Latest news
Deech calls on BSB to take to social media to combat negative stories
The Bar Standards Board is to boost its use of social media to rebut future negative publicity, after a bruising encounter with conventional news media in the wake of the ongoing controversy over barristers’ disciplinary tribunals.
£50,000 cap on claims against IP ABSs criticised
A proposed £50,000 cap on compensation claims against alternative business structures licensed by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board is too restrictive, it has been argued as the board prepares to become an ABS licensing authority.
Unique niche firm to use ABS status to take on larger competitors
The only UK law firm focusing exclusively on handling liability claims for self-insured companies has become the latest alternative business structure (ABS) and plans to use the status to help it take on larger competitors.
LSB releases plan to monitor impact of ABSs on access to justice
The Legal Services Board yesterday laid out how it will monitor the impact of alternative business structures and other reforms on access to justice. The attempt to “baseline” access to justice and to evaluate change over time proposes 18 measures.
Will-writer eyes conveyancing opportunity after receiving ABS licence, while IFA plans MDP
A will-writer is planning to use his new alternative business structure (ABS) licence to expand into the conveyancing market, Legal Futures can report. Further, an IFA is planning a specialist multi-disciplinary ABS with a law firm focusing on the over-55s.
Law Society calls on Cable to broker long-term peace agreement with lenders
The Law Society has called on the government to lead a “mediated dialogue” with mortgage lenders to deliver “an amicable long-term solution” to the ongoing arguments over conveyancing panels. It has asked business secretary Vince Cable to intervene.
Jackson effect to the fore as Antony Hodari makes high-profile acquisition
The reshaping of the personal injury market ahead of the Jackson reforms continued apace today as leading Manchester firm Antony Hodari acquired a direct marketing capability by buying well-known brand Paul Rooney Partnership.
Mortgage fraud inquiry delays SRA’s draft conveyancing strategy further
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to review efforts to combat mortgage fraud, a move that will push back final approval of its draft conveyancing strategy to 2014 – more than two years later than first planned.
Accountants told to respect spirit of legal services reforms if they want to regulate probate
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales needs to abide by the spirit of the legal services reforms if it is to regulate probate work, the Legal Services Consumer Panel has urged.
Exclusive: country’s largest multi-office firm eyes national expansion
The largest multi-office practice in the country has set its sights on establishing a national high street presence, possibly with the aid of external investment, after a period of significant growth, Legal Futures can reveal.
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.
