Latest news
SRA finally starts to give way on unrated insurers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has finally given ground over unrated insurers and is to investigate again whether it should introduce financial eligibility criteria. The regulator has launched an assessment of the “full implications” of such a move.
Consumer confidence in lawyers falling, survey finds
Confidence in lawyers’ honesty and in their handling of complaints has fallen for the second year running, although people who have actually bought legal services remain happy with their own lawyer, a survey has found.
From virtual firm in the garden shed to £2m ABS with big ambitions
A former virtual law firm plans that has grown into a £2m business in four years has unveiled major expansion plans after being granted alternative business structure (ABS) status. “ABS is about thinking that there are no limits,” said its founder.
Accountants hit back after Law Society protests over ABS regulator bid
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has hit back against Law Society objections to its application to become an alternative business structure regulator, claiming the public interest was “built into accountants’ DNA”.
SRA decides not to follow CMC regulator in banning inducements
The Solicitors Regulation Authority will not be banning personal injury firms from offering inducements to clients to instruct them, but has warned that they need to consider whether doing so fuels a compensation culture.
QualitySolicitors firm eyes one-stop shop for professional services after gaining ABS status
A QualitySolicitors law firm with ambitions to become a one-stop shop for a range of professional services is among new alternative business structures (ABSs) whose licenses become active next month.
“Fanciful” BSB prosecution over barrister’s gardening bill spat thrown out
A barrister has succeeded in having a disciplinary case brought against him by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) struck out, with the argument advanced on behalf of the board dismissed by the judge as “fanciful”. The bid to strike out the case had the pro bono backing of Sir Sydney Kentridge QC.
Legal Education and Training Review report: a good basis but many areas to improve
There is a good standard of legal education and training in England and Wales – “for the most part” – but quality, accessibility and flexibility need to be enhanced “to ensure the system remains fit for the future”, the Legal Education and Training Review research report has concluded.
SRA promises “radical review” of qualifying as a solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has pledged to undertake a “radical review of the skills and knowledge required to merit qualification as a solicitor” as part of its response to the findings of the Legal Education and Training Review research report, which was published today.
Exclusive: first direct access website for barristers to bid for work goes live – and it’s free
A free online ‘community resource’ that enables direct access barristers to tender for clients’ work has been launched by the head of a London chambers. CallMyBarrister.com goes live today with a “unique tendering model” that its founder compared to that of a dating website.
Blog
Which legal AI will still matter in 12 months?
Four years ago, when senior partners asked me which legal AI they should buy, I would have walked them through a vendor comparison. Now I tell them the question is wrong.
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.
