Latest news
Partners want to work less but have more time for unbillable activities
Three in 10 partners at large firms are unhappy with their working hours, with many also not keen to undertake non-billable work unrelated to business development, research has found.
Trainee successfully appeals rebuke over “inappropriate” Christmas card
A male trainee solicitor at Dentons has successfully appealed a rebuke from the SRA over a sexually suggestive Christmas card he left on the desk of a female colleague.
Unregulated firm uses AI to offer clients debt repayment guarantee
An unregulated law firm is offering businesses a “highly automated” debt recovery service that guarantees debts of up to £5,000 that go to court will be repaid, by the firm if not the debtor.
Law students pledge to boycott top firm for “shielding polluters”
Law students are signing a pledge to boycott a leading US law firm because of its work “shielding corporate polluters from climate accountability”.
Top 50 law firms heading for “two-track” future
Variations in progress among the top 50 law firms over the past five years is leading to a “two-track” market where one group is likely to “accelerate past” the rest, a report has argued.
“Diligent and caring solicitor” was not dishonest over medical reports
A personal injury lawyer who the SRA accepted was a “diligent and caring solicitor” but was under “significant pressure” from his employer has been cleared of dishonesty by a tribunal.
Leading Conservative MP outlines worries about state of county court
The Conservative chairman of the justice select committee has spoken out about the problems in the county court, saying civil justice is “nowhere near high enough up the agenda”.
Tribunal rejects solicitor judges’ claims for backpay
Two solicitors who sought to bring claims against the Ministry of Justice for money owed from when they sat as part-time judges over 14 years ago have had them thrown out due to limitation.
“Misconception” that review websites are bad for small firms
The belief that review websites favour big law firms which can provide large numbers of reviews is a misconception, a leading provider has argued.
Barristers’ conduct outside of work under increasing scrutiny
The number of reports about barristers’ conduct outside their professional lives continues to rise, the BSB has revealed. It also highlighted problems with victims of bullying not being treated with dignity.
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.
Reports
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