Latest news
LSB rethinks rule stopping rep bodies from “influencing” regulators
The Legal Services Board is pulling back on proposed rules that would not allow bodies like the Law Society and Bar Council to try and “influence” their regulatory arms.
Law firms “willing to draw up NDAs” that breach SRA guidance
Law firms are willing to draw up non-disclosure agreements that clearly breach Solicitors Regulation Authority guidance, according to the woman whose own NDA threw the spotlight on the issue.
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.
Blog
Small steps, big impact: how SME law firms are making legal tech work
For SME law firms, the priority is turning the potential of tech into measurable impact: success is driven not just by the technology, but by how firms approach planning and implementation.
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
