Latest news
Judge dismisses 28 “identical” divorce petitions from online provider
The High Court has dismissed 28 divorce petitions drafted by online service iDivorces because they contained “absolutely identical” particulars. The company said the judge was “very understanding”.
Mergers, acquisitions and new firms abound in autumn rush
There has been a slew of mergers announced in recent days across the country, as usually happens at this time of the year when most firms still renew their professional indemnity insurance.
Big firms’ support for clients during pandemic hit billable hours but not profits
Support for clients during the pandemic cut larger UK law firms’ billable hours by 15% but most maintained profits. Clients are now demanding greater financial transparency and pricing flexibility.
Tech firm buys conveyancers to test products in “live environment”
A listed property technology firm has bought a firm of licensed conveyancers to help it test products in a “live environment” before they are launched.
High Court rejects appeal from sham marriages solicitor
The High Court has rejected an appeal from a solicitor struck off after being recorded by an undercover TV reporter giving advice on what he knew was a sham marriage.
Negligent firm escapes liability as client “wouldn’t have listened” anyway
A law firm provided negligent advice to a client looking to develop a Jaguar Land Rover dealership but he would not have listened to the proper advice anyway, the High Court has ruled.
Mortgage cryptocurrency “will lower cost of solicitors’ PII”
A company seeking to become a linchpin in the property market is to trial a crypto-currency to replace the traditional transfer of money between banks and conveyancers.
London law firm launches novel association with Italian MDP
An English law firm and an Italian multi-disciplinary practice offering accounting, tax and unreserved legal services have formed a novel association to assist each other’s clients.
Judge’s fury at suggestion his clerk leaked draft ruling
A High Court judge has strongly criticised a law firm and its client for appearing to blame his clerk for the leak of a draft judgment – which it turned out had not even happened.
Court finds Withers negligent again but causation lacks once more
The High Court has made a second finding that Withers gave negligent advice to property developers – but the leading London law firm was again saved to some extent by causation.
Blog
From ‘year zero’ to £6.5m – how a law firm found its second life
In 2018, I hit what I call ‘year zero’. On paper, Olliers Solicitors was a top-tier criminal defence firm but beneath the surface, I could see we were at a crossroads.
Linklaters’ chief growth officer takes the ‘blank sheet’ challenge
In the third and final part of this series, Lucy Murphy, chief growth officer at magic circle firm Linklaters, outlines her vision for the law firm of the future.
The ‘blank sheet’ challenge, part 2 – what would you do differently?
In the second part of this blog series, Shainul Kassam, managing director of small London firm Fortune Law, sets out how she would set up a law firm now.
