Latest news
Law Society clashes with Bar over changes to cab-rank rule
The Law Society has called on the Legal Services Board to reject changes to the cab-rank rule in the latest stage of the long-running saga over standard contractual terms between barristers and solicitors. The society said they would have an “anti-competitive effect.
Neuberger: prepare for satellite litigation over proportionality
Satellite litigation may be necessary to work out the new rule on proportionality in costs, the Master of the Rolls has said, but it will be a “very small price to pay”. Lawyers were also warned that if they fail to submit a budget from next April, then it will by default comprise only court fees.
Claimant groups ramp up rhetoric in battle over personal injury fees
Claimant personal injury lawyers have launched a strong attack on the government’s bid to expand the RTA claims process while also cutting legal fees for work done under it. Research showed the current £1,200 is about right, with profit margins set to fall.
Pioneer calls on will-writers to become ABSs and level playing field with solicitors
The first will-writer to be granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence says she hopes others will follow suit so as to “level the playing field” with solicitors. Parchment Law Group became the seventh ABS last Friday.
News in brief: COLP/COFA advice service launched, referral fee offensive, and much more
Our latest round-up of key news snippets sees the ex-chief of the CLC launch a consultancy, a new COLP and COFA helpline, a campaign against personal injury “auctions”, Lawyers on Demand goes it alone, a run-off cover boost for retiring solicitors, and a rethink on financial services ABSs.
Panel to celebrate firms and chambers which sign up to vulnerable consumer standard
Law firms, chambers, regulators and other legal bodies which sign up to the official British Standard on dealing with vulnerable consumers are to have their commitment celebrated publicly on the website of the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
18 solicitors sanctioned for money laundering breaches as Treasury warned over increased risks from ABSs
Eighteen solicitors were sanctioned by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last year for breaches of anti-money laundering obligations, the Law Society has reported. It has also identified alternative business structures as among the increased risks of money laundering facing the profession.
Ombudsman sees good and bad signs in lower-than-expected level of complaints against lawyers
There are signs that lawyers are getting better at handling complaints but also still failing to signpost their clients to the Legal Ombudsman, the chief ombudsman has said. Both could help explain why complaint volumes are lower than had been planned for.
Will-writers receive ABS licence
A Buckinghamshire-based will-writing company has today become the latest recipient of an alternative business structure licence. Parchment Wills & Legal Services Ltd of Gerrards Cross is a founder member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
Revealed: niche property firm becomes newest ABS
A niche property law firm in Oxfordshire has become the sixth alternative business structure to be licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Its senior partner said becoming an ABS gives the firm “additional flexibility in terms of structuring our business”.
Blog
When AI becomes a line on the client’s bill
On 23 June, Legora changed how it charges. The platform announced that its most capable product was moving away from a flat per-seat licence fee to consumption-based pricing
Which legal AI will still matter in 12 months?
Four years ago, when senior partners asked me which legal AI they should buy, I would have walked them through a vendor comparison. Now I tell them the question is wrong.
Supreme Court redraws line between member and employee in LLPs
For anyone advising professional services firms on LLP structuring, and of course for those in LLPs themselves, last week’s Supreme Court ruling is an essential read.
