Latest news
Recruitment “by far the biggest obstacle” to law firm growth
Recruitment is “by far the biggest obstacle” to the growth of law firms in 2023, with lawyers being “bombarded” with job offers, while addressing ESG is becoming more urgent.
Lawyers for modern slavery survivors need to help with non-legal needs too
Those providing legal advice to survivors of modern slavery need to develop a holistic approach that addresses clients’ legal and non-legal needs, a report has urged.
“Massive value gap” for commercial clients paying by the hour
There is a “massive value gap” in commercial legal services, which are “way too expensive”, the chief executive of a leading new-wave law firm has argued.
Accent bias still holding back regional barristers, research finds
Barristers with regional accents still encounter bias from both clients and professional colleagues that those who speak in what is regarded as an ‘acceptable’ accent do not.
Lawyers increasingly questioning their futures, LawCare warns
Lawyers questioning whether they should continue working in the law have become a major feature of calls to mental wellbeing charity LawCare, its annual impact report has shown.
Conveyancing fee-earner banned over £338,000 tax scam
A fee-earner who misappropriated at least £338,000 from her firm by making fraudulent land tax claims has been banned from the profession.
Express, Ince, NAHL and Fletchers step up PI market activity
The continued growth of Express Solicitors – which is to start training up pupil barristers – kicks off our round-up of significant activity among leading personal injury firms.
Axiom to enter regulation after obtaining ABS licence
Leading alternative legal services provider Axiom Law is entering regulation in England and Wales after winning approval for an alternative business structure.
Parliament ratchets up pressure on SRA and solicitors
Solicitors and their regulator have found themselves in the crosshairs of MPs and peers this week over strategic lawsuits against public participation and economic crime.
BSB to commission independent review of enforcement processes
The Bar Standards Board is to commission an “independent end-to-end” review of its enforcement processes in a bid to improve its much-criticised performance.
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.
Reports
Associates
