the pair pitch jointly for new business. Riverview is also applying for an alternative business structure (ABS) licence.
Quindell takes further action to stem share price fall
Alternative business structure Quindell Portfolio has issued a “further clarification” over its financial position in a bid to stem a continuing slump in its share price. Quindell shares rallied this morning, having fallen by more than half last week.
Law Society plots paralegal accreditation scheme
The Law Society will launch a paralegal accreditation scheme later this year for non-qualified staff working in organisations regulated by the SRA, it has emerged. It will be for all staff from secretaries to those with an LLB or LLB/LPC and no training contract.
Legal price comparison websites “begin to sign up” to good practice standards
Five legal price comparison websites have signed up to good practice standards issued by two regulators and the Legal Services Consumer Panel – although they are to remain voluntary, with no external validation.
North-west ABS targets national practice after London launch
A top north-west alternative business structure (ABS) has continued its expansion by moving into London. Fresh from its ABS licence approval in January, Stephensons is seizing on the “flexibility” of its new structure to muscle in on the London conveyancing market.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
