Latest news
Microsoft offers financial bonus to firms that meet its diversity targets
Law firms instructed by Microsoft will be eligible for a bonus of up to 3% of their annual fees next year if they meet the diversity targets set by the technology behemoth.
Doctors up in arms over ‘pre-conception negligence’ ruling
Hundreds of doctors around the country have spoken out over the High Court finding a GP negligent for advice given to a mother before conception which led to the birth of a disabled child.
Solicitor judge rejects recusal call based on professional ties
A solicitor High Court judge has rejected an application to recuse himself in a case against Simmons & Simmons made on the basis of his support for other solicitors and tenuous links to that firm.
Digital law firm makes first international move with Australian acquisition
The “digital law firm” set up by the former boss of DWF has acquired an Australian practice as the first step to roll out its model internationally.
Bar Council hits out at BSB over bid for big budget increase
The Bar Council has expressed scepticism over a sharp planned rise in the BSB’s budget for the coming financial year, which would amount to a 9% increase in the cost of practising.
Investors back conveyancing network and managed account provider
A blockchain network that connects conveyancers with estate agents and mortgage lenders and the company that provides third-party managed accounts for lawyers have both received new investment.
Surge in number of freelancers as solicitors reach for the STaRs
The number of freelance solicitors has risen by more than a third since April to 413, with many solicitors saying the SRA’s Standards and Regulations have given them greater flexibility in how they work.
Review calls for £135m cash injection to save criminal defence sector
An immediate £135m cash injection is needed to stop the provision of criminal defence services by solicitors and barristers collapsing, but the market does not need “radical reform”, a major review has concluded.
Solicitor who backdated tribunal application “to avoid criticism” struck off
A veteran solicitor who backdated an application to the property chamber of the First-tier Tribunal after missing a deadline has accepted being struck off.
Start-up enables general counsel to compare law firms on ESG
A start-up launched by two former general counsel at Zurich Insurance Group has created a tool to help in-house lawyers compare the performance of law firms in addressing ESG issues.
Blog
Why law firms are getting AI supervision wrong
The profession’s response to AI supervision failures misunderstands the nature of LLM output – there needs to be for a shift in the culture.
Beyond the PII premium – rethinking risk
Professional indemnity insurance renewal is often treated as an annual pricing exercise. But it is also a chance to show how effectively you identify, manage and mitigate risk.
The AI governance gap in law firms and why it matters now
A third of law firms are already using AI tools with no formal policy in place to govern how AI gets used, what data goes into it, or who’s accountable when something goes wrong.
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