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The number of complaints about claims management companies received by the Legal Ombudsman in the first six months of this year has hit almost 9,000 – a far higher amount than expected. However the number actually investigated was lower than predicted.

The top 100 law firms have increased their output of content posted online by 77% over the past year as they step up efforts to build their presence and demonstrate their expertise on social media, according to new research. Irwin Mitchell was ranked as the best for showcasing its expertise online.

A lawyer-matching service originally designed for tech start-ups and SMEs has secured a second, much larger cash injection of £850,000 from a range of investors led by e-commerce specialist Forward Partners. Ih-house lawyers at large companies are now using the service to save money.

The one-time Chief Legal Ombudsman, Adam Sampson, has hit back at his former employer’s version of his departure, telling MPs that it included statements that “risk accusations of misleading Parliament”. He said claims that he was dismissed from his post were “simply untrue”.

Lord Hodge, the justice of the Supreme Court representing Scotland, has made it clear that he does not agree with Lord Sumption’s view that it could take 50 years to achieve gender equality in the judiciary. Lord Hodge also said he disagreed with Lady Hale over the issue of positive discrimination.

The Legal Services Board has put a temporary block on plans by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to widen its net to cover providers that do not need to be regulated. It said the reforms “could be seen as a significant shift in the regulation of legal services”.

In-house lawyers, “bashed up” by justice secretary Michael Gove over the issue of pro bono, should have an “open debate” about making it compulsory, the chair of the GC100 Group has said. He was speaking during a panel debate to mark the start of National Pro Bono Week.

The barrister who defended one of the killers of Drummer Lee Rigby is involved in setting up an alternative business structure (ABS) with another member of his chambers and two senior staff.

A solicitor who last year was found by the High Court to have duped his client by conducting “fictitious” litigation that included faked judgments and telephone conferences involving the impersonation of his senior partner and of leading counsel, has been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

The listed company that owns NewLaw Solicitors has completed its acquisition of a fleet accident management group that itself has a joint venture alternative business structure (ABS) with NewLaw. Meanwhile, would-be ABS Metamorph Law will shortly have a £4m warchest that will enable it to buy at least five firms next year.