Latest news
Leading ABS set to open up entry to the law through 'Learning Academy'
Co-operative Legal Services will launch a ‘Learning Academy’ later this year that will offer all staff training for a range of skills and qualifications, including becoming solicitors and chartered legal executives.
ABS first as accident management company buys law firm
Vamco has become the first accident management company to buy a law firm after being awarded an alternative business structure (ABS) licence. The Surrey-based business has acquired Kingsley Law, previously part of the Nesbit Law Group.
National firm to use ABS licence to target non-legal acquisitions
National law firm Simpson Millar is eyeing up the acquisition of non-legal businesses as part of its expansion plans now it has secured an alternative business structure (ABS) licence, it has revealed.
Law Society hits out at SRA plans for whistleblower deals
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed whistleblowing policy could undermine the role of compliance officers, fail to work because of mistrust by lawyers, and clash with solicitors’ ethical duties, according to the Law Society.
Insurer wrong to reject law firm's blanket notification of possible claims, High Court rules
A professional indemnity insurer was wrong to reject a law firm’s blanket notification of possible claims, the High Court has decided in what is believed to be the first ruling of its kind. Meanwhile, the Law Society has issued a warning to solicitors to check potential insurers’ credit ratings.
Bristows becomes first large City firm to win ABS status
Commercial law firm Bristows has been granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence, becoming the largest City practice so far to have taken the plunge. The 34-partner, 74 fee-earner firm is best known for its intellectual property work,
Legal consultancy offers exit strategy for PI firms “without firesale”
Personal injury law firms that are looking to exit the market as a result of the 1 April Jackson reforms are being targeted by a new consultancy that promises they can retain high levels of the work-in-progress on their book of cases.
Caan returns to the legal den as he adds virtual law firm to portfolio
Virtual law firm Excello Law has become the second legal practice to join forces with ex-Dragon’s Den star James Caan as part of its bid to become the leading supplier of legal services to the SME sector. The firm has joined Knights Solicitors in Mr Caan’s Hamilton Bradshaw portfolio of companies.
Simpson Millar and DAS bring pre-paid legal services to the UK
National law firm Simpson Millar has joined forces with legal expenses insurer DAS to bring insurance-backed pre-paid legal plans to the UK, offering cover for a wide range of contentious and non-contentious work – including conveyancing and personal injury.
Heads of chambers unite against QASA as criminal Bar bids to build alliance
The meeting of heads of chambers on the South Eastern Circuit last week ended in unanimous opposition to the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) in its current form, it has emerged.
Blog
When AI becomes a line on the client’s bill
On 23 June, Legora changed how it charges. The platform announced that its most capable product was moving away from a flat per-seat licence fee to consumption-based pricing
Which legal AI will still matter in 12 months?
Four years ago, when senior partners asked me which legal AI they should buy, I would have walked them through a vendor comparison. Now I tell them the question is wrong.
Supreme Court redraws line between member and employee in LLPs
For anyone advising professional services firms on LLP structuring, and of course for those in LLPs themselves, last week’s Supreme Court ruling is an essential read.
