Latest news
MoJ rejects call for early review of whiplash tariff
The Ministry of Justice has rejected a call for an early review of the tariff for the Official Injury Claim portal, although personal injury solicitors are continuing to lobby for it.
Lawyers “cannot hide from responsibility” for client actions
Lawyers are not “neutral technicians” and “cannot hide from responsibility for what clients do with the legal advice they provide”, a leading legal academic has warned.
US ABS reform is “spurring innovation”
The introduction of alternative business structures in two US states is “spurring innovation”, the first research into the initiatives has found – but how reform is introduced matters.
Pandemic has created new norm of “constant work” – and more errors
The shift to home working in the pandemic has created a “new norm” in which the “lack of boundaries” has left lawyers facing a “constant cycle of work”, a leading KC has said.
BSB plans “statement of good practice” for chambers
The Bar Standards Board is planning a “statement of consolidated good practice” for chambers, which sets out how to go “above and beyond” the minimum regulatory requirements.
NAH boss urges more personal injury firms to advertise on TV
The boss of NAHL plc – which owns National Accident Helpline – has urged more personal injury brands to return to television advertising after it began to reap the benefits of a new campaign.
Criminal law firm creates pre-charge accreditation scheme
A leading criminal defence practice has launched what it claims to be the first training and accreditation scheme devoted to pre-charge engagement to ensure it is the ‘go-to’ firm for such work.
Private client specialist banned for backdating LPA signatures
An experienced private client lawyer who backdated his client’s signature on lasting powers of attorney has been banned from working for law firms.
Solicitor’s libel defence struck out for “persistent failure to engage”
A High Court judge has struck out a solicitor’s defence to a libel claim following a “persistent failure to engage” with the litigation.
Law Society and Bar Council oppose economic crime reforms
The Law Society and Bar Council have expressed concern about new economic crime provisions put forward by the government that target the legal profession.
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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