Latest news
Top will-writing brands taking “noticeable” market share
The four leading will-writing brands are beginning to take “a noticeable market share”, new research has suggested. It also found that a majority of probate matters are now handled on a fixed-fee basis.
Knights ramps up pace of consolidation with another deal
Listed law firm Knights is stepping up its consolidation strategy, unveiling its third acquisition of 2020 with a deal to buy a Nottingham law firm for up to £8.3m, and agreeing a new £40m credit facility.
New referral network shows model lives on after Connect2Law
A north-west law firm has launched a referral scheme for other solicitors, against a national backdrop where the survival of networks formerly in Pannone’s Connect2Law suggests the model is alive and well.
Solicitor faked email to cover inaction
A solicitor claiming to have become overwhelmed by pressure of work has been struck off after misleading clients that she had made court applications – even faking an email in one instance.
“Overcharging” partner who lied to SRA is struck off
A partner who overcharged clients and then lied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority about sending bills to them has been struck off. A fellow partner was suspended for failing to stop this.
First indemnity insurance for freelance solicitors launched
An insurance intermediary in the City of London has opened the door to the new breed of freelance solicitors by launching the first indemnity cover for them.
The law “has echoes” of pre #metoo film industry
The law has many of the elements of the film industry that led Harvey Weinstein being tried for multiple sexual offences, it has been claimed.
Pioneering US law firm opens in London
The US law firm that pioneered the model of senior lawyers leaving big firms to take control of their own practices – and is the biggest of its kind – has opened in London, Legal Futures can reveal.
SDT clears partner in “accidental overcharging” case
A former head of private client accused of overcharging an estate by up to £30,000 when acting as executor has been cleared of misconduct by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Community care practitioners “could disappear”
Community care legal aid “could disappear altogether” as a specialism as advice deserts expand, the Law Society has warned. Some 79% of local authorities now have no publicly funded services.
Blog
Accountability has to live within governance, not with one person
The assumption has long been that a COLP or COFA is personally exposed to the consequences of anti-money laundering breaches.
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.
