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Much still to do, but little money left: MPs savage court modernisation
HM Courts & Tribunals Service has “burned through” almost all of the budget for the court modernisation programme with almost half of it as yet incomplete, MPs have found.
High Court boost for costs lawyers as new way to qualify goes live
The first course offering the new way to qualify as a costs lawyer has begun admitting students in the wake of comments from a High Court master praising the contribution of costs lawyers.
Large North-West conveyancing practice to close doors on Friday
A large conveyancing firm in the North-West is to close its doors on Friday, with its two directors taking some staff to join the practice owned by listed company Smoove.
Retired judges “should be regulated” if they return to practice
Retired judges who engage in legal work after their retirement, whether advocacy or litigation, should be regulated by the BSB or SRA, academics have argued.
Part of 13-firm Law Direct group saved in pre-pack sale
North London law firm Alexander & Partners has bought parts of the Law Direct group of 13 law firms in a pre-pack following its administration.
SRA’s unlimited fining power will apply to SLAPPs, minister confirms
A new power for the Solicitors Regulation Authority to levy unlimited fines in cases of economic crime will extend to SLAPPs, the government has confirmed.
SRA squandered “incredible potential” of ABSs, says Burford boss
The boss of the world’s largest litigation funder has accused the Solicitors Regulation Authority of squandering the opportunities offered by alternative business structures.
Solicitors accused of “mistrust and indifference” to lawtech
Solicitors have been described as displaying “mistrust and indifference” to new technology, with a lack of support from managers a major barrier, in a major study of attitudes to lawtech.
Law Commission wants digital assets to be “third category of thing”
The Law Commission has called for new legislation to create a “third category of thing”, which is neither “a thing in action nor a thing in possession” but could include certain digital assets.
Different rules on draft judgment embargoes “totally unacceptable”
The “inexplicable differences” in the embargo rules for draft rulings in the King’s Bench Division, Family Division and Crown Court are “completely unacceptable”, a High Court judge has said.
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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