Latest news
Ministry of Justice: no backtracking on April 2013 for RTA and small claims changes
The government has made clear its intention to push ahead with extending the RTA process and also increasing the personal injury small claims limit next April despite publication of the Fenn report yesterday.
Criminal law solicitors’ verdict on Law Society scheme: redundant and ignored by clients
The Law Society’s criminal litigation accreditation scheme is redundant, has no influence on clients and plans for reaccreditation are strongly opposed by the profession, the body representing criminal law solicitors has claimed.
BSB hits back at Today programme attack on barrister disciplinary system
The Bar Standards Board has hit back at criticism on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme of the way in which it conducts disciplinary proceedings against barristers, with claims of “secrecy, incompetence and maladministration”.
Goodbye lawyer, hello legal workflow and process analyst
Innovative legal businesses such as Riverview Law, Co-operative Legal Services and Parabis are demanding a new approach to educating and training new lawyers as they create different roles for them, such as project management and data analysis.
LSB "putting too much weight" on solicitors' poor score in will-writing mystery shopping
Concerns over the standard of will-writing by solicitors are based on limited evidence and the Solicitors Regulation Authority should not have to prove its ability to regulate such work, the Law Society has claimed.
Scottish solicitors eyeing MDPs rather than external investment as ABS scheme moves closer
Early interest in the Scottish form of alternative business structures is coming from solicitors looking to form partnerships with other professionals, rather than seeking external investment, the Law Society of Scotland has revealed.
In defence of big brands: ethics, back-up, customer focus and value, argues Co-op
Big brands providing legal services will face “risks and pressures” which are not present in smaller private practice law firms – but the measures in place to control them “are likely to be substantial”, a senior member of the Co-operative Legal Services team has claimed, explaining what new entrants to the law will bring.
Halebury bids to put the ‘alternative’ into ABS
‘Alternative’ law firm Halebury, a specialist business and sport law firm, has announced plans to formalise that tag and become an alternative business structure after substantially bulking up its team.
Ombudsman prepares for ABS role – and publishing complaints data on 700 firms
The changing legal market brings with it “more potential for confusion” among consumers, justice minister Jonathan Djanogly acknowledged last week, making the role of the Legal Ombudsman even more important in future.
Consumer panel: lift ban on law centres and other not-for-profit advisers charging for work
The ban on law centres and other not-for-profit organisations charging for advice should be lifted as part of plans to bring them into the alternative business structure regime, the Legal Services Consumer Panel has said.
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.
