Latest news
Law firm leaders believe associates are “less loyal”
Seven out of 10 law firm leaders believe associates are “less loyal than previous generations”, while only a quarter of associates aim to become a partner at their firm in the next five years.
“Tokenistic” whiplash tariff “hard to explain to claimants”
It is “very difficult to explain” to claimants why they are receiving a “tokenistic tariff amount” for their whiplash injuries, APIL has told the government.
Small law firm launches Australian partnership and tech business
A law firm specialising in advice for SMEs is launching a partnership with an Australian firm in a bid to provide clients with an international service which “does not cost an arm and a leg”.
Solicitor’s tweets moved from legitimate argument to antisemitism
The solicitor struck off for tweets on Israel and Palestine shifted from making potentially valid political points “to being purely offensive and stooping to use racist and antisemitic language”.
Treasury seeks to improve “proportionality” of AML rules
HM Treasury is seeking improved “proportionality” and “additional clarity” in plans for technical changes to the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations.
Government reviews role of apologies in civil litigation
The government today launches a consultation on whether it should be easier to apologise in civil proceedings without admitting liability.
LSB chief: Why are lawyers forced to pay for professional bodies?
The outgoing head of the LSB has questioned why ‘trade associations’ like the Law Society and Bar Council receive a “statutory funding stream” from regulatory fees paid by lawyers.
M&A: Big firms buy small as listed legal practices swap advisory business
Large firms swallowing up small practices has been the theme of a spate of mergers and acquisitions, while one listed law firm has picked up a corporate advisory business sold by another.
Legal Ombudsman delays – still lengthy but falling
Complaints to the Legal Ombudsman that require investigation will have to wait for nearly three months before work begins and up to nine months for a conclusion.
Solicitor convicted of US tax fraud is struck off
A solicitor jailed in New York for 20 months after being convicted of conspiring to defraud the US Internal Revenue Service has been struck off.
Blog
Regulate sole practices on evidence, not turnover
For a sole practice, the SRA’s plan that I cannot hold a compliance role if my firm has more than £600,000 of turnover is not a measure of risk. It is a ceiling on growth.
Is Google becoming pay-to-play for law firms?
For years, law firms have been told that SEO is the long-term alternative to paying for every click. That principle hasn’t disappeared but search results have changed significantly.
Material information and the case for intelligent client onboarding
Upfront information means work traditionally undertaken after an offer is accepted will need to happen earlier. And that fundamentally changes the role of client onboarding.
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