Latest news
SRA: Sudden spike in number of law firms facing financial difficulties
There has been a sudden spike in the number of law firms of all sizes reporting to the Solicitors Regulation Authority that they are facing financial problems, it has emerged.
PI market consolidates as big firms take large market share
There has been a “significant” drop in the number of high street law firms offering personal injury services, while the market is concentrating among a few large firms, new research has found.
Unbundling has potential to improve access to justice – and clients
Unbundling has the potential to increase access to justice and help firms attract new clients, but awareness among lawyers and consumers is low, research by the SRA has found.
Exclusive: PE-backed conveyancer puts acquisitions on hold
One of the country’s largest conveyancing firms, O’Neill Patient, has “changed direction” and put acquisitions on hold in the wake of the pandemic and conveyancing boom.
Listed legal business: strong results, a conflict of interest and acquisitions
There has been a spate of announcements from listed legal businesses, with strong results for Gateley and RBG, a conflict of interest at Ince, and two more acquisitions for Frenkel Topping.
LawCare urges SRA to consider wellbeing of those facing disciplinary action
The SRA needs to have “far greater regard” for the wellbeing of those facing disciplinary action when deciding what to publish about them, LawCare has argued.
Parents of dying baby “should have had adjournment” after lawyers withdrew
A High Court judge was wrong to refuse an adjournment sought by parents of a brain-damaged baby who lost their legal representation shortly before a hearing on withdrawing treatment.
MAPD starts acquisition push with North-West law firm
The MAPD Group – a business bringing together local law firms – has made the first in what it says will be a series of acquisitions this year by taking a majority stake in North-West firm Bermans.
Barrister reprimanded for “offensive” tweets aimed at colleague
A barrister has been reprimanded for allowing a Twitter account with which he was associated to send “inappropriate and offensive” tweets to a colleague at the same chambers.
First fully automated matter heralds new approach to remortgage work
The first ever automated remortgage has been completed by a new system that also picks out those remortgage matters that require legal advice.
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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