Latest news
MPs question new Law Society board chair’s “conflict of interest”
MPs have raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest that the incoming local government ombudsman may have with another new role as chair of the Law Society’s management board.
Court stops firm using fees generated by claims joint venture
The High Court has ordered a law firm not to use fees from a PPI claims joint venture now the subject of a dispute, despite it warning that this could put it out of business.
PI firm struck down by whiplash reforms sold in pre-pack deal
Another law firm to suffer following the 2021 whiplash reforms has been sold in a pre-pack administration deal to a firm that itself has just been bought up.
Experts hit out at 20-page limit on reports in intermediate track
Expert witnesses have made a last-minute call to scrap the rule in the new intermediate track for civil claims that limits their reports to 20 pages.
Listed legal business “de-risked” but profits fall sharply
RBG Holdings – the AIM-listed business that owns two law firms – has “de-risked” and begun paying down its debt, while profits have been slashed in the first half of the year.
Law firm data breach “highlights risks to domestic violence victims”
A family law firm that disclosed personal data about a woman and children to her rapist ex-partner has been highlighted in a warning over how data breaches are putting domestic abuse victims’ lives at risk.
High Court judge: Counsel’s fees should be subject to guideline rates
It is “difficult to see the justification for treating counsel’s fees differently from solicitors’ fees” when it comes to applying guideline hourly rates, a High Court judge said yesterday.
Digital protocol prepares conveyancers for “huge step forward”
The Conveyancing Association has launched a future digital conveyancing protocol to help firms prepare for the “huge step forward” that greater use of upfront information and technology will achieve.
Ban for cashier convicted of stealing from law firm employer
A legal cashier who received a suspended jail sentence for stealing money from her law firm’s office account has been banned from the profession.
Employment tribunal rejects circuit judges’ pension claims
An employment tribunal has dismissed a test case brought by three retired circuit judges who argued that they were treated unfairly by having to join a less generous judicial pension scheme.
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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