Latest news
Tribunal rejects law firm’s bid to strike out disability claim
An employment tribunal has said it would be “wholly inappropriate” to strike out a disability discrimination claim against a law firm from a legal secretary suffering from depression.
Union questions role of senior judges in court modernisation
The biggest civil service trade union has criticised senior judges for becoming too closely involved in the government’s £1bn court modernisation programme.
DWF unveils first acquisition since stock market listing
DWF has made its first acquisition since becoming a listed law firm, buying Polish practice K&L Gates Jamka for an estimated net asset value of £3m.
Gauke “hoping to make progress” on MoJ budget
David Gauke, the justice secretary, delivered an upbeat assessment this morning on his chances of boosting the Ministry of Justice budget after huge cuts. He also spoke about raising the judicial retirement age.
Leading firm held liable for asbestos case blunder
The High Court has ordered Cardiff-based Hugh James to pay six-figure damages to the family of an asbestos victim for professional negligence in abandoning their personal injury claim.
Legal regulators “should develop common standards” for TPMAs
Legal regulators need to introduce common standards for providers of third-party managed accounts as the move for them to replace client account gathers pace, a leading payment processor has argued.
AI tools “too biased” for sentencing decisions
Bias and inaccuracy render artificial intelligence algorithmic criminal justice tools unsuitable for assessing risk when making decisions on whether to imprison people or release them, according to a report.
Consumers like law firms that publish prices, survey finds
A large majority (77%) of consumers are more likely to use law firms that publish their fees online, a major survey has found. A smaller majority (58%) would be prepared to use freelance solicitors.
Listed firm talks up benefits of equity participation for staff
Giving staff equity participation is proving a better way to run a law firm than doling out standard bonuses, listed practice Rosenblatt said today as it announced its first results since going public.
Insurers “should be already be monitoring” Civil Liability Act savings
The Treasury expects insurance companies will be already be monitoring savings from the personal injury reforms set out in the Civil Liability Act and the new regime for calculating the discount rate.
Blog
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.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
