Legal Ombudsman
LeO struggles with case closures amid high staff turnover
The Legal Ombudsman is falling further behind in meeting case closure targets amid high staff turnover, it has emerged. It closed 6,206 cases in 2018-19, compared to a target of 8,000.
Give clients a cost benefit analysis of their cases, LeO says
Lawyers must provide their clients with a cost benefit analysis so they can understand the choices available to them, the Legal Ombudsman has said, also warning lawyers to be “crystal clear” over charges.
Developers pledge proper legal advice for leaseholders
More than 40 leading property developers and freeholders – but no lawyers as yet – have signed a government-backed pledge that highlights the duty of conveyancers to act in the best interests of clients.
Firm told to compensate transgender client for using birth name
A law firm that addressed a transgender woman by her birth name has been ordered to pay compensation by the Legal Ombudsman.
Some conveyancers “too close to developer clients”, MPs warn
Some conveyancing solicitors have become “too close to developers” and do not put their clients’ interests first, MPs claimed today. They suggested solicitors should part-fund compensation for mis-sold leases.
Law Society calls on LeO to focus on rulebook changes
The Law Society has called on the Legal Ombudsman to make “concrete, specific plans” on how it going to cope with the new SRA rulebook, which will allow solicitors to practise from unregulated firms.
Getting it right first time: LeO rolls out new complaints approach
A new operational model for handling complaints, piloted last year by the Legal Ombudsman, has boosted quality and efficiency, and helped it get “the work right first time”.
LeO to focus on improving quality – but delays remain
The Legal Ombudsman is to focus on improving the quality of its decision making as its caseload falls from 8,000 to a predicted 7,400 in 2019-20. But delays continue to dog the service.
Legal Ombudsman eyes publishing full complaints rulings
The Legal Ombudsman is to explore publishing its full decisions on complaints against lawyers, rather than just brief details as now, it has emerged.
Legal Ombudsman set finally to clear complaints backlog
The Legal Ombudsman will finally be able to look the profession in the eye again next year when it clears the backlog of complaints, its chair has said.
Blog
Key cyber and data security questions to ask a legal IT provider
One of the growing priorities that law firms face when considering a legal technology provider is cyber and data security, such as their responsibilities and cyber incident management.
Navigating carer’s leave: A personal journey and call for change
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023, which came into force on 6 April 2024, was a pivotal moment for the UK. It allows workers to take up to five unpaid days off a year to carry out caring responsibilities.
House of Lords shines a spotlight on flawed DBA regulations
As the Litigation Funding Agreements (Enforceability) Bill was debated in the House of Lords last month, a number of peers shone the spotlight on the need to address the poor state of the rules governing DBAs.
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