Latest news
Network launched to link “lonely” class representatives
A network has been launched today to support class representatives, who have the “lonely” task of representing huge numbers of consumers in competition claims.
SRA rebuke of solicitor revoked for “serious procedural error”
A solicitor has successfully appealed a rebuke issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, after a tribunal found the regulator had made a “serious procedural error”.
Another Pure business goes down but is bought in pre-pack
One of the Pure Business Group companies that avoided administration last year finally succumbed last month but has been bought in a pre-pack sale. All 49 staff have transferred over.
Large firms failing to optimise social media in hot recruitment market
Large law firms are failing to make the best use of LinkedIn as a recruitment tool amid a hot market, with the top 100 firms often receiving no applicants as they fail to sell the roles effectively.
MoJ consults again on international mediation convention
The Ministry of Justice has launched a second consultation on whether the UK should join the Singapore Convention, which deals with commercial mediation agreements.
Funder fails in claim to recover losses from firm’s indemnity insurer
The funder of a law firm that went bust owing it £1.6m has failed in an attempt to recover the money from the practice’s professional indemnity insurer.
Wills and probate market tops £2bn with contentious work on the rise
The value of the wills, trusts and probate market topped £2bn for the first time last year, with contentious work on the rise, and law firms’ grip on will-writing work continuing to slip.
SRA outlines concerns over inadequate advice to leaseholders
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has spelt out its concerns that clients “are not receiving appropriate advice” on onerous clauses in leases, particularly around ground rents.
Government to pilot publicly funded early legal advice
Manchester and Middlesbrough are to host pilots to test the benefits of early publicly funded legal advice. The government is also investigating putting legal advice centres in hospitals.
Diversity questions make up 20% of marks in panel tender
Clients are ratcheting up the pressure on law firms to improve their diversity, with applicants for the panel of the Pension Protection Fund the latest to have to prove their credentials.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
