Latest news
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.
High Court makes “first” compulsory ADR order in commercial case
A High Court master has made the first ever order for compulsory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in commercial litigation, according to a City litigator.
Ethics opinion stymies UK ABS’s takeover of New York law firm
A London-listed law firm’s bid to buy a New York practice has led the state Bar association to limit the circumstances in which New York lawyers can work for firms owned by non-lawyers.
Solicitor who “faced up to his problems” regains right to practise
A solicitor who “turned his life around” and “faced up to his problems”, including alcohol addiction, after being suspended has regained his practising certificate.
Blog
A letter from the SRA? Your first reaction matters
An email from the SRA has a way of rearranging a working day. It arrives in the same inbox as everything else, often in the same measured tone, yet it carries a different weight.
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.
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