Latest news
Connect2Law bids to become “UK’s leading response for law firms” to the ABS world
Connect2Law – the largest network of law firms in England and Wales – is planning to raise its profile and make itself the “UK’s leading response for law firms” to the post-Legal Services Act market. As a sign of intent it has recruited David Jabbari as its new chief executive.
Allow not-for-profit agencies to charge, says LSB as it delays date for them to become ABSs
Not-for-profit (NFP) advice agencies should be allowed to charge for providing legal services soon, the Legal Services Board said yesterday, while also announcing a delay in the creation of an alternative business structure licensing scheme until at least April 2015 because no regulator is ready to provide it.
Masses of non-compliance by overwhelmed solicitors, research finds
There are widespread failures among law firms to comply with a host of key regulatory requirements, from their websites to the Bribery Act, new research seen exclusively by Legal Futures has shown. The figures indicate that there is simply too much for small firms to comply with, according to its author.
Revealed: Law Society and SRA at odds again over regulator’s budget
The latest spat between the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has been rumbling on over the latter’s budget for 2013, it has emerged. However, Legal Futures can reveal that the SRA is to reduce its budget by around £2m to £30.6m.
House of Lords gives Legal Services Board a bashing
The Legal Services Board (LSB) came under fire for “mission creep” in the House of Lords last night. In a debate initiated by Bar Standards Board chair Baroness Deech, several lawyer peers accused the LSB of going further than the oversight role envisaged for it.
Deloitte survey: growing number of large firms preparing for ABS conversion
The growing interest in alternative business structures (ABSs) among corporate law firms has been highlighted by another survey, with 46% of those polled saying they are likely to use the ABS regime in the next three years.
“Bizarre” move to keep ABSs within compensation fund indefinitely gets green light
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to keep alternative business structures within the coverage of the Law Society’s compensation fund indefinitely, although the move was described as “bizarre” by the Shadow Minister for Justice.
Quindell to buy top claims management company and third law firm for £70m
AIM-listed Quindell Portfolio has continued its acquisition spree by agreeing to buy leading claims manager Accident Advice Helpline for £70m – the first major deal involving a claims management company ahead of the referral fee ban next April – as well as yet another law firm.
SRA begins action against 400 COLP/COFA defaulters as first approvals are issued
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to begin the process of pursuing the 400 law firms which have yet to nominate their compliance officers after the first tranche of approvals was issued.
From cost centre to profit centre: FTSE 250 company eyes ABS as it offers paralegal service to others
The outsourcing arm of FTSE 250 construction company Carillion could become an alternative business structure (ABS) as it looks to grow its advice services team beyond in-house and legal aid work, it has emerged.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
