Latest news
Hourly billing not dead, says firm offering fixed-rate subscription
A fast-growing law firm has launched a subscription service for SMEs that focuses solely on fixing hourly rates – starting at £250 an hour for clients that sign up for a year.
Call to shift “modest” solicitor-client costs disputes from court to LeO
Costs disputes between solicitors and their clients worth up to £50,000 should be dealt with by the Legal Ombudsman and not the courts, the Civil Justice Council has proposed.
SRA unveils plan for beefed-up continuing competence regime
A beefed-up continuing competence regime for solicitors, including mandatory record-keeping and discussions about ethics has been laid out by the SRA.
FCA and solicitors in war of words over motor finance challenge
The FCA has told solicitors and CMCs challenging its motor finance redress scheme that they should give their clients the chance to end their retainers.
“Aggressive” circuit judge interrupted barrister excessively
A circuit judge who adopted an aggressive tone with a female barrister and interrupted her excessively has been issued with “formal advice” for misconduct.
Exclusive: CA clarifies Mazur ruling after Law Society application
The Court of Appeal has made amendments to its Mazur ruling to make clear that law firms are not at risk of committing a criminal offence through inadequate supervision of unauthorised persons.
Leading national firm fined £160k for accounts rule breaches
National law firm Taylor Rose has been fined £160,000 for multiple breaches, including residual balances held for up to seven years and not self-reporting to the SRA.
SRA “should ask KC” to review approach to SLAPPs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority should consider commissioning an independent KC to review its approach to prosecuting SLAPPs, a leading media lawyer has argued.
Motor finance law firm to launch JR of lifetime smoking ban
A law firm which specialises in motor finance claims is to launch and fund a judicial review of new legislation which will ban anyone born after 1 January 2009 from buying tobacco.
AI playing “vital role” in managing legal aid work
AI is fast becoming a vital part of how law firms can afford to carry out legal aid work, according to the practice director of the country’s largest legal aid practice.
Blog
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
