Latest news
Law firm rebuked for AML failure caused by third-party ID checker
A law firm has been rebuked after a failure to perform proper due diligence on the identity of a client – for which it relied on a third party – led to a fraudulent property sale.
Exclusive: First firms join new umbrella ABS platform
The first law firms have joined a platform developed by virtual firm Carbon Law Partners, where they will operate as trading names under its umbrella alternative business structure.
Investment in lawtech companies doubles but firms lag behind
The average annual growth rate for investment in UK lawtech companies over the past three years has hit 101%, a much bigger number than that seen in sectors such as finance or health.
SMEs eye multi-disciplinary advisers amid increasing need for legal help
Nearly half of SMEs (48%) expect their need for legal advice to increase in the next 18 months, while there is strong interest in multi-disciplinary services, a survey has found.
LSB pushes for greater take-up of legal expenses insurance
Consumers who do not have legal expenses insurance greatly overestimate how expensive it is and are missing out on its potential to fill some justice gaps, research has argued.
From Cardiff to Norwich, Southampton to Newcastle – Knights eyes more M&A
Listed law firm Knights is eyeing up acquisition opportunities across England and Wales after its performance rebounded strongly in the second half of the year to take turnover over £100m.
Blockchain network aims to provide “missing link” for conveyancing
A house in Kent is the first being sold using a blockchain network that connects conveyancers with estate agents and mortgage lenders.
Mediators warn against compulsory ADR “on the cheap”
The Civil Mediation Council has warned against the idea that compulsory alternative dispute resolution needs to be “cheap or free”, particularly in lower-value cases.
CPS diversity declaration rule to put chambers under spotlight
The CPS is to use a new annual declaration by panel barristers of any protected characteristics to analyse the proportionality of case allocation and fee payments within chambers.
Public access barrister suspended over “hostile emails” to solicitors
A public access barrister who engaged in “unnecessarily hostile and antagonistic correspondence” with opposing solicitors has been suspended for six months.
Blog
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
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.
