Latest news
“Incompetent” Ministry of Justice contributes to unmet legal need
An absence of strategic leadership from an “incompetent” Ministry of Justice has contributed to the high level of unmet need in England and Wales, it was claimed this week.
Rebuke for firm that acted on both sides without client consent
A law firm that acted on both sides of a conveyancing transaction without obtaining consent from the buyer has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Lawyers “should pay £150 levy to fund social welfare law”
Lawyers should pay a levy of £150 each through their practising fees to fund social welfare law, and there should also be a £30 levy on county court cases, an event heard yesterday.
Acquisition number six for PE firm with ‘tuck-in’ deal
Private equity firm Blixt Group, which owns three regional law firms, has backed a third ‘tuck-in’ acquisition to support their growth, this time for East Midlands firm Nelsons.
Nearly half of homebuyers say lawyers are too slow in responding
Slow response time is by far the biggest ‘pain point’ homebuyers have when dealing with conveyancers, according to new research.
PE investor takes next step into law with deal for A&O spinoff
The private equity business that owns a leading conveyancing group and is about to buy DWF has now invested in an online offering created by City giant Allen & Overy.
Disabled law firm director was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules
A disabled director of leading legal aid firm Duncan Lewis was unfairly dismissed over absences from work and his failure to report them, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Law Society warns SRA to tread carefully over compensation fund cash
The Law Society has warned the Solicitors Regulation Authority not to ask the profession to stump up millions to boost its compensation fund without consulting first.
CILEX regulator rejects “deskilled” advocacy warning over higher rights
The regulator of chartered legal executives has rejected warnings from barristers of a “deskilled” advocacy profession with a “third and lower tier”, if it goes ahead with granting higher rights of audience.
Barristers “need guidance from chambers on sanctions compliance”
Chambers need to have “mechanisms and guidance in place” to ensure their barristers are complying with UK sanctions, the Bar Standards Board has said.
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.
