Latest news
Concern over emergence of referral fees once will-writing and estate work is reserved
The regulation of will-writing and estate administration needs to be drawn widely to ensure that the referral fee culture that has prevailed in personal injury does not emerge in private client work, the Law Society has warned.
Survey reveals another headache for COLPs that their firms are ignoring: data security
Law firms should ensure that compliance officers for legal practice are closely involved in information security policies, a study has advised after finding that a majority of firms contacted had already suffered data breaches.
Exclusive: ombudsman decides against allowing third parties to complain about lawyers
The Legal Ombudsman will not allow third parties to bring complaints against lawyers for the time being, Legal Futures has learned. However, it will in future accept complaints from prospective clients, while the limit for compensation will rise from £30,000 to £50,000
From school-leavers to lawyers – CILEx and College of Law strike ‘one-stop shop’ training deal
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has formed a strategic collaboration with the College of Law to offer legal employers training options for all staff, from school leavers to fully qualified lawyers.
New indemnity insurers capture market share as solicitors pay less for their cover this year
Greater competition for business has led to a small fall in the amount of money solicitors paid for their basic professional indemnity cover this year, figures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority show. New entrants captured more than 10% of the market.
ABS application bottleneck as just three make it through to decision phase in six months
Just three alternative business structure applicants made it through to the decision phase over the past six months, with 167 still going through the application process, new figures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority have shown.
Bar Council steps up war of words with Legal Services Board
The Bar Council has issued a sharp rebuke to the Legal Services Board for criticising how it is approaching the legal services reforms, saying that while “our regulators talk about key performance indicators, we talk about the interests of justice”.
Conveyancers mull ABS conversion – but don’t think new competition will improve client service
More than half of conveyancing firms are open to becoming alternative business structures, even though few believe they will improve services for clients. They are also more worried about lenders’ panel selection decisions than new competition.
Pioneering legal website launches law firm referral panel
The company that says it was the first in the UK to provide free online legal advice for both businesses and consumers is to launch its first law firm panel for referrals – although it will not charge for them.
Over 3,000 PC applications logged as SRA overcomes early teething problem
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has insisted that its online practising certificate renewal system is working normally, despite a technical hitch occurring one day after the applications process opened last week.
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.
