Latest news
Thirty of top 200 on SRA list of financially unstable firms
Around 30 of the top 200 law firms in England and Wales are under intensive supervision from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) because of fears about their financial stability, it emerged yesterday.
Legal Ombudsman chairman calls for major expansion in jurisdiction
All consumers of legal services – using a broad definition that includes “linked professional services and advice that has a legal dimension” – should have access to the Legal Ombudsman, its chairman said today.
Survey: conveyancers more worried by lenders than ABSs
Lender panels, rather than alternative business structures (ABSs), are the main threat to conveyancing businesses, new research has found. Interest among conveyancers in becoming an ABS also appears to be falling.
Exclusive: not-for-profit venture capitalists poised to invest in law firm start-up
A not-for-profit venture capital business that promotes innovation is set to invest in a start-up law firm targeting the technology sector, Legal Futures can reveal. The unusually named Atypical Law Firm will this week submit its ABS application.
LSB stands its ground against critics and warns: you can’t turn back the clock
The Legal Services Board has hit back at continuing criticism of its role and work by insisting that it has a legal duty to take positive action – and that turning the clock back to a pre-Legal Services Act world is not an option.
Law firm ‘broker’ launches with call to “overpaying” in-house counsel
A new law firm ‘broker’ is targeting companies that believe they are overpaying for legal services. The Legal Broker argues that even the most sophisticated clients are having trouble finding value for money and good service from their external lawyers.
LegalForce outlines plans for UK expansion
LegalForce, the US company that plans to build a legal services brand for innovators and start-ups based around a retail space, has stepped up its bid to build a UK network by appealing directly to sole practitioners and small law firms to apply to join.
Chambers becomes first ABS licensed by the SRA without a solicitor
A London chambers has become the first alternative business structure licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority that does not have any solicitors. Richmond Chambers LLP is a niche immigration set that focuses on direct access work.
SRA uncovers 205 more firms to probe over lack of compliance officers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is working its way through the hundreds of firms and individuals facing enforcement action over compliance officer failures – but has now found another 205 firms that require investigation.
Quindell boss enjoys massive pay rise
The man running alternative business structure Quindell Portfolio saw his pay more than double to nearly £900,000 last year, the company’s annual report has revealed. It has also put the full cost of Quindell’s purchase of three law firms last year at £45m.
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.
