Latest news
City firm sets up ‘cheaper’ subsidiary for hedge fund clients
City law firm FieldFisher has set up a separate practice with lower overheads to attract hedge fund clients who could not afford its fees. It is the latest “alternative solution” created by the firm.
Top law firm pays £3.5m for misleading US government
One of America’s most prestigious law firms has agreed to pay $4.6m and register as a ‘foreign agent’ after admitting to misleading the US government over work done for Ukraine.
Virtual firm adds share ownership to model
A new-model law firm has joined the growing band of practices that offer lawyers and staff a share ownership scheme, and has seen investments ranging from £2,500 to £120,000.
“Reproduction of the legal profession” at risk from automation
If junior associates are “gradually culled” from law firms as a result of automation, the “entire reproduction of the legal profession could be jeopardised”, a leading academic has warned.
Tax consultancy sets up ABS to become one-stop shop
A tax consultancy has set up an alternative business structure to create a “one-stop shop” for independent contractors seeking advice, saying ABSs had made the law more entrepreneurial.
SRA pays Leigh Day £1m in costs to end disciplinary case
The highly contentious Leigh Day disciplinary case has come to an end with the Solicitors Regulation Authority paying the firm £1m in costs after the regulator’s unsuccessful appeal.
Unlawful service of claim by unregulated person still valid
It was wrong to punish a litigant in person who used an unregulated business to serve a claim, even though this was the unlawful conduct of litigation, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Bar Council eyes solicitor support for fair allocation of briefs
The Bar Council may work with the Law Society to influence solicitors and clients as part of a campaign to ensure a fairer allocation of briefs to women barristers.
Successor practice application against City firm “futile”
A successor practice application against a City law firm should be struck out, a High Court master has ruled, but only after the claimant has been given a chance to amend his claim.
Fined solicitor who ignored judges’ warnings fails with appeal
The High Court has rejected an appeal by a solicitor who “facilitated” immigration claims which were an abuse of process and “effectively ignored” judges’ warnings to change his behaviour.
Blog
Why is Andrew Malkinson still paying for a crime he didn’t commit?
Like many in my profession and beyond, I have been moved by the case of Andrew Malkinson, the man who spent 17 years in prison for an awful crime he did not commit.
What is tech bloat and why is it a problem for law firms?
Too many law firms are adopting shiny new tech without first retiring their legacy systems, causing duplication and unnecessary costs.
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
