Latest news
At last – standard contractual terms between barristers and solicitors clear final hurdle
Standard contractual terms between solicitors and barristers are set to become a reality at long last after the Legal Services Board approved controversial changes to the cab-rank rule that will underpin them – albeit with some reluctance.
Confidential SRA research uncovers non-compliance and bad attitudes over complaints
There is a “small but material rate of non-compliance” by solicitors with their complaints-handling requirements – and some bad attitudes towards complaints – confidential research by the Solictors Regulation Authority has found.
Here come the Americans as Rocket Lawyer starts recruiting law firms
Rocket Lawyer, the Google-Ventures backed online legal document service, has today launched its On Call programme into the UK, the first step towards the much-anticipated website going live to the public at the end of the year, Legal Futures can report.
Report lays bare “systemic failures” in running of Bar disciplinary tribunals
There have been “systemic failures” in the administration of the Bar’s disciplinary tribunals dating back several years, a damning report has found. A review group has issued 82 recommendations to establish a new tribunal service.
From click to court – is this the first ever automated brief to counsel?
What is possibly the first ever automated brief to counsel has been claimed by unique online legal service Road Traffic Representation. Claire Burtwistle, a barrister at Old Bailey Chambers in London, was briefed by the client through the site.
Corporate/commercial specialist launches newest ABS
A corporate/commercial solicitor has launched the latest alternative business structure with a view to forming partnerships with other professionals. Joanne Bligh has set up Thinking Legal in Birmingham.
Juniors hire QC as the ‘barrister law firm’ expands
rtesian Law, the groundbreaking SRA-regulated law firm set up by six junior criminal law barristers, has named Bryan Cox QC as its first associate member. Mr Cox is a tenant of New Park Court Chambers in Leeds.
Revealed: new law firm launches ‘white label’ personal injury service for other solicitors
A groundbreaking new law firm that handles personal injury claims for other practices on a white-label basis has launched in the north-east of England. Questus says it is the first dedicated outsourcing law firm of its type.
Pioneering webcam legal advice service ties up with Citizens Advice Bureau
Instant Law – the legal video-conferencing business that currently offers its service through major libraries in London and Birmingham – is to move into the not-for-profit sector next month by partnering with Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureau in London.
Here come the ‘baby barristers’ as BSB bids to scrap public access ban
Competition between solicitors and barristers is to step up a gear with Bar Standards Board plans to allow counsel with less than three years’ practising experience – so-called ‘baby barristers’ – to start accepting public access instructions.
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”.
