Latest news
Report backs “targeted approach” to upfront property information
A report for the Digital Property Market Steering Group has outlined a “more targeted approach” to upfront property information, focused on reducing late-stage transaction failures.
Suspension for solicitor who acted on both sides of transaction
A solicitor has been suspended over a “dereliction of duty” that saw him act on both sides of the transfer of an elderly and vulnerable client’s sole residence to a neighbour for nil consideration.
Law firms’ need for growth makes private equity “attractive option”
The need for law firms to keep growing – because “if you’re standing still, you’re going backwards” – is making the option of private equity investment increasingly attractive.
Car finance lawyers “smashed doors open” at Supreme Court
The solicitor behind the successful car finance commission claim at the Supreme Court earlier this month has said he believes his team “smashed the doors open” to future claims.
Tribunal strikes out immigration adviser’s appeal over failed exam
The First-tier Tribunal has struck out an appeal by an immigration adviser against the Immigration Advice Authority after she failed an exam.
Suspended suspension for solicitor over antisemitic and offensive posts
A solicitor whose use of “emotive and antisemitic language” on social media appeared designed to cause “maximum offence” has been given a six-month suspended suspension.
Large law firms could face prosecution for overbilling
Large law firms that overbill their clients or make false environmental and diversity claims could be prosecuted under legislation coming into force next Monday.
Third-party managed account first for licensed conveyancers
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has issued its first approval for a law firm to use a third-party managed account for its client funds.
Major City law firm apologies for Church abuse data breach
City law firm Kennedys has apologised unreservedly after accidentally disclosing the email addresses of people registered to receive updates on the Church of England redress scheme.
Rise of law firm consolidators “will not lead to bidding wars”
The growing number of consolidators in the legal market does not mean there will be a bidding war for attractive law firm targets, the newest player in the field has said.
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.
