Latest news
Law firms “may avoid high-risk work” under new complaints rules
Law firms may avoid carrying out work in “high-risk sectors” under the new regime planned by the Legal Services Board for client complaints, the Law Society has warned.
Lawrence the ‘AI paralegal’ passes SQE with flying colours
An ‘AI paralegal’ has aced the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, demonstrating his functioning legal knowledge is in line with the regulator’s expectations of junior solicitors.
Tribunal approves first post-PACCAR litigation funding agreement
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved a litigation funding agreement that was amended to take account of the Supreme Court ruling in PACCAR.
MPs launch inquiry into lengthening probate delays
MPs have launched an inquiry into probate in the wake of mounting concern about how long the process is taking, with HM Courts & Tribunals Service admitting to rising levels of complaints.
Steady growth this year at two of UK’s listed law firms
Two of the profession’s AIM-listed law firms this week announced positive trading updates, with revenues up by 7% at Gateley and 6% at Knights.
Judge penalises claimant for “unrealistic” costs budget
A judge has penalised a claimant for submitting an “unrealistic” costs budget, saying he hoped it would encourage parties to negotiate them before reaching court.
Disbarred barrister convicted over antisemitic blog posts
A former barrister who was disbarred for antisemitic and racist tweets has now been convicted for grossly offensive antisemitic material posted on his blog.
Solicitor accepts “substantial damages” over Times libel
A solicitor whose political ambitions were derailed by a libellous article about his legal work for miners has accepted “substantial” damages from The Times.
Arbitration Bill aims to retain pre-eminence of England and Wales
The Ministry of Justice yesterday published the Arbitration Bill, including a new statutory duty on arbitrators to disclose anything which might give rise to “justifiable doubts” about their impartiality.
Consumer claims firm set to enter administration
One of the law firms that led the way in diversifying a personal injury practice into one handling a wide range of consumer claims has filed a notice to appoint administrators.
Blog
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.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
