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Half of barristers “generally content” with their working lives
Half of barristers feel generally content with their working lives, an increase on the previous time they were surveyed, a report for the Bar Council has found.
High Court activity steady in 2023 as Clydes and 4 New Square lead way
Clyde & Co and 4 New Square were the most active law firm and chambers in the High Court in 2023, a year that saw commercial dispute numbers stay steady and insolvency matters on the rise.
Government brings video-witnessing of wills to an end
The pandemic measure to allow video witnessing of wills came to an end last week, after the government decided not to extend it beyond 31 January.
Exclusive: SRA begins fundamental review of client protection
The SRA today starts a conversation about the future of client protection arrangements, the extreme end of which could see the end of firms holding client money and of the Compensation Fund.
Ex-managing partner ordered to pay costs for misleading tribunal
A former managing partner has been ordered to pay costs for trying to mislead an employment tribunal in his claim against his firm.
Solicitor jailed for stealing money using powers of attorney
A solicitor has been jailed for two years after admitting abusing her position to steal tens of thousands of pounds from two vulnerable people, one of whom was her father.
Dechert pays £3m to settle businessman’s hacking claim
Dechert has settled the UK portion of a long-running dispute with an Iranian-born American businessman who accuses the international law firm of trying to ruin him.
Government set to commission review of third-party litigation funding
The Ministry of Justice is set to commission the Civil Justice Council to consider whether third-party litigation funding needs to be regulated, it emerged this week.
Legal helpline adviser not under duty to advise prospective client
A legal helpline adviser at Irwin Mitchell was not under a duty to advise a prospective client of steps she needed to take to protect her position, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Acquisitions for law firms backed by hedge fund and private equity
One law firm backed by a hedge fund and another by private equity have each completed significant acquisitions, the former creating one of the UK’s biggest debt recovery operations.
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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