Latest news
Edmonds tells lawyers to get off their high horse about non-lawyers’ impact on their ethics
It is “demeaning” to suggest that non-lawyers becoming involved in alternative business structures are less likely to be ethical, the chairman of the Legal Services Board claimed last night. David Edmonds also pointed to a string of scandals involving lawyers.
Law firms team up to launch fixed-fee collaborative law one-stop shop
A group of 15 law firms in Yorkshire and the north-east have joined forces with a specialist divorce coach and independent financial adviser to offer what they say is the first fixed-fee collaborative divorce service. There are plans to expand Dovetail Divorce Solutions across the country.
LSB calls on government to back bid for huge increase in SRA’s fining powers
The Legal Services Board has called on the government to support a bid by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for a massive increase in the amount it can fine law firms. The SRA wants to increase its power to fine law firms from £2,000 to £250m, and to £50m for individuals.
ABS-in-waiting unveils £120m contract with top insurance intermediary
A leading insurance intermediary has agreed a £120m contract with the proposed alternative business structure (ABS) being put together by Quindell Portfolio. Quindell is awaiting SRA approval for its acquisition of Liverpool law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
Hundreds of millions of pounds pour into third-party litigation funding
Hundreds of millions of pounds are to be poured into backing litigation after both Vannin Capital and Harbour Litigation Funding unveiled significant funding boosts, the highest profile of a series of developments in the third-party funding market.
Ombudsman hints at giving users of online legal services access to redress
Consumers using online legal services should have access to proper redress, the Legal Ombudsman has suggested. Adam Sampson said he was not convinced there is a difference between a legal product and a legal service.
Solicitors halt slide in probate work and "should now target DIY applicants"
The number of solicitor applications for a grant of probate has steadied after four years of decline and the profession should now target helping those who do it themselves, it was claimed yesterday.
Riverview unveils “groundbreaking” fixed-fee divorce service for wealthy couples
Riverview Law has today launched a barrister-led service for high net-worth couples that it claims is the first to publish and guarantee the cost of divorce. The initial conference costs from £1,000 for a junior and £2,000 for a QC.
SRA acts over identity fraud after series of bogus law firms
A rash of bogus law firms in recent months has persuaded the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to publish guidance for solicitors on guarding against identity theft. It has issued six warnings about bogus firms or branch offices of legitimate firms in the past six months.
Profession “losing ground” over improving social mobility, warns LETR
Work on increasing social mobility in the legal profession is losing ground amid concerns over the effectiveness of the many separate initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, the latest paper from the Legal Education and Training Review (LETR) has suggested.
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.
