Latest news
Ten brokers and nine insurers sign up to Law Society’s prototype standard PII proposal form
Ten brokers and nine professional indemnity insurers have agreed to use the Law Society’s prototype standard application form. The eventual aim is to allow solicitors to fill out a single PII proposal form that will be accepted by all.
‘New generation’ comparison website receives investment backing for full launch
CompareLegalCosts.com, the ‘new generation’ comparison website that requires participating law firms and barristers to offer fixed fees, has announced a £500,000 investment in the full launch of the service next month.
County court advocacy specialists become latest ABS
A law firm that specialises in providing advocacy services in every county court across the country yesterday became the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s eighth alternative business structure.
Welsh government offers City law firms incentives to open back-office operations in Cardiff
Wales will today make its pitch as a new onshore venue where City law firms can cut their costs by locating back-office operations. Cardiff recently became the UK’s first and only dedicated financial and professional services enterprise zone.
Quindell confirms binding agreement to buy Liverpool law firm
AIM-listed Quindell Portfolio has now signed a binding agreement to buy Liverpool law firm Silverbeck Rymer, subject to receiving its alternative business structure licence and Financial Services Authority approval, it announced today.
Growing interest in outside capital among smaller firms but their planning is lacking, survey warns
A growing number of small and mid-sized law firms are looking at raising external capital, but many need to address failings in basic business planning first, new research has found. It also identified £20m as the turnover point when a law firm turns into a real business.
Tribunal suspends first solicitor called to account for breaching SRA settlement agreement
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has for the first time sanctioned a solicitor who breached a regulatory settlement agreement that ended a Solicitors Regulation Authority investigation into him.
“Panic or paranoia” driving some firms to ABS
Some law firms are considering conversion to an alternative business structure (ABS) out of “panic or paranoia” without first getting their own houses in order, experts warned yesterday. Lawyers need first to build sustainable businesses, they said.
Survey: commercial firms eyeing up ABS opportunities, including MDPs and external cash
Creating a multi-disciplinary practice, spinning off new services and accessing external investment to finance growth are the main goals of commercial law firms considering converting to alternative business structures, a new survey has found.
LeO “going too far” with bid to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain
The Legal Ombudsman is going too far in proposing to allow prospective clients and third parties to complain about lawyers, the Law Society has claimed. Chancery Lane found support from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Blog
Modern vehicles: new injury profiles and new legal challenges
As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow year-on-year, it is important to address the risks that come with their increased adoption.
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.
