Latest news
LeO finally names firms – and majority were found to have acted properly
The names of 772 law firms which have been the subject of a formal decision by the Legal Ombudsman were published today – but an analysis by this website shows the ombudsman was happy with the law firm’s actions in more than half of the cases made public.
Keoghs agrees external investment deal
Defendant insurance firm Keoghs has struck a deal to accept external investment once it receives its alternative business structure licence, it has confirmed. The firm said the funding will help accelerate its growth plans.
AIM-listed conveyancing business eyes new law firm acquisition
Online conveyancing business In-Deed is lining up a second law firm acquisition as it shifts its focus away from a direct-to-consumer model, its first annual report has revealed. The AIM-listed company’s chairman is Rightmove founder Harry Hill.
Deech calls on BSB to take to social media to combat negative stories
The Bar Standards Board is to boost its use of social media to rebut future negative publicity, after a bruising encounter with conventional news media in the wake of the ongoing controversy over barristers’ disciplinary tribunals.
£50,000 cap on claims against IP ABSs criticised
A proposed £50,000 cap on compensation claims against alternative business structures licensed by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board is too restrictive, it has been argued as the board prepares to become an ABS licensing authority.
Unique niche firm to use ABS status to take on larger competitors
The only UK law firm focusing exclusively on handling liability claims for self-insured companies has become the latest alternative business structure (ABS) and plans to use the status to help it take on larger competitors.
LSB releases plan to monitor impact of ABSs on access to justice
The Legal Services Board yesterday laid out how it will monitor the impact of alternative business structures and other reforms on access to justice. The attempt to “baseline” access to justice and to evaluate change over time proposes 18 measures.
Will-writer eyes conveyancing opportunity after receiving ABS licence, while IFA plans MDP
A will-writer is planning to use his new alternative business structure (ABS) licence to expand into the conveyancing market, Legal Futures can report. Further, an IFA is planning a specialist multi-disciplinary ABS with a law firm focusing on the over-55s.
Law Society calls on Cable to broker long-term peace agreement with lenders
The Law Society has called on the government to lead a “mediated dialogue” with mortgage lenders to deliver “an amicable long-term solution” to the ongoing arguments over conveyancing panels. It has asked business secretary Vince Cable to intervene.
Jackson effect to the fore as Antony Hodari makes high-profile acquisition
The reshaping of the personal injury market ahead of the Jackson reforms continued apace today as leading Manchester firm Antony Hodari acquired a direct marketing capability by buying well-known brand Paul Rooney Partnership.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
