Latest news
SRA hanging in-house lawyers out to dry with unclear ABS rule, Law Society claims
Solicitors Regulation Authority is acting unreasonably by leaving it to in-house lawyers to decide whether the law requires that their legal teams become alternative business structures, the Law Society has claimed.
Leaked e-mail reveals ABI mulling bid to slash RTA portal fee from £1,200 to £150
The Association of British Insurers may call for the fixed fees payable under the RTA portal to be slashed by nearly 90% to £150 as part of its negotiation strategy, a leaked e-mail has revealed.
LSB rejects Bar Council criticism over advice from leading City firm
The Legal Services Board has rejected criticism from the Bar Council over its use of leading City law firm Hogan Lovells during the investigation into changes to the cab-rank rule.
BSB research highlights problems non-traditional candidates face in securing pupillage
Applicants for pupillage who are white, male, attended a fee-paying school or Oxbridge, or have parents who are educated to degree level are all more likely to succeed than those without such characteristics, Bar Standards Board research has found.
Co-op to launch family law service in London before nationwide roll-out
Co-operative Legal Services will this summer launch its family law service in London before rolling it out nationwide, director Christina Blacklaws has revealed. From launch CLS will provide the full range of family law services, and has a legal aid contract.
Third edition of SRA Handbook in seven months goes live
The third edition of the SRA Handbook in just seven months has gone live after being approved by the Legal Services Board. A fourth edition in less than a year since the Handbook went live on 6 October 2011 should be necessary in June.
Chartered legal executives become first to recite an oath upon qualification
New chartered legal executives last week became the first legal professionals to recite an oath upon qualification. It formed part of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives’ annual graduation ceremony in Bedford.
Italian firm plots multi-disciplinary ABS
Leading Italian multi-disciplinary firm Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati has applied to become an alternative business structure, it has revealed. Pirola wants allow accountants and lawyers in its London partnership to share revenues and profits.
Slater & Gordon awarded ABS licence as it unveils plans for further UK acquisitions
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has given Australia’s Slater & Gordon the green light to take over Russell Jones & Walker after granting it the fifth alternative business structure licence. The move will kick-start a strategy that will include further acquisitions.
Edmonds comes out fighting in defence of LSB
It is far too early to talk about winding down the Legal Services Board, its chairman has argued, while also criticising the Law Society and Bar Council for their failure to embrace independent regulation quickly enough.
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.
