Latest news
SRA under fire for “failing to act” on bogus law firm warning
A Birmingham law firm is considering action against the Solicitors Regulation Authority for failures which it claims led to it being tricked by a bogus practice as part of a mortgage fraud and now facing a court order to repay £184,500 to the lender.
Edmonds tells lawyers to get off their high horse about non-lawyers’ impact on their ethics
It is “demeaning” to suggest that non-lawyers becoming involved in alternative business structures are less likely to be ethical, the chairman of the Legal Services Board claimed last night. David Edmonds also pointed to a string of scandals involving lawyers.
Law firms team up to launch fixed-fee collaborative law one-stop shop
A group of 15 law firms in Yorkshire and the north-east have joined forces with a specialist divorce coach and independent financial adviser to offer what they say is the first fixed-fee collaborative divorce service. There are plans to expand Dovetail Divorce Solutions across the country.
LSB calls on government to back bid for huge increase in SRA’s fining powers
The Legal Services Board has called on the government to support a bid by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for a massive increase in the amount it can fine law firms. The SRA wants to increase its power to fine law firms from £2,000 to £250m, and to £50m for individuals.
ABS-in-waiting unveils £120m contract with top insurance intermediary
A leading insurance intermediary has agreed a £120m contract with the proposed alternative business structure (ABS) being put together by Quindell Portfolio. Quindell is awaiting SRA approval for its acquisition of Liverpool law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
Hundreds of millions of pounds pour into third-party litigation funding
Hundreds of millions of pounds are to be poured into backing litigation after both Vannin Capital and Harbour Litigation Funding unveiled significant funding boosts, the highest profile of a series of developments in the third-party funding market.
Ombudsman hints at giving users of online legal services access to redress
Consumers using online legal services should have access to proper redress, the Legal Ombudsman has suggested. Adam Sampson said he was not convinced there is a difference between a legal product and a legal service.
Solicitors halt slide in probate work and "should now target DIY applicants"
The number of solicitor applications for a grant of probate has steadied after four years of decline and the profession should now target helping those who do it themselves, it was claimed yesterday.
Riverview unveils “groundbreaking” fixed-fee divorce service for wealthy couples
Riverview Law has today launched a barrister-led service for high net-worth couples that it claims is the first to publish and guarantee the cost of divorce. The initial conference costs from £1,000 for a junior and £2,000 for a QC.
SRA acts over identity fraud after series of bogus law firms
A rash of bogus law firms in recent months has persuaded the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to publish guidance for solicitors on guarding against identity theft. It has issued six warnings about bogus firms or branch offices of legitimate firms in the past six months.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
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.
