Latest news
Legal Services Consumer Panel survives the chop – for now
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has escaped the government’s consolidation of consumer advocacy and information into Citizens Advice – for now. The move was strongly opposed by the Legal Services Board but supported by the Law Society.
Firms “need to develop” whistleblowing and client account interest policies
Law firms need to establish policies on whistleblowing and the interest they pay to clients, according to a leading regulatory solicitor. Other key issues troubling firms include preparing a business plan and compliance with provisions on outsourcing.
Trainees on housing benefit is “not the image that befits the profession”, Law Society tells SRA
The prospect of trainee solicitors claiming housing benefit and taking on second jobs because the minimum salary has been scrapped “is not the type of image that befits the profession”, the Law Society has claimed.
Caplen heads to summit of solicitors’ profession
Andrew Caplen has won a five-man race for the post of deputy vice-president elect of the Law Society, meaning he will become president in 2014. A Southampton-based solicitor, he has appeared as an advocate in the European Court of Justice.
Top chambers and law centre throw weight behind pioneering webcam legal service
One of the country’s largest barristers’ chambers has joined forces with Instant Law UK, as it rolls out its library-based video-conferencing service. Users will also have access to the first interactive, online debt and employment law service, in conjunction with a London law centre
Non-lawyer ownership of law firms “will do a disservice” to clients, claim top general counsel
Any form of non-lawyer ownership of law firms is bad for clients, nine leading general counsel have claimed. The group of US-based in-house lawyers said they also detected no great interest in or need for non-lawyer ownership.
Women and BME lawyers “use special strategies to overcome discrimination in large law firms”
Women and people from ethnic minorities have to employ special strategies to overcome institutional discrimination when working in large law firms, the British Sociological Association’s annual conference will hear today.
LSB defends the use of “forceful facilitation” against “misguided” criticism of its work…
The Legal Services Board has hit back at the “misguided” criticism of its role, saying that experience has proven the need for its “forceful facilitation”. Its response to the Ministry of Justice’s triennial review comes after severe criticism from some of those it oversees.
… as Law Society calls on government to slash the LSB’s budget to stop it overstepping the mark
The Legal Services Board should have its budget slashed so as to rein in its ambitions to move beyond a supervisory role, the Law Society has claimed. However, the SRA, CILEx and Council for Licensed Conveyancers have been more measured in their criticism.
SRA to adopt City firms’ recommendation on dealing with conflicts of interest overseas
City law firms facing conflict issues overseas should apply the rules that apply in the relevant jurisdiction, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has suggested. Meanwhile, the SRA and the Law Society of Scotland have begun discussions on an intra-UK regulatory regime.
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.
