Latest news
Law Society of Scotland delays ABS work for another two years
The Law Society of Scotland has announced a two-year delay in work to introduce alternative business structures – which will take the wait since they were first given the green light to 17 years.
City firm wins appeal over NQ solicitor’s commission payment
A City law firm has won its appeal against an employment tribunal decision that it pay a newly qualified solicitor nearly £8,000 in commission he said he was owed.
Alarm over High Court “bomb” on conduct of litigation
Last week’s High Court ruling on unqualified fee-earners conducting litigation will cause “nationwide disruption”, with firms urged to review their approach to supervision.
Legal Ombudsman findings lead to shorter sentence for drug dealer
The Court of Appeal has reduced a drug dealer’s sentence after the Legal Ombudsman found that his solicitors had provided inadequate advice on his guilty plea.
Biggest law firms lead way in using – and showing they use – AI
New research has highlighted the importance of using artificial intelligence – and being seen to use it – among the largest law firms.
Exclusive: Solicitor launches AI-only consumer law business
An employment law service powered entirely by artificial intelligence goes live today, offering consumers both legal advice and representation.
SRA could ban ‘no win, no fee’ label in volume claims shake-up
A ban on using the term ‘no win, no fee’ and enhanced oversight of law firms are among ideas put forward by the SRA to make the high-volume consumer claims market work better.
“Tough winter ahead for conveyancers,” research warns
Conveyancers are set to experience a “sharp decline” in transaction volumes this year amid further consolidation in the market, new research has shown.
Upfront payments would filter out weak class actions, says think tank
Litigation funders should have to purchase a small percentage of class actions before they are certified as part of efforts to improve the system, a think tank has recommended.
Judge heavily criticises solicitor whose client “did not exist”
A tribunal has heavily criticised a solicitor who acted for a woman the judge decided did not actually exist, in a bid to stop a property sale, in a case he described as “quite extraordinary”.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
