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MoJ rules out any exemptions to small claims mediation plan
The Ministry of Justice has ruled out any exemptions to the requirement for compulsory mediation that it is set to introduce for small claims.
Judge wrong to let 14-year-old boy instruct solicitor
A family court judge was wrong to order that a 14-year-old boy be allowed to instruct his own solicitor in care proceedings, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
CA issues general civil restraint order against struck-off solicitor
The Court of Appeal has imposed a three-year general civil restraint order on a struck-off solicitor who has been issuing claims against the Solicitors Regulation Authority among others.
Litigation funding agreements are DBAs, Supreme Court rules
Agreements with third-party litigation funders are damages-based agreements, the Supreme Court said today in a ruling likely to invalidate almost all existing arrangements.
Sunak “undermining trust in lawyers”, says Bar Council
The Bar Council has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of undermining trust in the profession by claiming that a “subset of lawyers” are exploiting illegal migrants for profit.
National Lottery provides £30m “essential funding” for advice agencies
The National Lottery is to give £30m over five years to advice agencies as they face “unprecedented demand” for social welfare law services as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Leading law firm working capital provider goes into administration
Leading law firm funding business VFS Legal has gone into administration, with its founder telling Legal Futures that a change in its wholesale funder was the cause.
Government to introduce compulsory mediation for small claims
The Ministry of Justice is to introduce compulsory mediation for small claims valued up to £10,000, starting with specified money claims.
CMA launches investigation into unregulated legal services
The Competition & Markets Authority has returned to the legal market and launched an investigation into unregulated will-writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services.
Law Society presses lenders for more Building Safety Act changes
The Law Society is pushing for more changes to the building safety provisions in the UK Finance Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook after one was made last week.
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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