Latest news
OIC: Under-settlement fears as system problems grow backlog
The Official Injury Claim portal is still not working well, with growing delays and concerns that injured people are under-settling as a result, a leading claimant lawyer said yesterday.
Profession backs SIF but SRA “can save £500k” with new scheme
The majority of respondents to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s discussion paper on post-six-year run-off cover supported retaining the Solicitors Indemnity Fund, it has emerged.
City solicitor avoids jail after criminal contempt finding
A senior City partner who told a client to “burn” a private messaging app after it was served with a search order has avoided jail for criminal contempt of court, in part because of the impact on his career.
Market for corporate and commercial work to “cool substantially”
The market for corporate, commercial and competition work is likely to “cool substantially” this year and next after the “ferocious” post-lockdown boom.
Pass rates – and racial disparities – steady in second sitting of SQE1
The results for the second sitting of SQE1 – part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination – show the exact same pass rate as the first, and the continuing racial disparity.
Balancing profit with purpose: Brabners becomes largest law firm B Corp
North-west practice Brabners has become the largest – and only the third– UK law firm with B Corporation status, meaning it has committed to balancing profit with purpose.
Number of lawyers at fee-share firms up by 45% in three years
The number of lawyers working at fee-share law firms has increased by 45% in only three years, research has found. The top five firms account for almost 59% of lawyers but “fragmentation continues”.
SRA allows struck-off solicitor to join firm after opposing return to roll
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has allowed a struck-off solicitor to work for a law firm, having successfully opposed his bid to return to the roll earlier this year.
Law firm’s “courageous conversations” help staff discuss taboo issues
A national law firm has developed an initiative called ‘Courageous Conversations’ to help staff discuss taboo issues such as menopause, mental health, disability and discrimination.
Hybrid working disconnect between fee-earners and support staff
Too many law firms have different and disconnected hybrid working arrangements for fee-earning and support staff, meaning lawyers end up undertaking more administrative tasks.
Blog
Why is Andrew Malkinson still paying for a crime he didn’t commit?
Like many in my profession and beyond, I have been moved by the case of Andrew Malkinson, the man who spent 17 years in prison for an awful crime he did not commit.
What is tech bloat and why is it a problem for law firms?
Too many law firms are adopting shiny new tech without first retiring their legacy systems, causing duplication and unnecessary costs.
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
