Latest news
LSB hunts for second chief executive in a year after Moriarty quits
Legal Services Board chief executive Richard Moriarty is to leave the post next February after just a year in the role, it was announced today. Mr Moriarty is returning to the Civil Aviation Authority as its deputy chief executive and group director for consumers and markets.
Cost of borrowing may rise if law firms abandon client accounts, regulators warn
Banks may charge law firms more for borrowing if they abandon their client accounts, the legal regulators have warned. A report submitted to justice minister Shailesh Vara highlighted both the dangers and benefits of allowing choice on whether to handle client money directly.
The danger of instant e-mail replies as SDT reprimands solicitor who called opponent “a plonker”
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has reprimanded a solicitor for calling his opponent in litigation, among other things, a “complete plonker” – conduct which it said would diminish the trust of the public in the profession
Barristers call for government review of inadequate advocacy by solicitors in family cases
Barristers have called on the Ministry of Justice to conduct a review of advocacy in publicly funded family cases, arguing that solicitors are letting down their clients and causing injustice by handling cases without counsel.
Staple legal work “slipping away from lawyers”
The need to extend access to justice to those who cannot afford legal services is “already resulting in less involvement by lawyers in many of the tasks that previously made up their staple diet”, the chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel has said. Elisabeth Davies also suggested that the emergence of professional McKenzie Friends “may repeat itself in other sections of the market”.
NAH and seven personal injury law firms launch Ethical Marketing Charter
National Accident Helpline (NAH) and seven personal injury law firms, including Irwin Mitchell, are launching an Ethical Marketing Charter today. NAH will administer the scheme and handle complaints about possible breaches.
ABS applicants asked to use BARCO for client money, SRA says
Two firms applying to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to become alternative business structures asked to keep their client money with the Bar Council’s third-party escrow account, BARCO, it has emerged.
Number of probate firms approved by ICAEW tops 100
The number of accountancy firms authorised or licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to provide probate services has passed 100. The ICAEW has predicted that it will reach 200 by the end of the year.
First trading update from Gateley indicates strong growth in 2014/15
In its first trading statement since listing on AIM last month, national law firm Gateley said that it expects its 2014/15 revenue to rise 10% on the previous 12 months. Meanwhile, the listing “shows a new way forward in opening up the market through flexible regulatory practice”, the SRA said yesterday.
Marine mutual launches ABS to reduce claims, not make profit
A mutual marine liability insurer covering the smaller vessel sector has launched an alternative business structure to service member and non-member clients, with the object of reducing claims and not generating profit.
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.
