Latest news
Firms and chambers could be forced to publish how many complaints they receive
Law firms and barristers’ chambers may be forced to publish statistics on how efficiently they handle complaints internally – including how many they receive – the Legal Ombudsman has suggested.
News in brief: ABS applications update, SfH founder fights on, Eversheds’ "absolute fixed fee" and more
Our regular round-up includes the latest number of ABS applicants, an about-turn by the founder of Solicitors from Hell, Eversheds extending its partnership with Tyco, more cash for Rocket Lawyer, plus Manchester mergers, litigation funding and more.
HSBC unveils 43-strong conveyancing panel and tells customers: use it or pay more
HSBC has opened a new front in the conveyancing war by launching a panel of just 40 law firms to handle its mortgage work, which customers will not be obliged to use as well – but it will be much cheaper if they do.
Cameron pledges to extend portal to bigger claims and other areas of PI – just don’t ask which ones
The government is to extend the upper limit of the road traffic accident portal to £25,000, while similar fixed-fee schemes are to be introduced into other, as yet unspecified, areas of personal injury, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.
Law Society calls for new approach to sharing ARP liabilities so that solicitors are not left to pick up tab
Solicitors and insurers should share equally any exposure to the assigned risks pool in the 2012-13 indemnity year to ensure insurers have “skin in the game”, the Law Society is to urge. However, the profession’s liability could still reach £30m.
Everyman Legal to pioneer "business hub franchises" for solicitors
Everyman Legal – the ‘virtual’ practice that last October became the first law firm to announce its intention to seek admission to a stock exchange – has announced plans to pioneer “business hub franchises” for solicitors.
Age a barrier for breaking into the Bar, says research
People aged 30 or over who choose to re-train as barristers are at a significant disadvantage to younger applicants, according to research from King’s College London. It also confirmed a continuing bias in favour of those with an Oxbridge education, but not gender.
First ABS wannabes begin SRA application process
More than 10 prospective alternative business structures completed the first stage of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s application process on the first day, the authority has revealed. SRA figures show that it will spend a minimum of three days considering applications.
Lawyers embracing LinkedIn, says research as Law Society issues first social media guidance
Almost half of partners and staff at the typical top 50 law firm are now on LinkedIn, nearly double the number in 2010, new research has found. It comes as the Law Society publishes the first formal guidance to solicitors on the use of social media.
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.
Blog
Mazur: when regulators make simple things complicated
What the last six months have shown is that supervision cannot be treated as a background compliance obligation quietly managed somewhere in a firm’s operational processes.
How unstoppable AI is reshaping UK legal practice
At a time when most technology innovation still flows from the US and China, UK lawtech is attracting growing international attention and capital.
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.
