Latest news
ABS-in-waiting posts strong results as Admiral continues to consider its options
Prospective alternative business structure Quindell Portfolio plc – whose takeover of Liverpool law firm Silverbeck Rymer is awaiting approval – has more than £500m worth of new contracts under discussion, it revealed today.
SRA supervision reduces law firm risk, report on pilot finds
A report on the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s pilot on supervision of low and medium-risk firms has concluded that the regulatory risks posed by participating firms fell during the period of supervision. Feedback from the firms involved was “overwhelmingly positive”.
Making alternative business structures work
Lawrence Cook, director of marketing and business development at Thesis Asset Management – which was once owned by and is still linked to south-east law firm Thomas Eggar – outlines their experience of joint ventures with solicitors.
Here come the ‘Super Lawyers’ as US rating service launches in UK
Global publishing giant Thomson Reuters has launched a London-based pilot of its US Super Lawyers attorney-rating service covering solicitors, the first foreign venture of its kind after more than 20 years in operation.
Todd calls for last stand against QASA
The chairman of the Bar Council has called for a last stand against several “objectionable” elements of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates or else they will form part of similar schemes planned for all areas of legal practice.
Public sector ABS eyes external investment to expand
A specialist public sector law firm is eyeing up external investment so as to fund expansion, as well as strategic partnerships with others to secure market share, after becoming the newest alternative business structure.
Visitors throw out conviction of pioneering barrister for conducting litigation
The first barrister to become a partner in a legal disciplinary practice has overturned a disciplinary tribunal ruling that she conducted litigation in breach of the Bar’s code of conduct, with both the tribunal and the Bar Standards Board coming in for criticism.
BSB will not contest challenges to "biased" disciplinary tribunal decisions
The Bar Standards Board is to accept that some barristers should have disciplinary findings against them overturned because of “anomalies” in the constitution of the tribunal panel which made the decision, it has emerged.
Mr Lawyer enters the online ‘find a solicitor’ fray
A new ‘find a solicitor’ website that prioritises lawyers with good feedback from their clients is set to go live in October. MrLawyer.co.uk claims it will “help to change the way the legal industry currently operates”.
Law Society cancels annual conference as corporate lawyers shun Wales
The Law Society has been forced to cancel its national conference – which would have been the first for seven years – because of insufficient interest from corporate lawyers in travelling to south Wales.
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.
