Latest news
Djanogly hails benefits of ABSs to law firms and consumers as SRA opens doors to applications
Alternative business structures will make solicitors’ firms “more competitive, more accessible and more efficient”, justice minister Jonathan Djanogly claimed today as the Solicitors Regulation Authority opened its doors to the first ABS applications.
News in brief: £1m anti-Jackson ad campaign, Law Society enters The Cube, and more
Our round-up of other significant news stories includes a law firm using its new PI advertising campaign to highlight its opposition to the Jackson reforms, and the Law Society/SRA moving into swish new Birmingham offices.
IPReg set for ABS licensing authority application
The Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) is set to apply to become an alternative business structure licensing authority, it has emerged. A scoping document published last week lays out the process required to be designated in October 2013.
Barristers falling foul of "ridiculous" CPD system are impeding BSB focus on serious misconduct
The Bar Standards Board is operating an “antiquated and wholly inadequate” paper-based continuing professional development system that is diverting resources away from serious misconduct matters, its board was told last week.
LSB puts Law Society on report after SRA complains about independence threat
The Legal Services Board has activated statutory powers that require the Law Society to provide monthly reports on whether it is complying with rules that are meant to ensure the independence of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
5% Solution Group set to meet Lodder over demand to cut Bar Council costs
The 5% Solution Group – a barrister lobby looking to reduce the level of practising certificate fee – is to hold off calling an extraordinary general meeting of the Bar Council pending a meeting with Bar chairman Peter Lodder QC.
Clegg: legal profession is not doing enough on social mobility
The legal profession “is not doing enough” to make itself more representative of society, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg claimed yesterday. While “intergenerational social mobility is the principal objective of the Coalition’s social policy”, government cannot do this alone, he said.
Legal Services Board in first group of quangos subject to new government review process
The Legal Services Board is in the first tranche of quangos subject to a new triennial review process, Cabinet Office minister Frances Maude announced last week. It will review whether the board’s functions are required and other tests of continuing relevance.
Ombudsman tells "phoenix" firms: you can run, but you cannot hide
The Legal Ombudsman has warned “phoenix” law firms that seek to avoid the consequences of their actions by closing down and reopening – and even changing regulators – that it can still pursue them for past complaints.
Bar aptitude test could be a "one-time-only opportunity" for students to prove themselves
Students taking an aptitude test designed to weed out those likely to fail the Bar training course could be given a once-only opportunity to pass, it has emerged, after members of the Bar Standards Board raised questions about the policy of allowing unlimited attempts.
Blog
Santa’s Costa Living Crisis
It’s almost 25 December, so it must be time for the annual Christmas blog from Nigel Wallis, consultant solicitor at O’Connors Legal Services.
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.
