Latest news
Survey reveals mixed response to Conveyancing Quality Scheme
Just over half of conveyancing firms have applied for accreditation under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, with those yet to do so unconvinced of the benefits, according to new research.
Revealed: top investor backs new legal advice subscription service
A new service offering people an ‘online solicitor’ to provide unlimited initial legal advice for £14 a month – backed by leading investor and former Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson – has recently gone live, Legal Futures can reveal.
Plymouth firm becomes first criminal law ABS
A firm in Plymouth has become the first criminal law practice to become an alternative business structure as the pace of new licences from the Solicitors Regulation Authority continues to step up.
PC renewal fiasco looms large as SRA scraps plan to move roll exercise online
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has admitted defeat in its bid to introduce an online system for tens of thousands of solicitors who want to stay on the roll because it fears a repeat of last year’s PC renewal shambles.
High street firm becomes newest ABS as ‘virtual’ practice seeks licence
Gloucestershire high street firm Langley Wellington yesterday became the latest alternative business structure (ABS). Meanwhile, Berlad Graham has become the latest ‘virtual’ law firm to apply to become an ABS.
SRA calls in race relations expert to review its decisions
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has brought in an equality and race relations expert to look at whether there is any racial bias in the decisions it makes after research showed that BME solicitors continue to be disproportionately represented in its regulatory decisions.
General counsel urge ‘self-serve’ model on businesses and weigh up law firm alternatives
In-house lawyers want to encourage non-lawyers within their businesses to take a more ‘self-serve’ approach to creating and managing low-risk and low-value contracts as a way to drive efficiency, new research has found.
Being a solicitor or barrister may soon not be enough: LSB eyes activity based regulation
The Legal Services Board has begun work on moving towards regulating lawyers based on the work they do, rather than on their professional title, Legal Futures can reveal. However, it acknowledged that there will be huge historical and cultural barriers to overcome.
Whatever happened to the ProcureCo?
Remember the ProcureCo? Most have forgotten this corporate bolt-on to chambers, little more than two years after it was launched. We asked the Bar Council what happened to its big idea.
Litigation funders left in limbo over whether ABS status will give them costs protection
Third-party litigation funders thinking of investing in law firms to avoid liability for adverse costs will have to try their luck in front of the court after an important report on contingency fees refused to make a recommendation on whether this should be possible.
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.
