Latest news
LSB shaves budget demand but lawyers still face 11% rise
The Legal Services Board has trimmed its proposed budget increase for 2025-26 but it is still to rise by 11% – adding £3.05 onto every regulated lawyer’s practising fees.
Fast-growing professional services group buys first law firm
A multi-disciplinary professional services firm with significant financial backing has bought its first law firm as part of an “aggressive” buy-and-build strategy.
ICO fines law firm £60,000 after dark web publishes client data
A law firm which specialises in defending clients accused of sexual offences has been fined £60,000 after a cyber-attack saw “highly sensitive” details of 682 clients published on the dark web.
Judge criticises law firm for “thinly veiled threats” to ex-employee
An judge has criticised a leading media law firm for using “unnecessary thinly veiled threats of regulatory action” against a former employee.
Trio of solicitors rebuked for dormant balances and suspense ledgers
Three former directors of a law firm have been rebuked for allowing it to accrue hundreds of dormant balances and five suspense ledgers that between them held £930,000.
Funder can be paid before CAT class members, appeal court rules
There is “nothing surprising or unusual” about the CAT ordering payment to litigation funders and lawyers from a damages award ahead of the class in collective actions.
High Court: Badly drafted will shows dangers of unqualified writers
A badly drafted will which has caused “untold anguish” to relatives of the deceased shows the dangers of using unqualified will-writers, the High Court has warned.
Tribunal reduced suspension for sexual misconduct barrister
“Exceptional” personal mitigation led a tribunal to reduce the suspension of a male barrister who harassed a woman at his chambers’ Christmas party below the indicative sentence.
Solicitor who practised while suspended is struck off
A solicitor who practised while suspended has been struck off, while the law firm owner who unwittingly employed him received a suspended sentence.
PE-backed law firms outperform market as revenues soar
Law firms backed by private equity have seen revenue growth of 30% in the last two years, twice the rate of the top 50, according to new research.
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.
