Latest news
Extended pilot of fully video hearings made opt-out
A pilot of fully video hearings in the civil courts is to be extended and turned from opt-in to opt-out so as to drive more cases through the system, the Civil Procedure Rule Committee has decided.
LSB ramp ups pressure on regulatory independence
The Legal Services Board is ramping up pressure on the Law Society, the Bar Council and other approved regulators over ensuring the independence of their regulatory arms.
Number of conveyancing firms falls to new low
The number of conveyancing law firms has fallen to a new low as the market felt the “full brunt” of Brexit-related political and economic uncertainty last year, new research has found.
CLC moves closer to approving third-party managed accounts
Firms of licensed conveyancers will only be able to use third-party managed accounts if it is in each client’s best interests, their regulator has proposed.
CMC numbers plunge by 40% under FCA regime
The number of authorised claims management companies has plunged by almost 40% since the Financial Conduct Authority took over regulation last April, and has refused to authorise one for the first time.
Lawyers urged to use the law to fight climate change
A collaboration of lawyers, calling itself the Chancery Lane Project, is to publish a set of model laws and contract clauses later this month to help the profession around the world fight climate change.
No special rules allowing regulators to override LPP
There are no special rules allowing regulators such as the Financial Reporting Council to override the protection of legal professional privilege, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Another £11m in share sales by Gateley partners and staff
Partners and staff at listed law firm Gateley sold £11m worth of shares yesterday – making £27m since it went public – amid a burst of news about listed legal businesses, including Knights and Redde.
Lawyers condemn LeO’s “totally unacceptable” budget demand
The Bar Council has launched an outspoken attack on a planned 20% rise in the budget of the Legal Ombudsman. The Law Society also strongly opposed the move.
Law firms “must recognise impact of online wills”
Law firms must recognise that the market for wills is changing and that younger people are attracted by online wills, after research showed the average age of will-makers was 58.
Blog
Santa’s Costa Living Crisis
It’s almost 25 December, so it must be time for the annual Christmas blog from Nigel Wallis, consultant solicitor at O’Connors Legal Services.
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
