Latest news
Prospect of paying fees “overcomes litigation funding scepticism”
Nearly two-thirds of consumers would prefer litigation funders to take a share of their compensation from class actions than pay legal fees, research has found.
AI helps lawyers complete work quicker, study finds
A groundbreaking study has found that using generative AI to support, rather than replace, humans results in “large and consistent increases in speed” in completing legal tasks.
Second acquisition in a month for PE-backed law firm
Private equity-backed law firm Nelsons has completed its second acquisition in a month as it looks to keep on growing, while Mayo Wynne Baxter has unveiled a deal too.
Conveyancers disqualified in “one of most serious cases”
Two licensed conveyancers found guilty of widespread misconduct have been disqualified after a panel described theirs as “one of the most serious cases” it had ever heard.
Government eyes £42m boost through 10% court fees rise
The government is set to recoup up to £42m a year more in court fees after proposing a 10% increase in over 200 fees. It also plans biennial inflation increases in future.
Disbarred barrister faces jail for contempt over work as McKenzie Friend
A disbarred barrister is facing jail for contempt of court after failing to comply with a court order relating to allegations of misconduct while acting as a McKenzie Friend.
Court of Appeal to conclude hearing on compulsory ADR
The Court of Appeal will today conclude a three-day hearing on whether the courts can stay proceedings and require parties to engage in ADR as a condition of being able to continue their claims.
Make sure junior counsel get time on their feet, judges told
The heads of the judiciary have told judges and instructing solicitors to give junior counsel who are being led every chance to address the court as well.
Prosecutor suspended for romantic interest in defendant
A barrister who used information he had as a prosecutor to pursue a romantic interest in the defendant has been suspended from practice for 26 months.
Tell CFA clients that other firms may charge less, says LeO
Litigators who recover from clients substantial success fees not linked to individual risk must tell them other firms may charge less, the Legal Ombudsman has warned.
Blog
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
